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Family Dispute Resolution
for more information & bookings
Our Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services assist separating and divorcing couples and their children to resolve disputes without needing to take action in the Family Court. With the assistance of an impartial third party, family dispute resolution helps identify issues and together we develop a range of options and alternatives. We aim to reach a settlement that is suitable to all.
The Family Law Act requires separating families to make a genuine effort to resolve their parenting issues at FDR before making an application to court (although some exceptions apply). Currently there are no legal requirements to resolve financial issues before applying to court, however Family Dispute Resolution is the quickest and most cost effective process for reaching a settlement.
Each party meets separately with a FDR practitioner for a confidential assessment. If FDR is appropriate, a joint mediation is scheduled. If you are discussing property or financial matters, we may suggest that you obtain legal advice.
We deal with issues relating to children, parenting plans, contact with grandparents, blended family issues, parent and adolescent issues, communication breakdowns, relocation, passports, property and financial issues.
All family dispute resolution/mediation fees are subsidised and are reasonable.
We also offer Parents 4 Life – an online pre-mediation course that helps you get the most out of mediation. It provides information on what’s helpful and harmful for children as they try to navigate their parent’s separation.
Our FDR service is offered at all of our Family Centres.
60I CERTIFICATES
60i certificates are part of the mediation process and used when the case is deemed not suitable for mediation due to one of these reasons:
- The person did not attend FDR due to the refusal or failure of the other person or people to attend
- The person did not attend FDR because the practitioner did not consider it would be appropriate to conduct FDR
- The people attended FDR, conducted by the practitioner, and all people made a genuine effort to resolve the issue in dispute
- The people attended FDR, conducted by the practitioner, but one or more of them did not make a genuine effort to resolve the issue or issue in dispute
- The people began FDR, but part way through the practitioner decided it was not appropriate to continue.
This service is offered at all of our Family Centres.
Helps separating and divorcing couples and their children to resolve disputes without needing to take action in the Family Court
Our Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation Services
Family breakdown is a reality we don’t like to face. The decision to divorce is never easy, and as anyone who has been through it will tell you, the painful experience can scar adults and children for many years. Getting the right support, at the right time can reduce the long-term impact … and that’s where we can help.
We're newly separated - what's next and preparing for mediation
Family breakdown is a reality we don’t like to face. Getting the right support, at the right time can reduce the long-term impact … and that’s where we can help.
Effective communication during separation
Separation can be hard and is likely to affect every aspect of your life. Making good choices when communicating can be very helpful in an already stressful situation.
Controlling your emotions during separation
It’s really common to experience strong feelings during separation. Here we explain why these strong feelings can sometimes take over and how you might better manage those moments.
Protecting the children during separation
It can be difficult for parents to know how to best support their children while managing the challenges that come with separation. Kids do not have to be negatively impacted in the long-term.
The importance of co-parenting
It can take some time for two parents to get to the point where they can say their co-parenting relationship is going well. For most families, there is always room for improvement but we’re here to give you some tips to accentuate the positive and work towards resolving any conflicts.
