Family Dispute Resolution, your way.
Helping families to navigate separation and resolve co-parenting challenges.
What is Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?
Mediation is a dispute resolution process in which parties to a dispute are assisted by an independent third party to help them reach agreement. In the context of Family Law, parties may choose to participate in mediation to help improve communication, resolve existing co-parenting issues and explore solutions to reach a mutually acceptable agreement with their child(ren)’s bests interests in mind.
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specific form of mediation that must be undertaken by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). Where a parenting dispute matter may be dealt with by an order under Part VII or Part XIIIA of the Family Law Act 1975, parties are required to make a genuine effort to resolve the dispute through FDR before filing a parenting application for a Part VII order, unless an exemption from the FDR process applies. The grounds for exemption are set out in section 60I(9) of the Family Law Act 1975.
While FDRP’s are trained to assists parties to resolve some or all issues arising from separation or divorce (see Part II, Division 3 of the Family Law Act 1975) and attempt to help parties reach agreement, they cannot provide legal advice or make decisions for the parties.
Agreements reached in relation to the care of children can be recorded in a Parenting Plan (if signed and dated by each party), giving each party the option to have the mediated agreement made legally binding by applying to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) for consent orders with or without the support of a solicitor.
Parenting Mediation
Parenting Plans
Issuance of a Section 60i Certificate (At the discretion of the FDRP)
Child Inclusive Practice (CIP)
Although separating from your partner may seem overwhelming and unfamiliar, we are here to support you through the Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) process from start to finish. We have streamlined our approach and will answer any questions you may have about the pre-mediation requirements, how we can best meet your mediation needs through online mediation and/or online shuttle mediation options and discuss what next steps to take if you and your ex-partner are able to or unable to reach an agreement upon conclusion of the mediation session.
