Trusted Mediation Lawyers in Queensland

Settle your family matters fairly and quickly without going to court

When separation or family disputes arise, going to court is not always the answer. Mediation gives you a safer, calmer space to work things out, without the time, stress, and expense of a courtroom battle.

At CK Family Lawyers, we’ll guide you throughout the mediation process, from preparation to court appearances, so you can reach fair agreements and move forward with peace of mind.

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50+

Years of Combined Experience in Family Law

3K+

Families and Individuals Helped

$2B+

Worth of Asset Pools Handled

Keep control of your future with less stress and more certainty

Disagreements during separation or parenting arrangements don’t have to turn into battles. Mediation gives you the chance to resolve issues respectfully, keep costs under control, and focus on what truly matters: your future and your family.

At CK Family Lawyers, we’ll prepare you thoroughly so you walk into mediation feeling clear and confident. We’ll stand by your side throughout the process, helping you negotiate calmly, explore fair options, and reach agreements that work in real life.

Our priority is to help you achieve resolution sooner, with less conflict and expense, so you can move forward with certainty and peace
of mind. 

And if mediation can’t resolve everything, you’ll still have our full support and representation for whatever comes next.

We listen, we care, and we act.

When you’re facing difficult family problems, you need a legal partner who really listens and prioritises you. At CK Family Lawyers, you’re not just another case number. Here’s what makes us different:

Sleep easy, knowing your case is our priority

We’re a small firm, and that means your matter won’t get passed around between many lawyers. We are laser-focused on your matter to help you achieve the best outcome.

Get clarity on your situation, anytime you need it

You can reach out to us anytime you need our legal advice. We always respond within a day and make ourselves available for appointments even on weekends and after hours.

Get the best outcome without blowing your savings

Family law doesn’t have to be ruinously expensive and draining. We can help you save money and energy by seeking the earliest possible resolution and avoiding court whenever possible.

Make important decisions confidently

We’ll help you understand everything about your matter and guide you through your options so you can make the best decisions for you and your family.

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Chris and Krystina were a lifeline at probably the most distressing time in my life. Their down to earth and pragmatic approach was exactly what I needed at a highly emotional time. Chris’s advice was always sound and balanced.

Margaret Fraser

Your most pressing questions about mediation, answered.

Why do you recommend mediation over going to court?

Mediation puts you back in control. Instead of letting a judge decide your future, you and your former partner have the chance to reach an agreement that works for both sides.

Through mediation, you can:

  • Save thousands of dollars in legal fees by avoiding drawn-out litigation
  • Reach solutions faster and with less stress
  • Protect your children from unnecessary conflict
  • Find practical, real-world arrangements that actually work for your family
  • Start your next chapter with clarity and closure

Can we bring lawyers or others to mediation? Is it confidential?

Yes, you can have your lawyer present at mediation — and it’s highly recommended. Having us there means you’ll understand your rights, won’t feel pressured into something unfair, and can leave the session with confidence in the outcome. Mediation itself is confidential. What’s said in the room stays in the room, unless both parties agree otherwise or the law requires disclosure (for example, if someone’s safety is at risk).

Is mediation mandatory before going to court?

In most family law matters, yes. The Family Court generally requires parties to attempt mediation before a matter can be filed. This is because mediation often resolves disputes faster, with less cost and stress than going through a trial.

What if mediation fails or one party won’t attend?

If mediation doesn’t go ahead or doesn’t resolve all the issues, you can still apply to the court. In many matters, you’ll be given a certificate (called an s60I certificate in parenting matters) showing you made a genuine attempt at mediation. Even partial agreements reached at mediation can save you time and money later in court.

Are mediated agreements enforceable?

Yes — if the agreements are properly documented. At CK Family Lawyers, we can turn your mediation outcome into legally binding Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement. This ensures both parties are protected and there’s no uncertainty down the track.

What if an agreement isn’t reached?

Not every mediation results in a full agreement. That’s okay — mediation still helps narrow down the issues, which makes the next steps (like court or further negotiation) more focused and often less expensive. We’ll guide you on the best way forward if an agreement isn’t reached.

Can mediation outcomes be appealed or reopened?

Mediation itself doesn’t produce an “appealable” decision like a court would. However, if your agreement has been made into Consent Orders, those orders are binding and enforceable. In very limited circumstances, they can be changed (for example, if there’s been fraud, significant non-disclosure, or a major change in circumstances). We’ll explain this clearly before you sign anything.

