Family dispute resolution

Family disputes are never easy, but how you resolve them can shape what comes next. Court battles can be long, expensive, and emotionally draining,  often leaving lasting damage to relationships. Family dispute resolution offers a better way forward.

By focusing on solutions instead of blame, mediation can help you move on sooner, preserve your relationship where possible, and reduce the tension that can make co-parenting harder. It’s faster, more affordable, and gives you control over the outcome, rather than leaving decisions to a judge.

At Lander Solicitors Queensland, we provide family dispute resolution that’s calm, respectful, and focused on practical agreements you can both live with, so you can turn the page and focus on the future.

Why Brisbane families choose dispute resolution

Families and couples turn to dispute resolution for more than just resolving parenting arrangements after separation. Whether you’re planning for the future or navigating a separation, mediation provides a safe, neutral space to find solutions that work for everyone, without burning bridges.

Andrew Headshot

Andrew Lander

Founder and Principal Solicitor

Meet our family dispute resolution practitioners, Andrew Lander and Malcolm Pieterse

Choosing the right Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner is crucial to the success of mediation. Andrew and Mal are not only registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners with the Attorney General’s Department. They both also have extensive experience in family law.

Our approach to mediation is centred on helping families move forward with less stress and more clarity.

Andrew’s background as a family lawyer and a social worker gives him unique insight into the emotional and social aspects of parenting disputes, making him a skilled and compassionate mediator.

Mal also has extensive family law experience, is an excellent negotiator, and brings his skills as a Barrister to his mediation practice.

The Process

4 Common Steps in Family Dispute Resolution

Initial Contact

One or both parties express interest in mediation. An invitation is sent to the other party to participate.

Intake Session

Each party meets privately with Andrew to discuss concerns and confirm whether mediation is appropriate. These are 45 minute sessions that can be taken in person, via video conference, or over the phone.

Agreement or Next Steps

If an agreement is reached, we can document it as a parenting plan or consent order. If not, a Section 60I Certificate is issued or parties can file a Genuine Steps Certificate for court proceedings.

Family Dispute Resolution Brisbane FAQs

While family dispute resolution can be effective even when parties don’t get along, it depends on the extent of the conflict. If you and the other party butt heads but are still open to negotiation and compromise, mediation can work well. However, in situations involving serious domestic violence, significant power imbalances, or complete refusal to cooperate, mediation may not be suitable, and litigation might be necessary.  

But if the issue is clashing personalities, miscommunication, or high emotions (common in separation), mediation remains a highly effective option.

Mediation boasts a high success rate, especially when both parties are committed to finding a resolution. It provides a platform for open communication and creative problem-solving, often leading to mutually agreeable outcomes.

Even if a complete agreement isn’t reached, mediation can help clarify key issues, narrow the scope of the dispute, and pave the way for future negotiations or court proceedings. It can also improve communication between parties, which is especially valuable in co-parenting situations.

Costs can be shared between both parties or covered by one party exclusively.

