Dispute Resolution
Your path to fair and timely dispute resolution
At Fountain Law, we specialise in resolving legal disputes through alternative methods such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Our nationally accredited mediator and experienced lawyers provide personalised guidance to achieve timely, cost-effective, and amicable solutions.
Navigating disputes efficiently and amicably
Most legal disputes can be resolved without going to court, saving you time, money, and stress. At Fountain Law, we help you find the best path forward, whether you're dealing with a disagreement involving a landlord, business, employee, or ex-partner. Negotiation is often the quickest solution, but when discussions stall, mediation or conciliation can provide a structured way to reach an agreement with the help of a neutral third party. For more formal disputes, arbitration offers a binding decision without the complexity of court proceedings. Our experienced team will guide you through your options and support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth resolution and peace of mind.
We can help you with
Preparing for dispute resolution
Before entering any dispute resolution process, it’s essential to understand the issues at hand, the applicable laws, and the possible outcomes. We assist in thoroughly assessing your situation, gathering necessary documentation, and formulating a strategy to ensure the most effective approach. Whether you’re preparing for negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, our team lets you know and is ready for every step.
Initiating a dispute
When you need to initiate a dispute, we guide you through the entire process, from identifying the legal grounds for your claim to filing the necessary documents. Our team ensures you understand how to present your case and the potential legal consequences. We clarify the procedural steps, timelines, and strategies to help you achieve your desired resolution.
Representing you in negotiations
Negotiation is often the quickest and most cost-effective way to resolve a dispute. We represent you in one-on-one discussions or group negotiations, working to protect your interests while striving for an agreement that benefits both sides. Our approach includes preparing you for potential challenges, identifying key negotiation points, and using our expertise to help you achieve an outcome that aligns with your goals.
Mediating a dispute
As accredited mediators, we can act as a neutral third party to facilitate constructive discussions between disputing parties. We help de-escalate tensions, clarify misunderstandings, and guide both sides toward a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes in a private, confidential setting, offering flexibility and a faster resolution than litigation.
Representing you in mediation, conciliation, or arbitration
Formal processes like conciliation or arbitration may be required when disputes cannot be resolved through informal negotiation or mediation. We represent you in these structured settings, providing expert guidance throughout the proceedings. Whether seeking a non-binding conciliation or a final, binding arbitration decision, we ensure your interests are communicated and advocate for the best possible resolution.
Representing you in family disputes
Family disputes—whether involving divorce, child custody, inheritance issues, or other sensitive matters—can be emotionally taxing. Our team offers compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation, helping you navigate complex family dynamics. We provide tailored advice to resolve disputes amicably, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, always working towards outcomes that protect your rights and preserve family relationships.
Drafting agreements to document what you agree
Once a resolution is reached, we document the terms in a legally binding agreement. Whether it’s a settlement agreement, a consent order, or a memorandum of understanding, our team drafts precise legal documents to ensure all parties are aligned and that there’s a clear roadmap for enforcement. This protects your interests and minimises the chance of future disputes over the terms.
Preparing for dispute resolution
Before entering any dispute resolution process, it’s essential to understand the issues at hand, the applicable laws, and the possible outcomes. We assist in thoroughly assessing your situation, gathering necessary documentation, and formulating a strategy to ensure the most effective approach. Whether you’re preparing for negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, our team lets you know and is ready for every step.
Initiating a dispute
When you need to initiate a dispute, we guide you through the entire process, from identifying the legal grounds for your claim to filing the necessary documents. Our team ensures you understand how to present your case and the potential legal consequences. We clarify the procedural steps, timelines, and strategies to help you achieve your desired resolution.
Representing you in negotiations
Negotiation is often the quickest and most cost-effective way to resolve a dispute. We represent you in one-on-one discussions or group negotiations, working to protect your interests while striving for an agreement that benefits both sides. Our approach includes preparing you for potential challenges, identifying key negotiation points, and using our expertise to help you achieve an outcome that aligns with your goals.
Mediating a dispute
As accredited mediators, we can act as a neutral third party to facilitate constructive discussions between disputing parties. We help de-escalate tensions, clarify misunderstandings, and guide both sides toward a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes in a private, confidential setting, offering flexibility and a faster resolution than litigation.
Representing you in mediation, conciliation, or arbitration
Formal processes like conciliation or arbitration may be required when disputes cannot be resolved through informal negotiation or mediation. We represent you in these structured settings, providing expert guidance throughout the proceedings. Whether seeking a non-binding conciliation or a final, binding arbitration decision, we ensure your interests are communicated and advocate for the best possible resolution.