How do we start the mediation process?

The first step is to book an initial consultation with us. We’ll sit down with you to understand your situation, explain the process, and help you prepare. From there, we’ll arrange mediation, support you on the day, and make sure any agreements are finalised into proper legal documents.

Find your way forward in 3 simple steps

Book a consultation
Get a response within 24 hours.

Initial Consultation

We'll sit with you for as long as it takes during our consultation to truly understand your story and explain your options clearly. We will even send the first crucial letter to get things moving. Our initial consultation fee is $275.

Thorough Preparation and Strategic Negotiation

You'll work directly with Chris, our principal lawyer, to resolve your matter quickly through preparation and strategic negotiation. We aim to keep your costs down while protecting what matters most to you.

Resolution and Preparation for Your New Chapter

Once we've achieved the best possible outcome and formalised those arrangements, we can make make sure you're completely set up for your new life by helping you update your will and connecting you with trusted mortgage brokers and financial planners who understand your situation.

Our Clients Say It Best

Chris quickly understood my custody matter and focused on delivering the best outcome for my children at all times. His calm approach to my matter appeased the stresses associated with legal processes, allowing me to trust his guidance and ultimately reach the outcome I intended. Both Chris and Krystina’s communication was always prompt and on point, keeping me up to speed with any progress. Highly recommended for your family matter

Tim Bamford

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Christopher and Krystina for their unwavering support through my five year separation settlement. The dedication and commitment saw me through to the end, and I am deeply thankful to have had them by my side during this incredibly challenging period. I would like to thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart.

Maria Okane

We recently went through the process of selling our home, and working with CK Family Lawyers made it an experience that was both smooth and stress-free. Their professionalism was evident from the start, and they took care of every detail, allowing us to feel completely supported. The team was not only efficient but also genuinely personable, making it clear they cared about how the process felt for us. Knowing that we were in such good hands made all the difference. I would highly recommend CK Family Lawyers to anyone looking for a team that values both expertise and empathy.

Robyn Holland

FAQ

Unlike some firms where you might be "passed around," your matter will primarily be handled by Chris and Krystina themselves. We focus on resolving matters sooner and aim to help people resolve their issues efficiently. We also offer post-resolution support, because we believe in solving the entire problem for you. We can assist with the transfer of property and your new estate planning.

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The length of a family law case depends on a variety of factors, including:

  • the complexity of the issues involved
  • whether the case goes to court
  • the willingness of both parties to negotiate

Here's a general range to give you an idea:

  • simpler cases (uncontested divorces, straightforward property settlements) can be resolved in a few weeks to a few months.
  • more complex cases (disputes over child custody and significant assets) can take several months or even a year or more.

Absolutely! At CK Family Lawyers, we strongly encourage exploring alternative dispute resolution options like mediation and negotiation whenever possible. These methods can be faster, more cost-effective, less stressful, and more likely to produce a lasting solution.
We'll discuss all your options during your initial consultation and help you choose the best approach for your specific situation.

Yes! At CK Family Lawyers, we believe in building strong client relationships. You'll be working directly with Christopher Jones, our Principal lawyer, throughout your case. He has extensive experience handling a variety of family law matters. Krystina Jones, our Client Relationship Manager, will also be available to assist you and ensure your needs are met.

You won’t get passed around between many lawyers. This approach allows you to develop a trusting relationship with your family lawyer, who understands the specifics of your case.

Yes, CK Family Lawyers offers appointments after hours, early in the mornings, and on weekends to accommodate clients' work schedules and needs. Chris is also generally available via text or call on weekends

Yes, we regularly assist people in dividing their assets and liabilities, whether large or small. We will never turn away a client simply because they don't own enough. If your asset pool is small, we will emphasise the importance of sorting things out sooner to reduce costs, often recommending mediation to reduce expenses.

While we have offices in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, we have experience in handling cases across Queensland. Our main office is located in Sherwood Road, Sherwood Qld 4075

My experience of dealing with Chris and Krystina has been nothing short of exceptional and professional every time. I appreciate the level of detail and compassion given to my matters and the support that I’ve received from them. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Jacki Wuersching

Take control of your future with clarity and peace of mind

A drawn-out legal battle isn’t the only option. Mediation helps you reach fair, practical agreements faster — saving you stress, time, and money. With CK Family Lawyers by your side, you’ll walk into mediation prepared, supported, and confident about your future.

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