I was admitted to practice as a solicitor in 1984. I have worked exclusively in Family Law as a Senior Associate and Consultant predominantly in city law firms. My work has involved all aspects of Family Law, including financial and parenting matters, and I have conducted many of my own court appearances. I have been accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as a specialist in Family Law since 1990.
Early in my career I developed a keen interest in exploring creative but practical ways to assist in the resolution of disputes in this emotional and sensitive area. I developed extensive negotiation skills then expanded these to take in conciliation and then mediation. I have been a practicing mediator since being accepted for an internship working with Michael Hunt at Relationships Australia in 1992. I have investigated the theoretical as well as the practical aspects of dispute resolution and in 1994 gained my Graduate Diploma in Judicial Administration and Alternate Dispute Resolution and in 2008 a Graduate Vocational Diploma in Family Mediation. I am a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, accredited under the National Mediator Accreditation Scheme, and as a specialist in mediation by the Law Institute of Victoria. I am also a trained Arbitrator with AIFLAM and a trained Conflict Coach. These additional skills have opened up many options for creative and innovative solutions to meet the particular needs of individuals and families.
I have also pursued opportunities to work with colleagues, students and graduates, and I find the exchange of ideas crucial to maintaining a progressive and current approach to my work. I regularly provide mediation training and coaching to Victorian and interstate organisations including the College of Law and Bond University. I provide ongoing supervision for family dispute resolution practitioners and junior lawyers, and since 2011 I have been an adjunct lecturer with the College of Law in their PLT and Masters Family Law programmes. My subjects this semester include Children, families and divorce, Advocacy for family lawyers, and the Capstone unit.
In 2005 I established my own business to enable me to pursue my particular interests. I am undertaking private mediations, as well as conferences for the Family Dispute Resolution Service (formerly RDM) operated by Victoria Legal Aid. I am on the s29A panel with Legal Aid accepting referrals as an independent children’s lawyer. I have well established connections with many professionals from associated areas and support a multidisciplinary approach to family disputes.
What people are saying
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Hello, my aunt had a mediation with Creative Family Law and found things with her partner a lot easier afterwards, she was miserable for a long time and thanks very much because I feel I have my old aunt back.
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I was very impressed with Sue’s mediation service. She was very thorough and professional. Her intake sessions were very useful and helped her both get across the matter and put my client at ease. I would happily use her services again for another of my family law clients requiring mediation.
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Sue and her team were at all times incredibly professional, with excellent guidance given in a compassionate, balanced and sensitive way. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking mediation.
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From my first contact with Marcus, he was nothing but attentive, empathetic, organised and nothing was too much trouble. Susan, I found to be very professional, organised and kept things on track during a very stressful, trying mediation process. She also advised what the options would be if we did not come to a resolution. I would not hesitate to recommend CFLS.
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I couldn’t speak or recommend Susan highly enough. Susan was caring and understanding of the difficult situation and was able to resolve my divorce in a matter of weeks, compared to 18months with other lawyers. Susan was very professional and I am very grateful for her work and the team at Creative Family Law solutions as I had previously lost faith in the system.
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Susan and the whole team at Creative Family Law Solutions were fantastic to deal with. Susan is an excellent mediator who provides clear structure, guidance and expertise in family law mediations, both in relation to property and parenting related matters.
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Creative Family Law always care for their clients. Susan and team were very helpful. Antonia and Marcus were always very accommodating and made me very comfortable. They were all very professional and understanding in handling my case and were accommodating, prompt and reassuring throughout the process.
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The highest of recommendations to Creative Family Law Solutions! After shopping around with many law firms, I can truly say this is the penultimate service. Susan Hamilton-Green was the voice I had been searching for and she represented me exactly as I had expected. It was a huge relief to find the support I so needed I found CFLS to be extremely friendly, warm and cooperative. All staff worked together to make it possible for me to engage their service. Their welcoming manner together with high level of professionalism met my every expectation. Beyond my expectation to be honest.
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Sue was an excellent addition to our family resolution. Although I was initially anxious about the process of an independent children’s lawyer and the impact on my children, she allowed my children to have their own voice in court and even offered to help explain the outcome of proceedings afterwards. I am eternally grateful for her support of the children and highly recommend her services.
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Susan’s strategy enabled me to cope extremely well at mediation…with the notes and mechanisms Susan had equipped me with, I was able to keep the meeting focused and professional. The better than hoped for outcome would not have been achieved without the excellent coaching and guidance I received from Susan, and I will forever be hugely grateful for what she helped me achieve.