Representing you in family disputes
Family disputes—whether involving divorce, child custody, inheritance issues, or other sensitive matters—can be emotionally taxing. Our team offers compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation, helping you navigate complex family dynamics. We provide tailored advice to resolve disputes amicably, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, always working towards outcomes that protect your rights and preserve family relationships.
Drafting agreements to document what you agree
Once a resolution is reached, we document the terms in a legally binding agreement. Whether it’s a settlement agreement, a consent order, or a memorandum of understanding, our team drafts precise legal documents to ensure all parties are aligned and that there’s a clear roadmap for enforcement. This protects your interests and minimises the chance of future disputes over the terms.
Preparing for dispute resolution
Before entering any dispute resolution process, it’s essential to understand the issues at hand, the applicable laws, and the possible outcomes. We assist in thoroughly assessing your situation, gathering necessary documentation, and formulating a strategy to ensure the most effective approach. Whether you’re preparing for negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, our team lets you know and is ready for every step.
Initiating a dispute
When you need to initiate a dispute, we guide you through the entire process, from identifying the legal grounds for your claim to filing the necessary documents. Our team ensures you understand how to present your case and the potential legal consequences. We clarify the procedural steps, timelines, and strategies to help you achieve your desired resolution.
Representing you in negotiations
Negotiation is often the quickest and most cost-effective way to resolve a dispute. We represent you in one-on-one discussions or group negotiations, working to protect your interests while striving for an agreement that benefits both sides. Our approach includes preparing you for potential challenges, identifying key negotiation points, and using our expertise to help you achieve an outcome that aligns with your goals.
Mediating a dispute
As accredited mediators, we can act as a neutral third party to facilitate constructive discussions between disputing parties. We help de-escalate tensions, clarify misunderstandings, and guide both sides toward a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes in a private, confidential setting, offering flexibility and a faster resolution than litigation.
Representing you in mediation, conciliation, or arbitration
Formal processes like conciliation or arbitration may be required when disputes cannot be resolved through informal negotiation or mediation. We represent you in these structured settings, providing expert guidance throughout the proceedings. Whether seeking a non-binding conciliation or a final, binding arbitration decision, we ensure your interests are communicated and advocate for the best possible resolution.
Representing you in family disputes
Family disputes—whether involving divorce, child custody, inheritance issues, or other sensitive matters—can be emotionally taxing. Our team offers compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation, helping you navigate complex family dynamics. We provide tailored advice to resolve disputes amicably, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, always working towards outcomes that protect your rights and preserve family relationships.
Drafting agreements to document what you agree
Once a resolution is reached, we document the terms in a legally binding agreement. Whether it’s a settlement agreement, a consent order, or a memorandum of understanding, our team drafts precise legal documents to ensure all parties are aligned and that there’s a clear roadmap for enforcement. This protects your interests and minimises the chance of future disputes over the terms.
Preparing for dispute resolution
Before entering any dispute resolution process, it’s essential to understand the issues at hand, the applicable laws, and the possible outcomes. We assist in thoroughly assessing your situation, gathering necessary documentation, and formulating a strategy to ensure the most effective approach. Whether you’re preparing for negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, our team lets you know and is ready for every step.
Initiating a dispute
When you need to initiate a dispute, we guide you through the entire process, from identifying the legal grounds for your claim to filing the necessary documents. Our team ensures you understand how to present your case and the potential legal consequences. We clarify the procedural steps, timelines, and strategies to help you achieve your desired resolution.
Representing you in negotiations
Negotiation is often the quickest and most cost-effective way to resolve a dispute. We represent you in one-on-one discussions or group negotiations, working to protect your interests while striving for an agreement that benefits both sides. Our approach includes preparing you for potential challenges, identifying key negotiation points, and using our expertise to help you achieve an outcome that aligns with your goals.
Mediating a dispute
As accredited mediators, we can act as a neutral third party to facilitate constructive discussions between disputing parties. We help de-escalate tensions, clarify misunderstandings, and guide both sides toward a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes in a private, confidential setting, offering flexibility and a faster resolution than litigation.
Representing you in mediation, conciliation, or arbitration
Formal processes like conciliation or arbitration may be required when disputes cannot be resolved through informal negotiation or mediation. We represent you in these structured settings, providing expert guidance throughout the proceedings. Whether seeking a non-binding conciliation or a final, binding arbitration decision, we ensure your interests are communicated and advocate for the best possible resolution.
