MELBOURNE – When searching for "family court lawyers near me" or a "divorce lawyer," most people expect an aggressive, litigation-first approach. But Resolve Conflict, a leading family law firm in Melbourne, is proving there's a smarter way forward.

The firm's resolution-first philosophy prioritises alternative dispute resolution, negotiation, and family mediation to help clients achieve better outcomes with less stress, lower legal costs, and reduced emotional impact - particularly where children are involved.

A Different Approach to Family Law

"We're actually excellent litigators with more than 50 years of family court experience," explains Catherine Gale, Principal at Resolve Conflict. "We get great outcomes for our clients in court. We just happen to think that going to court should be the option of last resort, not first resort."

This approach applies across all family law matters, including divorce, property settlement, de facto relationships in Australia, prenuptial agreements, legal separation, and maintenance and spousal support disputes.

When Clients Need a Family Court Attorney Near Them

The firm's resolution-first philosophy doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations or compromising legal positions. When family court proceedings become unavoidable, Resolve Conflict's experienced family court lawyers prepare thoroughly and advocate decisively.

"We cannot control the other party or their legal representation," says Gale. "When the other side adopts an aggressive or unreasonable stance, we respond firmly and strategically, always focused on protecting our client while continuing to seek resolution wherever possible."

Alternative Dispute Resolution as the Starting Point

For clients searching for an "attorney for family law near me" who prioritizes their wellbeing, Resolve Conflict focuses on:

1. Early strategic advice and clear communication
2. Mediation and negotiation before litigation
3. Realistic expectations about outcomes and costs
4. Long-term stability for families and children
5. Professional property settlement guidance

This family mediation approach has proven particularly effective in high-conflict matters where traditional aggressive tactics often escalate costs without improving outcomes.

Client-Centred Legal Services

Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, the Resolve Conflict takes time to understand what matters most to each client. Goals, concerns, and family dynamics shape the recommended strategy, whether that involves alternative dispute resolution, mediation, or family court proceedings.

Clients consistently value the firm's ability to explain complex legal issues in clear, practical terms and provide honest advice about risks and likely outcomes.

Jamie Sommer's five star Google Review states: I can’t recommend Resolve Conflict highly enough. From the very first conversation, the team was professional, calm, and genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcome. They explained everything clearly, responded promptly to every question, and handled a stressful situation with confidence and compassion. What really sets Resolve Conflict apart is their ability to combine sharp legal expertise with a human touch — they listen, they care, and they act decisively. I always felt supported and well-represented, and the outcome exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for a law firm that is ethical, efficient, and truly client-focused, Resolve Conflict is outstanding.

Supporting Families Beyond the Legal Outcome

Catherine Gale, Principal, states:

"Family law matters don't end when documents are signed or orders are made. After all, if children are involved, you are a family for life. The decisions reached and whether a constructive process was implemented can shape families' lives for years to come."

For Melbourne residents seeking family law services, property settlement attorneys, or family mediators who combine strategic expertise with a resolution-focused approach, Resolve Conflict offers an alternative to traditional litigation-first family law practices.

About Resolve Conflict

Resolve Conflict is a Melbourne-based family law and mediation firm specialising in parenting matters, property and financial disputes, divorce, de facto relationships, prenuptial agreements, legal separation, and spousal support. The firm's lawyers bring decades of family court experience while prioritising alternative dispute resolution and client well-being.

Contact: 03 9620 0088 | info@resolveconflict.com.au | resolveconflict.com.au

Resolve Conflict: Family Law, Mediation and Property Settlement Lawyers in Melbourne

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Resolve Conflict: Family Law, Mediation and Property Settlement Lawyers in Melbourne

Resolve Conflict is a Melbourne-based family law firm specialising in family law and mediation, property settlements, parenting matters and binding financial agreements, with a resolution-first approach designed to reduce conflict, cost and long-term harm.

Trusted family law lawyers helping clients navigate separation, divorce, child rights and custody, and de facto relationships in Australia and Family Court matters with clarity, strength and compassion.

When people search for a divorce lawyer, family attorney near me, or family law lawyers in Melbourne, they are often facing one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Separation, divorce, parenting disputes and property settlements bring emotional strain, financial uncertainty and concern for the future, especially where children are involved.

