Family Dispute Resolution

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a structured way for separated couples to work through decisions about children and finances without going to court.

It provides a space to have a guided conversation, with support, so that decisions can be made in a way that is practical and workable for the future.

You don’t need to be getting along for mediation to work.

People often come to mediation when communication has broken down, or things feel stuck.  The process is structured so that discussions can take place safely and productively, even in difficult circumstances.

FDR can be used to make decisions about:

• parenting arrangements;
• financial matters, including property and child support; and
• other family-related issues where agreement is needed.

In FDR a neutral third party (the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner) guides the conversation and helps keep it focused and constructive.

Sessions are conducted online and can take place:

• with everyone together in the same online session; or
• separately (shuttle mediation), with each person participating from a separate online space.

Lawyers or support people can also be involved where appropriate.

FDR is not suitable in every situation. Before any joint session, I meet with each person individually to assess whether mediation is appropriate and how it should be conducted.  This includes considering safety, communication dynamics; and how each person is coping with the separation.

How the process works

Step 1 – Initial individual appointments

Before any joint session, I meet with each of you individually.

These appointments usually take 60-90 minutes and provide an opportunity to:

• understand your situation
• talk through any concerns; and
• consider whether mediation is suitable.

You can arrange an appointment at any time – either before or after the other person has agreed to participate.

Step 2 – Invitation

The next step is to invite the other person to take part in mediation.

You can do this yourself, or I can contact them on your behalf.

If a certificate may be required (for example, if the other person does not respond or declines to participate), the invitation will need to come from me.

Step 3 – Mediation session

If both of you are willing to proceed, and mediation is assessed as appropriate, the next step is a joint session.

Joint sessions are usually three hours long and are conducted online.

Depending on the issues to be discussed, more than one session may be needed. After your pre-mediation appointments I can give you an indication of what to expect.

If you’re unsure whether mediation is suitable, a free 15 minute conversation is a good place to start.

If you’re ready to begin, you can arrange an individual appointment at any time.

Family Dispute Resolution is optional for financial matters – but it is often a cost-effective and practical way to reach agreement.

Where children are involved, people must attempt FDR before applying to the court for parenting orders (unless an exception applies). I am authorised to issue certificates (commonly known as ‘s60I certificates’) confirming that FDR has been attempted, was not appropriate, or that one party did not participate.