Representing you in family disputes
Family disputes—whether involving divorce, child custody, inheritance issues, or other sensitive matters—can be emotionally taxing. Our team offers compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation, helping you navigate complex family dynamics. We provide tailored advice to resolve disputes amicably, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, always working towards outcomes that protect your rights and preserve family relationships.
Drafting agreements to document what you agree
Once a resolution is reached, we document the terms in a legally binding agreement. Whether it’s a settlement agreement, a consent order, or a memorandum of understanding, our team drafts precise legal documents to ensure all parties are aligned and that there’s a clear roadmap for enforcement. This protects your interests and minimises the chance of future disputes over the terms.
Preparing for dispute resolution
Before entering any dispute resolution process, it’s essential to understand the issues at hand, the applicable laws, and the possible outcomes. We assist in thoroughly assessing your situation, gathering necessary documentation, and formulating a strategy to ensure the most effective approach. Whether you’re preparing for negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, our team lets you know and is ready for every step.
Initiating a dispute
When you need to initiate a dispute, we guide you through the entire process, from identifying the legal grounds for your claim to filing the necessary documents. Our team ensures you understand how to present your case and the potential legal consequences. We clarify the procedural steps, timelines, and strategies to help you achieve your desired resolution.
Representing you in negotiations
Negotiation is often the quickest and most cost-effective way to resolve a dispute. We represent you in one-on-one discussions or group negotiations, working to protect your interests while striving for an agreement that benefits both sides. Our approach includes preparing you for potential challenges, identifying key negotiation points, and using our expertise to help you achieve an outcome that aligns with your goals.
Mediating a dispute
As accredited mediators, we can act as a neutral third party to facilitate constructive discussions between disputing parties. We help de-escalate tensions, clarify misunderstandings, and guide both sides toward a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes in a private, confidential setting, offering flexibility and a faster resolution than litigation.
Representing you in mediation, conciliation, or arbitration
Formal processes like conciliation or arbitration may be required when disputes cannot be resolved through informal negotiation or mediation. We represent you in these structured settings, providing expert guidance throughout the proceedings. Whether seeking a non-binding conciliation or a final, binding arbitration decision, we ensure your interests are communicated and advocate for the best possible resolution.
Representing you in family disputes
Family disputes—whether involving divorce, child custody, inheritance issues, or other sensitive matters—can be emotionally taxing. Our team offers compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation, helping you navigate complex family dynamics. We provide tailored advice to resolve disputes amicably, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, always working towards outcomes that protect your rights and preserve family relationships.
Drafting agreements to document what you agree
Once a resolution is reached, we document the terms in a legally binding agreement. Whether it’s a settlement agreement, a consent order, or a memorandum of understanding, our team drafts precise legal documents to ensure all parties are aligned and that there’s a clear roadmap for enforcement. This protects your interests and minimises the chance of future disputes over the terms.
Preparing for dispute resolution
Before entering any dispute resolution process, it’s essential to understand the issues at hand, the applicable laws, and the possible outcomes. We assist in thoroughly assessing your situation, gathering necessary documentation, and formulating a strategy to ensure the most effective approach. Whether you’re preparing for negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, our team lets you know and is ready for every step.
Initiating a dispute
When you need to initiate a dispute, we guide you through the entire process, from identifying the legal grounds for your claim to filing the necessary documents. Our team ensures you understand how to present your case and the potential legal consequences. We clarify the procedural steps, timelines, and strategies to help you achieve your desired resolution.
Representing you in negotiations
Negotiation is often the quickest and most cost-effective way to resolve a dispute. We represent you in one-on-one discussions or group negotiations, working to protect your interests while striving for an agreement that benefits both sides. Our approach includes preparing you for potential challenges, identifying key negotiation points, and using our expertise to help you achieve an outcome that aligns with your goals.
Mediating a dispute
As accredited mediators, we can act as a neutral third party to facilitate constructive discussions between disputing parties. We help de-escalate tensions, clarify misunderstandings, and guide both sides toward a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes in a private, confidential setting, offering flexibility and a faster resolution than litigation.
Representing you in mediation, conciliation, or arbitration
Formal processes like conciliation or arbitration may be required when disputes cannot be resolved through informal negotiation or mediation. We represent you in these structured settings, providing expert guidance throughout the proceedings. Whether seeking a non-binding conciliation or a final, binding arbitration decision, we ensure your interests are communicated and advocate for the best possible resolution.
Representing you in family disputes
Family disputes—whether involving divorce, child custody, inheritance issues, or other sensitive matters—can be emotionally taxing. Our team offers compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation, helping you navigate complex family dynamics. We provide tailored advice to resolve disputes amicably, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, always working towards outcomes that protect your rights and preserve family relationships.
