Resolve a fence, tree or boundary dispute before it becomes a court case
Independent, AMDRAS-accredited mediation for neighbours and property owners across Victoria. Online mediation is available statewide, with in-person attendance in the Macedon Ranges by arrangement.
Discuss your property dispute
What's included
- Conflict check
- Separate preparation meetings
- Review of reasonable core documents
- Up to four hours of mediation
- Written heads of agreement if settlement is reached
Additional time is $225 per hour. Any venue or travel cost is confirmed in advance.
Disputes this service is designed for
Dividing fences
Position, type, replacement, repair and contribution to cost.
Trees
Pruning, removal, roots, damage, risk, access and future maintenance.
Boundaries & encroachments
Survey findings, fence lines, structures and practical rectification.
Access
Temporary access for works, gates, shared driveways and easements.
Drainage & retaining walls
Responsibility, remedial work, timing and cost.
Multi-issue neighbour disputes
Where communication has broken down and several issues need to be resolved together.
Mediation is often worth considering when the parties have exchanged notices, reports, photographs or quotations but cannot agree on what should happen next; when they will remain neighbours; or when a practical solution matters more than proving every allegation.
A structured process
Initial suitability check
One party may enquire, but the mediation proceeds only if everyone agrees to participate.
Neutral invitation
If appropriate, Alex can send a neutral invitation that makes clear he does not represent either side and has formed no view about the dispute.
Separate preparation
Each participant has a confidential intake conversation and identifies the documents and issues that matter.
Mediation session
The parties test options and negotiate practical terms with an independent mediator.
Record the outcome
If agreement is reached, Alex records written heads of agreement for the parties to review. Legal drafting or advice remains a matter for each party's lawyer.
What to have available
Choose the process together
Government and community dispute-resolution services may be suitable and should be considered.
Private mediation can be useful where the parties want to choose their mediator, agree a date directly, have separate preparation conversations, and work methodically through technical material and settlement options.
Alex Hoy
Alex Hoy is an AMDRAS-accredited mediator. He provides a confidential, impartial and structured process in which participants can work towards their own resolution.
Alex is independent of the parties and does not provide legal, surveying, arboricultural or engineering advice. Participants are encouraged to obtain independent advice where needed.
Before you enquire
Can I start the process if the other person has not agreed?
Yes. You can make an initial enquiry and, if the matter appears suitable, request a neutral invitation. Mediation itself is voluntary and cannot proceed unless the other participant agrees.
Is mediation confidential?
The participants sign an Agreement to Mediate dealing with confidentiality and the permitted use of information. Some legal exceptions can apply.
Can mediation happen before or during court proceedings?
Potentially, yes. Obtain legal advice about deadlines, notices, limitation periods and the effect of any court proceeding. Mediation does not automatically stop a deadline.
Will the mediator decide who is right?
No. The mediator manages the process and helps the participants negotiate. The parties decide whether to settle and on what terms.
Can technical experts be involved?
If everyone agrees, reports can be provided and an expert may attend for a defined purpose. The mediator does not determine the technical issue.
Is the outcome legally binding?
That depends on how any agreement is documented and the applicable law. Participants should obtain legal advice before signing if they are unsure.
Ready to test whether mediation fits?
Send a brief, non-confidential outline of the dispute. Do not send sensitive documents until the conflict check is complete.
Discuss your property dispute