Looking for a Mediator? Here’s Why a Full-Time Accredited Mediator Beats a Lawyer Who “Also Mediates”

If you’re looking for a mediator but aren’t sure whether to choose a professional who practices solely in mediation or a lawyer who “also mediates”, you’re not alone. Many separating couples face this exact question when deciding how to resolve parenting or property disputes.

While both may offer mediation, the experience, focus, and cost can be dramatically different. In short, an accredited full-time mediator offers better value, neutrality, and efficiency than a lawyer who occasionally mediates as part of their broader legal practice.

1. Specialist Focus and Proven Experience

Accredited full-time mediators dedicate their entire professional lives to helping families find common ground. Their daily focus is on resolution, not litigation.

At Mediation for Families, all mediators are in mediation-only practice — they don’t split their time between court work and mediation. Each mediator is a former legal practitioner — which could include solicitors, barristers, registrars, judges, or legal officers — who have chosen to specialise exclusively in mediation.

This unique combination of legal background and full-time mediation practice ensures every session is both legally informed and emotionally balanced. Clients get the best of both worlds: deep understanding of the law and expert skill in conflict resolution.

2. Substantial Cost Savings

At Mediation for Families, accredited mediators charge a fixed rate of $440 per hour (including GST).

Lawyers who also offer mediation typically bill their standard legal rate, often up to $770 per hour. That’s a saving of $330 every hour, and because full-time mediators work more efficiently, the overall process is usually far less expensive.

That’s a saving of around $1,320 per session, while benefiting from a mediator dedicated solely to helping you reach resolution.

3. Neutrality and Balanced Outcomes

A full-time mediator’s only goal is to help both parties reach a fair, practical agreement.
Lawyers — even those acting as mediators — are trained advocates, which can unconsciously lead to an adversarial mindset.

Accredited mediators:

• Maintain complete neutrality

• Facilitate open and respectful dialogue

• Focus on outcomes that work for both sides

This neutrality fosters trust and cooperation, leading to faster, longer-lasting agreements.

4. Faster and More Productive Sessions

Because mediation is their sole practice, accredited mediators have refined processes designed to keep sessions focused and results-driven.

Lawyers who “also mediate” may spend time on legal issues irrelevant to resolution or take a more formal approach that slows progress.
A professional mediator ensures each session stays practical, productive, and cost-efficient.

5. Comparison Table

6. Accreditation = Quality and Accountability

All Mediation for Families practitioners are accredited under the Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) framework or through an independent membership body.
Accreditation ensures they:

• Meet national professional standards

• Undertake continuing professional development

• Follow strict confidentiality and ethics codes

• Can issue legally valid Section 60I certificates (for parenting disputes)

• Can issue legally valid Dispute Resolution Certificates (for property disputes)

This means you’re working with qualified, experienced professionals — not a lawyer occasionally offering mediation between court cases.

7. Conclusion: Choose the Experts in Mediation

When choosing between an accredited full-time mediator and a lawyer who “also mediates,” the choice is clear:

• Specialist mediators with legal expertise

• Neutral, efficient, and affordable

• Faster resolutions

• Savings of up to $1,320 per session

If you’re ready to resolve your family matter respectfully, efficiently, and affordably, speak to an accredited mediator at Mediation for Families today.

Get Started

Looking for a trusted, accredited mediator?
Contact Mediation for Families to discuss your situation and book a confidential consultation.
Fixed rate: $220/hour per person — professional, neutral, and focused on resolution.