Resolve Conflict practices family law differently.

Our firm is built on a clear and deliberate philosophy: resolution first. This approach informs every aspect of our work, from early advice through to negotiation, mediation, and, where necessary or unavoidable, strong advocacy in the Family Court.

A Resolution-First Family Law Firm

A resolution-first approach does not mean avoiding difficult issues or compromising your legal rights. It means identifying the most effective, proportionate and strategic way to resolve family law disputes without unnecessary escalation.

Wherever possible, our family law and mediation team prioritises:

1. early, strategic legal advice
2. negotiation and mediation
3. clear communication and realistic expectations
4. outcomes that support long-term stability for families and children

By focusing on resolution early, we help clients reduce emotional distress, legal costs and prolonged uncertainty.

Strong Advocacy When Court Is Required

Clients often ask whether a resolution-focused firm can still be strong when litigation becomes unavoidable.

The answer is yes.

Resolve Conflict’s lawyers are highly experienced litigators with deep expertise across:

1. parenting and child custody matters
2. complex property settlements
3. binding financial agreements
4. disputes involving family violence
5. Defacto relationships in Australia
6. contested Family Court proceedings
7. child relocation matters
8. all Children’s Court matters

As Principal Catherine Gale explains:

“We are actually very experienced litigators. We just happen to think that going to court should be the option of last resort, not first resort.”

When court proceedings are necessary, we prepare thoroughly and advocate decisively. The difference is that litigation is used strategically rather than reactively.

A Client-Centred Approach to Family Law

We believe family law works best when clients are informed, supported and empowered, not overwhelmed or dictated to.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy, our family law lawyers take the time to understand:

1. your goals and priorities
2. your financial position
3. your family dynamics
4. the practical realities you are facing

Clients consistently value our ability to:

1. explain complex legal issues in clear, practical terms
2. provide honest advice about risks and likely outcomes
3. map a pathway to resolution aligned with their priorities

This allows clients to make confident decisions, even during times of significant stress.

Managing Conflict - Not Fuelling It

Unnecessary conflict increases legal costs and emotional harm without improving outcomes. Our lawyers are known for their calm, professional and solution-focused approach — even in high-conflict matters.

As Catherine Gale notes:

“We don’t control the other party or their legal representation. When the other side escalates conflict, we respond firmly and strategically, always focused on protecting our client while continuing to seek resolution wherever possible.”

This balanced approach allows us to protect our clients’ interests while avoiding unnecessary damage to families and children.

Comprehensive Family Law Services in Melbourne

Resolve Conflict offers expert advice and representation across all areas of family, children’s and relationship law, including:

1. Divorce and separation
2. Child custody and parenting arrangements
3. Child relocation applications, Interstate and Overseas
4. Children’s Court and Child Protection Applications
5. Adoption
6. Family law and mediation
7. Property settlements and financial disputes
8. Binding financial agreements (pre-nups and post-separation agreements)
9. Child support and Child support Agreements
10. Defacto and LGBTIQA relationship matters in Australia
11. Family Court and Federal Circuit Court proceedings
12. Intervention orders and family violence matters

Whether you are searching for a divorce lawyer near me, property settlement lawyers, or a family court attorney near me, our team provides clear advice and practical solutions tailored to your circumstances.

A Unified Philosophy Across Our Firm

Our resolution-first philosophy is shared across all Partners and lawyers at Resolve Conflict. From complex financial matters to sensitive parenting disputes, our team works collaboratively and consistently, guided by the same principles:

1. empathy without losing objectivity
2. practical outcomes over prolonged disputes
3. professionalism at every stage
4. clear, outcome-focused strategy

This consistency ensures a cohesive and trusted experience for clients, regardless of the complexity of their matter.

Our Family Law Partners: Specialist Expertise, One Unified Approach

Resolve Conflict’s resolution-first philosophy is delivered by a highly experienced team of family law Partners and senior lawyers, each bringing distinct expertise in parenting across children’s law, mediation, and complex financial matters. Clients benefit from specialist advice while experiencing a consistent, collaborative approach across the firm.

Catherine Gale - Managing Partner | Family Lawyer & Mediator

Catherine Gale is a senior family lawyer and nationally accredited mediator with over 40 years’ experience assisting families to resolve complex family law disputes.

