Bayside Mediation Reviews

I want to give a big thanks to Tess, who helped me a lot through my divorce. I went to see her twice, and since then if I had any follow up questions I could text or call her and get a fast answer. She listens to me patiently and always gives a helpful answer. I would recommend Tess’ services to anyone who needs it.

I had the need to enquire how the mediation process worked. Alina explained the process to me such that it gave me confidence to get my partner involved. I'm happy that it worked so well for both my partner and myself. Excellent support service from Alina. Anonymous

I was initially quite hesitant about my appointment, having had a bad experience with a different mediation group many years ago. On meeting Dianne, those fears were alleviated. She was compassionate and genuinely focused on helping us reach the best possible outcome for us all. Her consistent availability via phone and email, along with her honest and objective guidance, provided incredible support throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Bayside and Dianne to anyone seeking mediation services. Thank you Dianne and team.

After our initial ‘intake meetings’ my ex-wife and I jointly decided to stop using Bayside Mediation. There were two main reasons for this decision. Firstly, because the mediator (who was apparently an ex Realestate agent) tried to persuade me that the professional valuation we had paid for on our house should be disregarded in favour of ‘the opinions of a couple of local realestate agents she could recommend’. And secondly, my ex-wife was concerned that when she she told the mediator what she was looking to achieve as an outcome, the mediator told her ‘you should be more ambitious, we can get far more than that out of him’. We switched to a different mediator ( who was actually professionally qualified as a family lawyer) and completed a mediated settlement without any issue. I regret the $500+ we wasted with Bayside Mediation.

Lawyer prices for certificate qualifications. Dianne’s business model seems to be; get the couple in, make a quick agreement and come back in 6-12 months’ time to make another buck. The centre charges lawyer prices for certificate qualifications. Save your money and go to a government funded one. At least the federally funded ones have proper oversight, and act in a professional manner. I went to several sessions in 2023 to discuss a change in custody. I found Dianne’s conduct unprofessional, and I felt bullied into signing an agreement that was not in my child’s best interests. Before I met the mediator, she was rushing me to get in before Christmas. The intake seemed harmless enough. However, when we got to the session, she seemed to have made up her mind as to what outcome she wanted me to sign. This opinion seemed to be solely formed on the information provided by my ex. It felt like a setup. There was lots of pressure during the initial session to consider a major custody decision. Pressure was heaped on to sign handwritten scraps of paper, then and there. This new agreement would supposedly override formal court orders that were only a few years old. I would have thought for thousands of dollars we would receive something more formal than a white board print out, but this is all you get. After I refused to sign immediately, there was insinuation that I was legal required to do certain things and a lot of pressure that it would be very costly if I didn’t. It was interesting to note that Dianne’s written wording was different to what she would verbally say. Dianne may even respond to this review saying I'm still angry, or it’s a fake review, as she has on many others. If you look at the 1 star reviews, a lot say the same thing; pressure, intimidation, lack of family violence skills. I truly did try to reach middle ground with my ex on the best interests of our child but we never got there. Dianne refused to continue after she realised her bullying tactics would not work on me. 12 months after mediation, my teenager now wants to live more with me. I am writing this review, in the hopes that other parents are warned off this mediation centre. If you come here, you will wind up with an agreement that doesn’t help your kids. Even if the mediator sides with you, you’ll end up in more mediation or court months down the track. Do not waste your money, there are cheaper more professional options.

I was referred by a friend to see Romani Benjamin from bayside mediation. Before my first conversation with Romani, I was overwhelmed and daunted by the whole process and didn’t know where to start. I contacted Romani, she booked me in straight away. My initial meeting with her was so positive, productive and a very comfortable experience. She made me feel heard and understood from the start of our meeting all the way through. Romani was extremely efficient, she explained the processes in an easy way and put my mind at ease. This lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and I’m incredibly grateful for her and her time spent with me. Looking forward to completing my mediation journey with her.

I am writing this on behalf of Krissy W whom I work with & have supported over the last 12 months. Krissy was experiencing a feeling of helplessness and abandonment from previous law practitioners. Alina immediately created safe and comforting environment where Krissy felt supported and listened to. She felt she was valued. This has carried on through her experience with this practice to achieve a positive outcome. She is looking forward to the future and she wishes Alina future success's.

This was from December 2022 but I’ve only just found the courage to be open about such a traumatic experience. Jack was absolutely unprofessional and his treated of me as a client was appalling. I was not told that I did not have to be in the same room as my abuser, so I had to sit face to face with a man I was terrified of. I was coerced and bullied into agreeing to a parenting plan I was not comfortable with. I was coerced and bullied into telling my abuser where I was living after I had fled from my abuser. I was then intimidated into returning to the room after the session was done to “thank” my abuser for agreeing to the parenting plan we had discussed. This was a completely humiliating and degrading experience that I don’t with on anyone.

Dianne’s lack of family violence skill handling and poor knowledge base prolonged both my finalisation of court matters and more importantly, me and my children’s recovery as a result. Numerous lawyers and FDRC accredited mediators I have spoken to throughout the process have told me she is a very dangerous woman, and I agree. I have wanted to formalise a complaint against her since seeing her a couple of years ago, only to find out that you only have one month post incident to do so, a very disappointing rule when you’re already traumatised and struggling with capacity to process and function. Her only goal is to push forward with a parenting plan to tick off another case, regardless of whether it’s appropriate or not. Avoid her at all costs.

Alina made this process so easy from the first phone call, through the initial mediation - all my delays and through to the easy way I could check what I needed to do to get consent orders formulated. I am so fortunate that mine was not a difficult set of circumstances but I was not looking forward to the 'legals' that have to be handled. Alina at Bayside Mediation made it as easy as it could possibly have been. I heard about BM through word of mouth and every expectation was met with ease and professionalism - and a bucket load of understanding and compassion! Thanks so much!

What can I say, when you are going through the difficult separation and the small children are involved, you wouldn’t wish anyone more supportive, knowledgeable and compassionate as Dianne. From a very first phone call I was made heard and understood. She took charge of tremendously hard mediation and made me feel at ease. I’m forever grateful for your kindness Dianne.

Fair, independent and unbiased mediation 👍🏼

After my initial conversation with Sophie I knew that Bayside Mediation was the best option to help us deal with our parenting and financial matters. Sophie was caring, sensitive and empathic at all times and this was critical in helping us find a solution to move forward. Romani was extremely helpful and efficient to finalise the process. I highly recommend Bayside Mediation.

Very happy that we came across Bayside Mediation. Alina was prompt and very professional in her approach and work. Would happily recommend to anyone going through separation.

Dianne was a wonderful mediator and took time to listen and understand as well as suggesting several helpful modifications to allow us to come to a mutual agreement. I highly recommend her services. Thank you Dianne!

Professional, experienced & understanding. They were empathetic, non judgemental & actively listened to all sides. Exceptional service.

thank you....i thought Romani facilaited our discussions very well and supported us through the process with a balanced level of care.

Sophie was brilliant. Her initial communication regarding the process was excellent. She was unbiased in her approach and attempted to ensure that both of us came to an acceptable agreement. We willingness to go above and beyond was evident in her email communication throughout the entire process and was so reassuring throughout. Thank you Sophie.

It was great to have had help from Bayside mediation, Sophie helped us trough a very difficult time and was very helpful throughout the process, we are very grateful with her and would definitely recommend.