LOGAN, Queensland, April 22, 2026 — Madsen Law, a family law practice based at Loganholme and operating for over 20 years under the direction of Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist David Madsen, has formalised a mediation-first service model across its practice. The model is designed to align with the cooperative dispute resolution emphasis introduced in the 2024 Family Law Act amendments, which placed greater weight on parental cooperation and the best interests of children as the primary consideration in family proceedings.

The amendments, effective May 2024, reframed how Australian family law courts approach parenting matters — elevating non-adversarial pathways and clarifying that the best interests of children must be assessed independently in each case rather than through a presumption of equal shared parental responsibility. For separating families, the practical implication is that mediation-first preparation carries greater weight in proceedings that do reach court.

“Most people going through a separation want a clear plan they can live with, not a drawn-out legal fight,” said David Madsen, Principal Solicitor and Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law, Madsen Law. “Mediation gives them a structured way to reach that plan, with proper legal preparation behind it. The 2024 changes reinforce what we have always believed — that the best outcomes for families come from structured negotiation, not default litigation.”

Mediation Covers Parenting, Property, and Financial Matters

The mediation-first approach covers the full scope of family law matters the firm handles. Parenting arrangements include living routines, time allocation with each parent, changeover logistics, school holidays, and major decisions regarding schooling and healthcare. Property and financial settlements address the family home, vehicles, superannuation, debts, business interests, trust structures, and investments. The model also covers spousal maintenance, de facto relationship matters, binding financial agreements, and child support arrangements including private agreements alongside standard assessments.

The family law team applies the model with awareness that timelines carry a direct financial and emotional cost. Property matters that proceed to court typically take approximately 18 months from initial application to final hearing. Early, structured mediation with full legal preparation is designed to resolve most matters before that timeline is reached.

Court Readiness Maintained Alongside Mediation Focus

The firm maintains full court readiness alongside its mediation focus. Where safety concerns are present, where one party refuses to provide full financial disclosure, or where urgent matters require immediate intervention, the team proceeds directly to court application. Temporary Protection Orders, urgent parenting orders, and enforcement of disclosure obligations are handled within the same practice.

Domestic violence matters receive specific attention. Where harassment, threats, or physical harm are present, the firm moves quickly on protection applications while adjusting mediation formats to include shuttle sessions, no-contact arrangements, and safe changeover planning.

The firm is led by David Madsen, who holds over 30 years of legal experience and is a Barrister and Solicitor practising across family law, wills and estate law, and business law. The team includes Senior Associate Solicitor Lachlan Jones, who handles complex property matters involving business assets, trusts, and superannuation, and Troy Fischer, whose background as a former Legal Case Manager for a Senior Registrar provides direct insight into court filing, timetables, and orders. Madsen Law is a Three Best Rated family law firm in Logan City, a PEXA Certified Member, and a proud member of the Queensland Law Society and the Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland.

Madsen Law services Logan and the broader Brisbane Southside, including Loganholme, Beenleigh, Browns Plains, Springwood, Shailer Park, and Redland, as well as Brisbane and the Gold Coast. With the 2024 Family Law Act amendments now embedded in Queensland family proceedings, the firm’s mediation-first model is positioned to serve an increasing number of separating families seeking structured, legally prepared alternatives to default litigation.

About Madsen Law

Madsen Law is a family law and general legal practice based at 3928 Pacific Highway, Loganholme QLD 4129, established in 2005 and operating for over 20 years under the direction of Principal Solicitor and Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist David Madsen LLB. Services cover family law, mediation, estate law, business law, and criminal law. The firm is a Three Best Rated family law firm in Logan City, a PEXA Certified Member, and a member of the Queensland Law Society and the Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland. It operates a mediation-first service model across all family law matters, with full court readiness maintained for urgent or contested proceedings. Confidential appointments are available by phone or through the firm’s website.

Media Contact

David Madsen Principal Solicitor, Madsen Law 07 3209 7744 mail@madsenlaw.com.au Contact – Madsen Law