What I offer

Family Financial Mediation

A man standing next to a woman in a field
Separating in New Zealand means lawyers are ultimately required to certify any binding property agreement. But the negotiation that precedes that step, working out what you actually agree to, does not have to happen in a lawyer's office at $350–$500 an hour. Mediation handles that phase: focused, facilitated, far less costly.
Separating in New Zealand means lawyers are ultimately required to certify any binding property agreement. But the negotiation that precedes that step, working out what you actually agree to, does not have to happen in a lawyer's office at $350–$500 an hour. Mediation handles that phase: focused, facilitated, far less costly.

01

What This Covers

  • Relationship property division: the family home, investment properties, savings, and assets

  • Financial arrangements after separation, including how expenses are shared while a settlement is reached

  • Business and partnership interests held jointly

  • Superannuation and KiwiSaver

  • Trusts and estate matters involving family members

  • Debt and liability allocation

02

How Mediation Fits with Your Lawyers

Once an agreement is reached in mediation, your respective lawyers review and certify it, typically a fraction of the cost of lawyer led negotiation from the beginning. Many family law firms now actively refer clients to mediation at this stage, and the Family Court regularly sends parties back to mediation before any hearing is listed.

Mediation gives you control over the outcome. A judge deciding for you cannot know your family, your priorities, or what a workable arrangement actually looks like for the two of you. You can.

"The negotiation doesn't have to happen in a lawyer's office. It can happen here, focused, facilitated, and at a fraction of the cost."
Sabrina Barbara

Four-Step Visual Timeline

How It Works

Step 1

Free Zoom call

We talk through the financial matters you need to resolve and whether mediation is the right fit for your situation. A relaxed conversation with no pressure and no obligation, just a chance to explore what might help.

Step 1

Free Zoom call

We talk through the financial matters you need to resolve and whether mediation is the right fit for your situation. A relaxed conversation with no pressure and no obligation, just a chance to explore what might help.

Step 2

Pre-Mediation Individual Sessions (Included)

I meet separately with each party in a confidential space to understand what each person needs and to make sure everyone arrives at the joint session prepared, not overwhelmed. These sessions are included in your mediation fee.

Step 2

Pre-Mediation Individual Sessions (Included)

I meet separately with each party in a confidential space to understand what each person needs and to make sure everyone arrives at the joint session prepared, not overwhelmed. These sessions are included in your mediation fee.

Step 3

Joint Mediation Session

Half day or full day depending on complexity. You make the decisions; I facilitate the conversation. Lawyers do not attend the session itself, but you are welcome to seek legal advice between sessions if needed.

Step 3

Joint Mediation Session

Half day or full day depending on complexity. You make the decisions; I facilitate the conversation. Lawyers do not attend the session itself, but you are welcome to seek legal advice between sessions if needed.

Step 4

Agreement

Agreements are documented. Both parties then take the document to their respective lawyers for independent legal advice and certification. This final step makes the agreement legally binding and formally enforceable.

Step 4

Agreement

Agreements are documented. Both parties then take the document to their respective lawyers for independent legal advice and certification. This final step makes the agreement legally binding and formally enforceable.

THE PROCESS

What Working Together Looks Like

Who It's For

  • Separating couples who need to divide relationship property, assets, or finances

  • People who want to reach a fair financial agreement without the cost and adversarial nature of lawyer led negotiation

  • Families dealing with estate disputes, trust matters, or intergenerational financial conflict

  • Business partners separating who need to divide a jointly held business interest

A Note on Elder and Estate Mediation

Disputes around the care of elderly family members, estate management, or inheritance are some of the most emotionally loaded conflicts families face. They involve grief, competing needs, and long family histories. Mediation is often far better suited to these matters than litigation, both for the relationships involved and for the people at the centre of the dispute. If this describes your situation, the same process applies. Get in touch and we will work out the right approach together.

For parenting and care of children matters, see Family Mediation & FDR. For any dispute involving a workplace or business, see Commercial & Private Mediation.