Catherine Gale is a senior Family Lawyer and Mediator who has been assisting clients to reach acceptable solutions in Family Law matters for over 40 years.
In 2006, Catherine served as the President of the Law Institute of Victoria and in 2012, President of the Law Council of Australia. In each of those positions, Catherine advocated strongly for alternative dispute resolution processes in the context of family law and was at the forefront of the development of collaborative practice in Australia.
In addition to being a nationally accredited mediator, Catherine is also an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, the author of two books on family law, has extensive teaching experience within the profession both around Australia and Internationally and is a former lecturer at Monash University.
Catherine’s most recent initiative has been developed with a Canadian Family Law Collaborative Lawyer and Mediator, Jacinta Gallant, in conjunction with Nadine Udorovic at Nicholes Family Law. The ‘Our Family in Two Homes’ process is a reflective process designed to assist couples as they separate to maintain respectful and courteous communication, focus on their children’s best interests and build a strong parenting relationship for the future while separating the rest of their lives. It is based on an insight mediation model as opposed to an interest-based meditation model and includes reflective work for the client around their values and family goals.
Qualifications
Catherine is a graduate of the Melbourne University Law School.
Nationally Accredited Mediator.
Government Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Former President of Law Council of Australia, 2012.
Former President of Law Institute of Victoria, 2006.
Board Member, Neerim District Health Service Victoria.
Interests
Outside of work Catherine enjoys breeding and showing Airedale Terriers.
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LATEST NEWS
Catherine Gale Appointed Managing Partner at Resolve Conflict Melbourne, Leading The Way For A Better Way To Resolve Family Law Matters
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Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers and Mediators
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Catherine Gale Appointed Managing Partner at Resolve Conflict Melbourne, Leading The Way For A Better Way To Resolve Family Law Matters
Resolve Conflict's Catherine Gale is the legal firms Managing Partner. As a former President of the Law Council of Australia, Catherine’s leadership marks a significant milestone for the firm, strengthening its position as a premier provider of best property settlement lawyers and mediation services in Victoria.
Catherine Gale, Managing Partner at Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers ensures that clients seeking an affordable family attorney have access to world-class dispute resolution. Her extensive background as a Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) allows the firm to offer streamlined, out-of-court solutions that protect both family well-being and financial assets.
With over four decades of experience, Catherine remains a leading best family law lawyer focused on "Long-term Functioning Families." This transition reinforces Resolve Conflict’s commitment to providing compassionate, authoritative legal guidance for complex divorce and child custody matters.
For more information on Catherine’s practice or to book a consultation, visit Our Team page.
Expert Family Law Services in Melbourne: Resolving Divorce and Child Custody with Managing Partner Catherine Gale
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Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers and Mediators
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Expert Family Law Services in Melbourne: Resolving Divorce and Child Custody with Managing Partner Catherine Gale
As a former President of the Law Council of Australia, Catherine Gale is widely regarded as one of the top family lawyers in Melbourne, offering over 40 years of expertise in divorce, child custody, and complex property settlements.
This profile explores how Catherine Gale’s background as a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner provides clients with a more affordable family attorney alternative to traditional litigation.
A Leadership Legacy in Australian Family Law
Choosing the best family law lawyer requires looking beyond legal knowledge to industry leadership. Catherine Gale is the Managing Partner at Resolve Conflict and a towering figure in the Australian legal landscape. Having served as President of both the Law Institute of Victoria (2006) and the Law Council of Australia (2012), Catherine has spent her career shaping the very standards that define modern family law practice.
Catherine Gale's 40-year career is built on a foundation of academic and professional excellence, including authoring two definitive books on family law and lecturing at prestigious institutions like Monash University.
Specialist Expertise: Beyond the Traditional Divorce Attorney
While many seek a divorce lawyer for courtroom battles, Catherine Gale specialises in, where ever possible, staying out of them. As a Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) and Government Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), she offers a pathway that prioritises the "Long-term Functioning Family."
Her core specialties include:
Complex Property Settlement:Catherine is recognised among the best property settlement lawyers for her ability to divide assets fairly while ensuring parents can maintain the financial stability required to support their children.
Child Custody and Care: As an expert child custody lawyer, Catherine focuses on non-adversarial models that reduce the emotional trauma often inflicted on children during separation.
Dispute Resolution: By utilising mediation, she provides the benefits of an affordable family attorney by containing legal costs and avoiding the "win-loss" exhaustion of the Court system.
The Philosophy of Compassionate Resolution: What distinguishes Catherine as a best family law attorney is her voice - one that is calm, authoritative, and compassionate. Her approach is rooted in the belief that legal intervention should "do no harm."
By choosing a resolution pathway that avoids drawn-out Court proceedings, Catherine helps clients preserve their dignity and their finances. Her methodology is designed to reduce the long-term financial and emotional damage that often follows high-conflict separations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Law in Melbourne
How do I find the best attorney for family law in Melbourne?
Look for practitioners with dual accreditation in law and mediation. Catherine Gale’s status as an FDRP allows her to issue Section 60I certificates, a mandatory requirement for most parenting orders, making her a comprehensive choice for those navigating the legal system.
What makes a property settlement "fair"?
A fair settlement considers future needs, especially those of the children. Catherine Gale works to ensure that asset division enables both parties to move forward with financial security.
Is mediation cheaper than hiring a traditional divorce attorney?
Yes. Choosing a mediator or a collaborative practitioner is generally the most cost-effective way to resolve disputes, as it avoids the high daily fees and lengthy timelines associated with the Family Court.
If you are seeking the best family law lawyer to guide you through a separation with minimal conflict, Catherine Gale offers the experience and steady hand needed for a successful transition.
