FAQs

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) or Family Mediation, is a supported structured process, similar to a business meeting, where separated parents have the opportunity to work out their parenting arrangements or property settlement.

A Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP - the mediator) structures and facilitates the mediation, supports communication, and helps parents work through and resolve disputes without taking sides.

Our Mediators are accredited with the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department to provide family mediation services throughout Australia. People choose our service as our practitioners have considerable experience in supporting parents in building an ongoing parental alliance.

The law requires separating families who have a dispute about children to make a genuine effort to try to sort it out through FDR before filing an application for parenting orders in court.

When and FDRP deems mediation not suitable or parents don’t reach a full agreement an FDRP can issue a s60i certificate which can be used to apply to the Court for a parenting order.

When we are contacted by a parent who would like to use our mediation services, our first step after our initial screening, is to contact the other parent and invite them to attend the mediation process. Unlike a lawyer we are not representing one parent, but are facilitating for both parents.

We will send the other parent an invite email or letter and then follow up with a phone call.

It is important that you respond to our letter as soon as possible. If you have a lawyer you can ask them for advice regarding your invite to mediation.

The main thing is respond to us to let us know if you have any questions and whether you will be willing to attend mediation.

If we don’t hear from you in the time given or you decide not to attend mediation, the other parent has the option of requesting a Section 60I certificate which is needed to file an application with the court if they wish.

There is no simple answer to this question as each family and situation is different. It depends on the number and complexity of issues being discussed.

The preparation for mediation is essential and starts with an Intake and Assessment for both parents before the mediation.

Each mediation session is from 2-6 hours.

There may be between 1 and 6 mediations but every case is unique.

Some families have complex issues to deal with, and other families have mostly worked out their parenting or property arrangements and come to mediation to finalise things.

When a dispute can be resolved through mediation, it is likely to be significantly less expensive than having to go to court.

Make a time for your free initial enquiry session to see if mediation is right for your situation and to find out how much.

Let us know if you are on a low income or experiencing financial difficulties and we may be able to offer a reduced rate.