Drafting agreements to document what you agree
Once a resolution is reached, we document the terms in a legally binding agreement. Whether it’s a settlement agreement, a consent order, or a memorandum of understanding, our team drafts precise legal documents to ensure all parties are aligned and that there’s a clear roadmap for enforcement. This protects your interests and minimises the chance of future disputes over the terms.
Graham Fountain
Graham is used to fighting fires. With extensive experience in the states fire services, as both a volunteer and executive, he’s faced the heat in both the bush and in the boardroom. This comes in handy now as he forges a successful career in the law.
Graham is the Principal Lawyer and owner of the Fountain Law Group and a Nationally Accredited Mediator.
Graham has a reputation as a transformational, visionary, dynamic and highly responsive Non-Executive Chair/Director, CEO, Principal Lawyer, and Nationally Accredited Mediator. This experience provides Graham with well-honed governance, legal and strategic leadership skills arising from his demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, complex, and politically sensitive environment, evidenced by a diverse and successful career within the public, private and not for profit sector, across multiple national and local companies and organisations.
Graham’s proven track record in organisational change, improving business and brand performance through strategic foresight, service delivery innovation and inspirational leadership in small, medium, and large multi-faceted organisations provides a solid foundation to apply to supporting and providing tailored advice to his clients, and adds value to client’s personal and business needs. He leverages his wealth of experience to support companies, individuals, sporting bodies, professional athletes, sponsors, clubs and associations to negotiate and restructure their respective entity structures, arrangements and contracts.
As Graham has walked in the shoes of a Board Chair/Director, CEO and business owner, local businesses, executives and directors benefit from his expertise in both the law and life.
While he understands the finer points of the law, his strength lies in reaching commercial outcomes that will transform a business. Graham provides his clients with a holistic range of services that include negotiating mergers and acquisitions, sensitive business restructures, industrial agreements and working with all levels of government.
Not one to sit in the office, Graham’s true love is community. He has been involved with the CFA for over 48 years, volunteers with local sporting clubs and provides his oversight to several community organisations as a non-executive chair and director.
Grahams relief from the pressures of work lay in his family, including enjoying being a poppy to his newest members of his family.
Alan Splatt
Alan has the depth and breadth of experience in the law that can only come with almost 50 years in the profession. It’s not the work that keeps him going, but rather the people that he has the pleasure of working with and helping. With his personable approach and empathy for clients, it’s no surprise that Alan has helped multiple generations of clients resolve their legal issues and made many friends and respected colleagues along the way.
Living and working in the local area, Alan has built strong relationships with business owners and developers in Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula and the Bayside regions. He has helped many structure and run their businesses by providing contractual and commercial advice and guiding them on succession planning. In addition, property developers have valued Alan’s guidance and advice in helping them manage major commercial and residential subdivisions and developments. Local families also trust Alan to help them pass on wealth to the next generation by handling their estates and Wills.
Alan instils trust in his clients by listening to their concerns and responding to their needs in a timely manner. No matter how big or small the issue, he understands how stressful legal issues can be and the importance of giving sound advice quickly. It’s with this ethos of care and responsiveness that Alan built Taylor Splatt & Partners from the ground up.
Alan is an Accredited Family Law Specialist and Accredited Family Law Arbitrator. He was also a past president of the Mornington Peninsula Lawyers Association, Chair of the Law Institute’s Family Law Advisory Committee and Convenor of the Volunteer Duty Lawyer scheme at both the Family and Magistrates Courts and Convenor of the Family Law Chapter. In addition to his professional endeavours, he is also an honorary Solicitor to a number of charities and sporting organisations and a Life Member of two Cricket Clubs. He also enjoys watching football, going fly fishing and spending time with his wife, children and six grandchildren.
Michael Denison
Michael Denison has over 35 years of experience in property law, conveyancing, and probate applications, helping clients navigate legal challenges with expertise and care.
Anish Rebello
Anish is the kind of person that people gravitate towards. His outgoing and friendly nature draw you in and make you feel comfortable, which is just what you need when you’re dealing with difficult issues involving your family.
With a sympathetic ear, Anish listens to his clients and genuinely wants to help them solve their problems. He understands that everyone has their own story and he wants to help people find their happily ever after.
Whether you’re preparing to separate from your partner, dividing assets or trying to manage parenting arrangements, Anish is there to help every step of the way. He knows how emotional family law issues can be and what a relief it can be to know you’re in good hands.