Hear from the families we’ve helped

Krakken
2 months ago
Lander solicitors helped me stand my ground when protecting the rights of my children. They are beyond amazing.
Christobel Schiller
3 months ago
The service was above and beyond. They gave me confidence in the process from start to finish. Made my life less stressful. There was enough going on, it was really nice not have to worry about this.
Wendy Robertson
4 months ago
Andrew Landers represented me in a complex and emotionally draining property settlement that extended over 15 months. During that time, I faced considerable uncertainty and hardship, and Andrew’s support made an enormous difference. From our first meeting he demonstrated professionalism, integrity and calm reassurance. He was strategic in his approach, prompt in his actions and always kept me fully informed. He listened carefully, involved me in decisions and ensured I felt supported throughout. Andrew’s balance of strength and empathy stood out. He was transparent, cost-conscious and genuinely committed to achieving a fair outcome. In a very overwhelming period of my life, his steady guidance gave me clarity and confidence. I am sincerely grateful for his representation and would confidently recommend Andrew to anyone seeking skilled, principled and compassionate legal representation.
Anthony Tartaglia
4 months ago
They provide a very good service. They are professional, punctual and on-point. Their knowledge of law is quite good. I do recommend their services.
Catherine Scott
5 months ago
After going through a separation, I spent a lot of time researching and am so grateful I found Malcolm at Landers Solicitors. From the very beginning, Malcolm was calm, supportive and genuinely on my side. He is intuitive, respectful, knowledgeable and, above all, honest. Landers Solicitors are extremely reasonably priced and affordable. In contrast, my husband chose a large, high-profile city firm and ended up paying many times more, with no better outcome. Landers operate without the overheads of a fancy office, which keeps costs down. Malcolm was always available to me, often outside normal business hours, and I consistently received quick responses. I never felt rushed or like I was being billed for every minute. It was clear they were focused on achieving the right outcome for me, not on squeezing every last dollar out of the process. Thanks to Malcolm and Andrew’s guidance and support, I achieved the outcome I was hoping for and have been able to move forward feeling secure and at peace. I honestly don’t think I’d be this happy today without their help. Malcolm and Andrew are brilliant at what they do, and I couldn’t recommend Landers Solicitors highly enough.
Mevyn Appaya
6 months ago
Heartiest thanks to Andrew, Jill and his entire team for handling my parenting matter. I have never posted any review before. But this one cannot go unrecognized. I had one of the toughest battle for child custody. Andrew went beyond conventional lawyer firms and assisted me even after hours and weekends without overcharging. He invested both professionally and emotionally in my case as he understand importance of both parents in upbringing of a child. Andrew is very experienced, knows the legal system and will always give you advice on what work best for your matter. I highly recommend Andrew for your family matters. 🙏🙏
Monika Douglas
6 months ago
Malcolm and Andrew were great to work with and very understanding throughout the whole process. They made a difficult situation feel lighter and I am grateful for that
M B
6 months ago
Mal Pieterse recently assisted me in a parenting matter. Family court is not a pleasant experience for anyone involved and I found Mal’s support and advice to be invaluable during this time. I found Mal to be professional, calm and child-focussed.
Michelle Veitch
11 months ago
Mal from the team at Lander Solicitors was excellent to work with. His advice was comprehensive, and his responses were so prompt. If you want to work with someone incredibly responsive and empathetic, look no further than Lander Solicitors. Thanks Mal!
Kelli Smith
11 months ago
This company went above and beyond not just being a lawyer had a human touch. Were my ex husband was finically controlling me and dragged out our settlement for two years and made me homeless . To point I had know were for dogs and cat to stay and I was homeless and no money this company got me place with my cat looked after my dogs and stored my stuff .Thankyou.
Scarlet Marley
12 months ago
Malcolm was very respectful, helpful and understanding of my difficult situation surrounding separation.
Jeremy McIntosh
12 months ago
The team at Landers's were great to work with and were quick and efficient in achieving the desired result in what was a sensitive matter.
Emma Hohn
1 year ago
I am very grateful for Mal from the team at Lander Solicitors. He was incredible prompt with all communication and helped make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. He was reliable and listened to my concerns and acted on my requests. I would recommend.
Merryn Fulloon
1 year ago
Mal dealt with my sensitive situation with care and compassion. He was child focused, honest and genuine. I am so grateful that he was assigned my case and achieved such an excellent outcome.
rebecca sinclair
1 year ago
Andrew and Malcolm are experts at their jobs and made the experience as seamless and efficient as possible. I would highly recommend them for any divorce or separation advice.
Libby Viriki
1 year ago
Lander Solicitors have handled some family law stuff for me recently. Prior to my initial consult with Andrew & Mal I was very anxious about my situation but quickly felt comfortable and understood. Both Andrew & Mal are very professional but most importantly kind, genuine & patient during what is a difficult situation. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone who is chasing ‘down to earth’ but professional legal representation.
John Allan
2 years ago
Andrew Lander is a lawyer that was genuinely interested in helping me resolve my family law matter against my ex-wife at a time when I had to change lawyers and I was struggling emotionally. His no nonsense unpretentious approach, whilst still providing expert advice, helped me achieve a fair and equitable outcome in a cost-effective manner. I recommend him.
Jeff Krause
2 years ago
I have just returned from my final property settlement two day trial. It took several years with my previous law firm to get nowhere. Settled on the first day without a trial. Absolutely a great team to work with. Eternally grateful to Andrew, Malcom and the Barrister that Lander Solicitors arranged for me. Excellent outcome. Brilliant law firm to deal with.
Luke Henry
2 years ago
Andrew and Mal are great guys. Not only did they help me understand the family law process but also guided me through a time when I was totally out of my comfort zone... 5 stars
rodney wilson
2 years ago
I have not meet Andrew personally only emails and phone He has done a great job handling my divorce from my Philippines wife 5 stars mate and thanks you Rodney
Stella S.
2 years ago
I'm so grateful to have had Andrew and Malcolm on my team and would happily recommend them to anyone looking for a divorce lawyer. I got great advice and support from beginning to end and I didn't have to spend a fortune for it. I hired them based on their great reviews and I'm very glad I can now leave one of my own.
Mark Wesley
2 years ago
Andrew was great. Guided me through a family law situation expertly and I can not recommend Andrew and his team highly enough.
Nathan Young
2 years ago
a big thank you to andrew i met andrew 12 years ago with my first Encounter after Separating. and now i'm back getting more time with my son, he is very knowledgeable, easy to work with and has got me a great Result Thank you, team lander It's
Samantha Lant
2 years ago
Andrew and Mal provided excellent professional service when dealing with a hard family law matter, that had a lot of emotions tied to it. They were so fast and efficient and always available to provide quick advice on hand and listened. I would highly recommend if you are needing support in any type of family law matter. You can feel the trust in the advice provided.
Michelle Sherry
2 years ago
I have had a good experience dealing with Lander solicitors and highly recommend them

