Meet Our Mediators

Family Law Mediators Brisbane
Toowoomba, Warwick & Gold Coast

Experienced, Compassionate,

and Here to Help You Move Forward.

At Brisbane Family Mediation Centre, we know how hard separation can be—and how important it is to feel safe, supported and heard. That’s why our mediators bring not just legal experience, but empathy, calmness and clarity to every conversation.

Separation is hard—but the process to move forward doesn’t have to be. At Brisbane Family Mediation Centre, our mediators, Clarissa Rayward and Michael Foote, are here to help you navigate this next chapter with clarity, calm, and confidence.

Clarissa and Michael are experienced, independent mediators who create a safe and respectful space for honest conversation. While they can’t give legal advice, they’ll keep the process fair, balanced, and focused—making sure both voices are heard and that key issues, like the wellbeing of your children, stay front and centre.

Whether you need support working through parenting, property, or both, they’ll guide you through each step of mediation—and help you understand what comes next, including how to turn any agreement into something more formal if needed.

We’re here to guide you through each step of the mediation process so you can find workable solutions and a way forward that makes sense for your family.

Family Law Mediators Brisbane
Toowoomba, Warwick & Gold Coast

Meet Our Mediators

At Brisbane Family Mediation Centre, we know that separation is hard, and having the right support makes all the difference.

Clarissa Rayward is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, mediator and collaborative professional with over 20 years’ experience helping families find positive ways forward. She brings a mix of expertise, compassion and creativity to every mediation.

Michael Foote is a mediator and collaborative lawyer who is known for his calm nature and steady guidance. He helps clients cut through the conflict to find practical, lasting solutions.

Together, Clarissa and Michael believe mediation gives families the best chance to resolve conflict with respect and care.

Clarissa Rayward

Mediator
Collaborative Family Lawyer
Director, Brisbane Family Mediation Centre
Director, Brisbane Family Law Centre

For over two decades, Clarissa has helped separating families find calm in the chaos. A nationally accredited mediator, collaborative family lawyer, and author, she is known for her compassionate, practical approach to resolving conflict with care.

Clarissa founded Brisbane Family Law Centre with a vision to help families stay out of court and move through separation with dignity. She brings that same vision to her work at BFMC—helping clients have the right conversations, at the right time, in the right way.

“My role is simple: help you talk, listen, and move forward — even when it feels impossible. That’s the power of mediation.”

Michael Foote

Mediator
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
Collaborative Coach
Collaborative Family Lawyer
Brisbane Family Mediation Centre
Lawyer, Brisbane Family Law Centre

Michael is a calm, steady presence during what can often be an emotional and uncertain time. With a background in both law and mediation, Michael brings a thoughtful, down-to-earth style to his work with families.

You will appreciate Michael’s ability to listen deeply, explain clearly, and gently guide them in the mediation process as they work towards practical, future-focused agreements—whether they’re working through parenting arrangements or property settlements.

“I believe mediation gives people the opportunity to be heard, feel empowered, and take ownership in the outcome.”

View Our Mediators' Availability.

Step 1: View Clarissa or Michael’s available dates.

Step 2: To secure a mediation date, complete this enquiry form and our team will be in touch.

Parenting & Property Mediator

Clarissa Rayward

Found an available date? Enquire via this online form and our team will be in touch.

Parenting & Property Mediator | Collaborative Coach

Michael Foote

Family Law Mediators Brisbane
Toowoomba, Warwick & Gold Coast

We're Here for You.

We work with families across Australia—offering in-person mediation in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Warwick and on the Gold Coast at a venue agreed between the parties. For families where in-person mediation is not possible, we can hold mediation online via Zoom.

No matter where you’re located, our focus is the same: helping you find a better way forward.

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