Anish deals with a wide range of family law issues. He has helped clients to negotiate both parenting and property matters, and he also has experience dealing with intervention orders. While his preference is to resolve matters out of court, he understands that’s not always the case and helps his clients navigate the court process with care.
Anish’s experience working in family law has taught him how important it is to educate people about the law. He keeps this in mind with all his clients when explaining what their options are and the things they should take into account. His upfront and direct approach ensure his clients walk away with practical advice to help them resolve their situation.
Outside of work, Anish enjoys anything and everything sports related from cricket to the NFL. He hopes to one day see his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup, the Gold Coast Titans win the NRL Premiership and the Gold Coast Suns win the AFL Premiership, although he’s not holding his breath with that last one.
Stephanie Scott
Stephanie became a lawyer because she enjoys helping people navigate life’s challenges. Whether assisting with estate planning, guiding families through immigration matters, or overseeing conveyancing transactions, she is committed to making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
At Fountain Law, Stephanie focuses on estate planning, administration and disputes, immigration law, and conveyancing matters. She takes pride in helping clients secure their future, whether by drafting wills, establishing legacies, or ensuring smooth property transactions.
With kindness and empathy, Stephanie supports individuals through complex legal matters, ensuring they feel informed and confident in their decisions. Her background in linguistics reinforces her commitment to clear communication, ensuring clients understand their legal options in plain English.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys musical theatre and plays the bagpipes with the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, where she serves as President. She is also actively involved in the piping community, serving on the committee of the Victorian Pipers Association and the College Branch Committee of Pipe Bands Victoria. A decorated piper, with her band she has won both the Australian and New Zealand Pipe Band Championships and has performed at major events both in Australia and overseas including Anzac Day commemorations, the Melbourne Tartan Festival, and the prestigious Lorient Interceltic Festival in Brittany, France.
Tristan Portelli
Tristan is a results-driven Associate with over 10 years of experience in the construction and property sectors. Holding a Juris Doctor and Business degree, he offers a unique blend of legal expertise and industry knowledge to provide tailored, practical solutions for his clients. Admitted to practice in 2021, Tristan has gained experience in a range of legal areas, including property law, retail and commercial leasing, and criminal litigation.
Beyond his legal practice, Tristan has previously served as a business advisor, helping clients make informed, long-term decisions that align with both their legal needs and business objectives. His client-focused approach emphasises clear communication, strategic advice, and innovative solutions that drive success.
Tristan is dedicated to building strong, trusted relationships, ensuring his clients navigate legal matters with confidence and clarity.
Outside of work, Tristan is actively engaged in community initiatives and enjoys spending his free time with his wife, discovering new foodie spots.
Shannon Humphreys-Grey
Shannon is a dedicated and dynamic lawyer at Fountain Law who was admitted to the legal profession in 2023.
Since being admitted, Shannon has worked extensively in litigation and commercial matters, including business acquisition and sales, entity structuring and shareholder frameworks, capital raising and loan/security arrangements and a range of other contractual matters. This includes the provision of independent legal advice and the development of complimentary strategies in respect to business and personal support to clients. Shannon supports a diverse range of clients with intellectual property and asset protection, and employment law matters. She also manages divorce applications for clients, supporting them through these sensitive transitions in their lives.
Beyond legal practice, Shannon is passionate about community engagement and serves as a Secretary to a Board of a local sporting club, where she contributes to the development and organisation of community-driven initiatives.
With a strong commitment to client service and a diverse range of legal expertise, Shannon is dedicated to providing practical and effective legal solutions to her clients while supporting the community through meaningful involvement.
Let’s resolve your disputes together
If you’re facing a legal dispute, Fountain Law can help you resolve it efficiently, amicably, and with minimal stress. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to discuss your case.
FAQs
Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral mediator helps the parties find a mutually acceptable solution. Arbitration involves a neutral third-party arbitrator who makes a binding decision after hearing both sides. Litigation is a formal process in which a court resolves the dispute, often resulting in a more time-consuming and costly outcome. Our team helps you find the right approach for your case.
Dispute resolution processes like mediation and arbitration are typically faster and more cost-effective than going to court. By resolving conflicts outside the courtroom, you can avoid lengthy trials, legal fees, and the uncertainty of a court ruling, allowing you to focus on what matters most for your business or personal life.
If mediation or arbitration does not lead to a resolution, you may still have the option to pursue litigation. However, we always aim to find the best, most amicable solution before escalating to that level. We provide expert guidance throughout the process to ensure you are fully informed about your options at every stage.
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