A compassionate Brisbane family law team committed to accessible legal support for all.

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The tight-knit, experienced team behind Lander Solicitors are equal parts accomplished and empathetic.
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We’ve helped hundreds of families just like yours through their toughest times with authentic, compassionate service.
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The Lander Solicitors philosophy

High quality legal advice made accessible

Expertise beyond law

We've walked in your shoes

Personalised service

High quality legal advice made accessible

We keep operational costs low and leverage technology so you can get the best legal support, regardless of your income or background. Money shouldn’t limit fair outcomes for you and your family.

Expertise beyond law

With over 20 years of legal experience and qualifications spanning Social Work, Family Law, and Family Report Writing, our team offers a unique and well-rounded perspective that sets us apart in the industry.

We've walked in your shoes

Our founder, Andrew, has navigated his own divorce and parenting arrangements. This personal journey ensures that you’ll find empathy, not judgment when you turn to us.

Personalised service

As a small, dedicated team, we take pride in offering responsive and attentive service. With us, you’re never just a case number, and you will have direct access to our Principal Solicitor, Andrew. Your needs are always our first priority.

High quality legal advice made accessible

We keep operational costs low and leverage technology so you can get the best legal support, regardless of your income or background. Money shouldn’t limit fair outcomes for you and your family.

Expertise beyond law

With over 20 years of legal experience and qualifications spanning Social Work, Family Law, and Family Report Writing, our team offers a unique and well-rounded perspective that sets us apart in the industry.

We've walked in your shoes

Our founder, Andrew, has navigated his own divorce and parenting arrangements. This personal journey ensures that you’ll find empathy, not judgment when you turn to us.

Personalised service

As a small, dedicated team, we take pride in offering responsive and attentive service. With us, you’re never just a case number, and you will have direct access to our Principal Solicitor, Andrew. Your needs are always our first priority.

Family Dispute Resolution Brisbane

Find a better way forward

The sooner you start the family dispute resolution process, the sooner you can focus on the next chapter of your life. Whether your goal is to resolve a parenting matter, finalise a property settlement, or simply find a way to work together more effectively, we can help. 

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