She is a former President of the Law Institute of Victoria (2006) and former President of the Law Council of Australia (2012), and has long been recognised as a leader in family law practice in Australia.

Catherine is:

1. a Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS)
2. a Government Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)
3. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
4. An Honourary Life Member of The Law Institute of Victoria
5. author of two books on family law in Australia
6. a former Monash University lecturer with extensive teaching experience in the legal profession nationally and internationall

Her work focuses on:

1. family law and mediation
2. complex financial settlements
3. constructive negotiation and mediation to achieve resolution
4. strategic advocacy where Family Court proceedings are required

Alastair Noakes - Partner | Accredited Specialist (Family Law & Children’s Law)

Alastair Noakes is one of only three practising lawyers in Victoria accredited as a specialist in both Family Law and Children’s Law by the Law Institute of Victoria.

He holds a Juris Doctor from Monash University, together with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in psychology, providing a rare combination of legal and psychological expertise in family and children’s matters.

Before entering legal practice, Alastair worked with families involved in the Victorian Child Protection system, shaping his strong commitment to child-focused advocacy and supporting victim-survivors of family violence.

Alastair’s areas of expertise include:

1. complex parenting and child custody matters
2. Children’s Court and child protection proceedings
3. family violence and Intervention Orders
4. donor agreements and adoption matters
5. LGBTIQA+ family law and parenting disputes
6. Family Court litigation where children’s safety or welfare is at risk

He is widely respected for ensuring children’s voices are heard and for providing inclusive, respectful representation to families navigating highly complex legal systems.

Alyson Gale - Partner | Family Lawyer

Alyson Gale is a highly experienced family lawyer recognised for her work in high-conflict parenting matters, particularly cases involving parental alienation and parental estrangement.

Beginning her career at Resolve Conflict in 2010, Alyson has developed deep expertise across parenting, family violence and complex litigation. She was part of the award-winning Monash University team that received the Award of “ Best Mediation Strategy” at the International Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris, competing against 60 other Law Firms.

Alyson’s practice includes:

1. High conflict parental disputes and alienating parental behaviours
2. Parental reunification and neurodiverse children and families with special needs
3. International and domestic relocation cases
4. family violence and coercive control (parenting and property)
5. Intervention Order trials and appeals to the County Court
6. surrogacy and donor agreements

Alyson Gale is known for balancing strong courtroom advocacy with a commitment to resolution wherever possible, ensuring clients feel supported while their interests are robustly protected.

Laura Taylor - Partner | Family Lawyer (Property & Financial Settlements)

Laura Taylor is a Partner specialising in property and financial settlement matters, including complex cases involving trusts, corporate structures and business interests.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics), providing strong commercial insight into high-value property disputes. Laura progressed rapidly within Resolve Conflict, becoming a Partner in 2025.

Laura’s expertise includes:

1. property settlements following separation or divorce
2. complex asset pools, trusts and companies
3. business ownership and valuation issues
4. financial disclosure disputes
5. property matters involving power imbalance, coercive control and or family violence
6. negotiation, mediation and Family Court proceedings

Known for her calm, analytical and cost-effective approach, Laura helps clients achieve financially sound outcomes that support long-term stability.

One Team, One Philosophy

While each Partner brings specialist expertise, all matters at Resolve Conflict are guided by the same resolution-first philosophy:

1. practical advice
2. proportionate strategy
3. strong advocacy when required
4. we focus on long-term outcomes for families and children

This integrated approach ensures clients receive the right expertise at the right time without unnecessary conflict, cost or delay

Supporting Clients Beyond the Legal Outcome

Family law matters do not end when documents are signed or orders are made. The decisions reached can shape families’ lives for years to come.

Our goal is not only to resolve legal disputes, but to help clients move forward with certainty, dignity and stability, particularly where children’s wellbeing is at stake.

A Better Way Forward in Family Law

Choosing the right family law firm can make a profound difference, not just to the outcome, but to how supported and informed you feel throughout the process.

Resolve Conflict is committed to:

1. reducing unnecessary stress and expense
2. delivering practical, resolution-focused advice and outcomes
3. standing strong for clients when court becomes unavoidable

Because for us, resolution isn’t just the destination, it’s the way we practise family law.

Contact Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers for a positive outcome for you and your family.