Professional Guidance for Family Disputes

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a mediation process that assists separating and separated families to resolve disputes and reach practical agreements without unnecessary court proceedings.
Mediation provides a structured and impartial process in which participants can discuss the issues in dispute, consider options and work towards an agreed outcome.
FDR is commonly used to assist parents to resolve parenting and children’s matters and may also be appropriate for other family disputes, including property and financial matters.

Family Law Mediation – $850 per party

Our Services

Family Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution (FDR).

A structured approach to resolving family disputes

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a mediation process that assists separating and separated families to resolve disputes and reach practical agreements without unnecessary court proceedings.

Mediation provides a structured and impartial process in which participants can discuss the issues in dispute, consider options and work towards an agreed outcome.

FDR is commonly used to assist parents to resolve parenting and children’s matters and may also be appropriate for other family disputes, including property and financial matters.

Parenting Mediation

Working towards practical arrangements for children

Parenting disputes can be difficult for everyone involved. Parenting mediation provides an opportunity for parents to discuss their concerns and consider arrangements that may work for their children and family.

Discussions may include living arrangements, time with each parent, school arrangements, holidays and travel, changeovers, communication, decision-making and future parenting arrangements.

The focus is on helping participants communicate effectively and explore options that are practical and appropriate for their circumstances.

Property & Financial Mediation

Addressing financial issues following separation

Separation can raise complex questions about property and finances.

Mediation may assist participants to discuss matters concerning the family home, investment properties, businesses, superannuation, bank accounts and savings, debts and liabilities, assets, financial contributions and the division of property.

The mediation process provides an opportunity to identify the issues in dispute, consider relevant information and explore possible options for resolution.

Mediation Options

Joint, shuttle and online mediation

Mediation does not necessarily require participants to be in the same room.

Depending on the circumstances and assessment of suitability, mediation may be conducted by:

Joint mediation — participants attend mediation together with the mediator.

Shuttle mediation — participants remain in separate rooms while the mediator facilitates communication and negotiations between them.

Online mediation — participants join by video conference, including from separate locations or separate virtual rooms.

The appropriate format will be considered as part of the intake and assessment process.

Section 60I Certificates

Understanding the FDR process

Where Family Dispute Resolution concerns a parenting dispute, a Section 60I certificate may be relevant before certain parenting proceedings are commenced.

There are circumstances in which an exemption may apply. Where applicable, the relevant certificate can be issued following the FDR process.

The Mediation Process

01

Initial Enquiry

Discuss your circumstances and whether mediation may be appropriate.

02

Intake & Assessment

Each participant undertakes the necessary individual intake and assessment.

03

Preparation

The issues are identified and participants are prepared for mediation.

04

Mediation

The mediator facilitates a structured discussion and assists participants to explore options.

05

Resolution

Where agreement is reached, participants can consider the appropriate way to document and formalise their agreement.

Is mediation suitable?

Mediation is not appropriate in every circumstance.

As part of the intake and assessment process, consideration is given to matters relevant to safety, family violence, bargaining power and each participant’s ability to participate effectively.

Where appropriate, the mediation process or format may be adapted to the circumstances.

Find Out More

Considering Family Mediation?

If you are considering family mediation, Family Dispute Resolution, parenting mediation or property and financial mediation, contact us to discuss your circumstances and the next steps.

Enquire About Mediation