Randal Binnie is an experienced family lawyer and above all else is committed to providing our clients with effective representation by way of alternative dispute resolution methods as opposed to litigation.

Family Law in Australia has continued to develop ways to prevent conflict between parties following the breakdown of relationships.  In fact the Federal Goverment has legislated to prevent application being made to court in relation to childrens issues (with some exceptions such as family violence and abuse of children) unless the parties have first attempted to resolve their differences through family dispute resolution (mediation).

Over the last 17 years Randal has experienced the outcomes of litigation in the Family law jurisdiction, more than enough to have appreciated the fruitless, destructive outcomes that litigation brings.  It is one thing to commence court proceedings in relation to commercial disputes (debts and contractual disputes) but is entirely another to expect to "win" in any family related litigation, particularly in relation to children.  It simply is not the answer!

Randal will receive instructions in relation to family law matters and will use his best endeavours to resolve those disputes through:

• Negotiation;
• Discussion;
• Collaborative Law; and
• Mediation.

In fact Randal will use any reasonable alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method to settle your matter amicably.  The reasons to aspire to resolution through these methods are many but include:

• ADR outcomes are the product of input of the parties themselves.  This assists with compliance and long lasting agreements as the outcomes are the property of the parties, not a third party decision maker such as a judge;
• ADR processes preserve relationships, they do not destroy them;
• Participants in ADR learn to negotiate and understand the issues and this understanding can extend into the future, building bridges rather than destroying them.

By Randal embracing alternative dispute resolution methods rather than proceeding unnecessarily or prematurely into litigation he is stating unequivocally that he will use his best endeavours to reach an amicable agreement that will not bring parties into unncessary conflict.  In collaborative matters Randal will be contracting with you and the other party that court proceedings will not be commenced and that if they are both lawyers will have to cease acting.

Please visit Randal's mediation website at www.familymediatorbrisbane.com.au.

Please consider ADR methods prior to commencing any court proceedings.  Your family will thank you for it.