This is a form of dispute resolution that is respectful, effective and protective of those essential parenting relationships. In this process parties instruct a lawyer who is also qualified as a collaborative practitioner and discussions about the various issues from parenting to property take place in a series of meetings. If you think this service speaks to your personal values give us a call or send us a message today.

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9.30am – 5.00pm Monday - Friday

Suite 1, 44-48 Bowral Street Bowral NSW 2576

Phone
(02) 4862 5511

(02) 4862 5511

Meredith Hatton & Associates

Areas of PracticeDispute Resolution OptionsResourcesMeredith Hatton

A Word From Meredith Hatton

Some say that I'm hardcore as a lawyer and what they mean is I don't cave easily. I am firm but never difficult. I know the law thoroughly and I overlay my years of legal expertise with my common sense interpretation of what is possible. If you want someone who's going to stand shoulder to shoulder with you and give you clear, firm, caring, decision support through the most difficult and trying times, then I am the lawyer for you. You will remember the events I help you with for years. The choices you will make with me are the ones that will change your life.  

Here's what I won't do:

I will not just tell you what you want to hear. Honest conversations can be tough but that is what you will get from me.

I will not cave when the going gets tough

Here's what I will do:

I will help you to be resilient and tough

I will ensure that you completely understand what can be delivered

I will help you make decisions you can live with.

I will tell you your legal options and give you robust advice so you can see what you can and what you can't do.

The number of referrals I receive are testament to my work. Like many of my clients that have gone before you, let me show you what to do, so that you can focus on how much better things can become than they were before I met you. I come into my element when consulted about a protracted matter and by that I mean one that has become stuck for whatever reason. When needed, I will help you cut through your emotional blockages and your sense of injustice about your whole situation. I will support you so you know how to focus on the needs of the situation rather than on the unfairness, your own grievances and emotional space.

If there is one thing I know to be the truth it is that in 99% of cases, it is preferable to negotiate rather than leave you to the vagaries of the courts and to the uncertainty of a judge making your decisions for you. I like to ensure that you have some control over the important challenges and relationships in your life. 

Imagine it - some of you may think that I am able to wave a magic wand as I release your stress and anxiety. But in reality it is the team I form with my clients that gets the work done. You know there are very good reasons why in my 24 years of practising as a lawyer that none of my clients have ever had their matters go to a full contested hearing. I'll work hard to listen to you and test what it going on with you. I will help you see your situation clearly and help you understand the usability of your various dispute resolution options. I give you the patience and the support to endure the process of negotiating. 

Make no mistake, I'll work with you and not for you. I am your ideas person and I'll make sure that you know all your options because I will scout out those options so that you can make progress. Also, I will tell you this is where you need to stand firm. If needed, I will help you find the courage that you didn't know you had. You will decide ultimately, but I will take you through things so that you get clear as to what is the right decision for you. I will offer you robust decision support. I am not sure if every lawyer does this, but they should.

If what I do is different, it should not be. Lawyers should all strive to achieve these goals for their clients - but from what I am told that is not always the case. Me, on the other hand, I make it my business to be the very opposite of that. You should expect me to debunk your preconceptions of a lawyer. 

It seems to me there is a minority of lawyers who are a joy to work with even in difficult matters and my clients will tell you that you can expect me to be one of those. And if I am unable to help you for whatever reason, I'll let you know who the other local lawyers are who are like me in their approach. 

So get in touch and let's see how I can help you best.

Meredith Hatton (and her team) 

James Barkell
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When only the best will do

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This is the formal name for a mediator who is child focused and government certified. You can engage with an FDRP at any point in time. It is often the case that where parents choose to mediate with an FDRP first, not only can they resolve an issue but they can stop it from becoming a major problem between them. For anyone who is thinking about court proceedings, they first need to make a genuine attempt to resolve their dispute with the other parent and that means engaging with an FDRP for the purpose of mediation. So if you think this service could help your family give us a call or send us a message today.  

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)

Collaborative Practice

Here are some terms to help get you started: