We help parents, former partners and carers affected by relationship breakdowns to avoid or end protracted, and often costly, litigation

 

Family law mediation is a practical, faster, less stressful, more efficient and cost-effective way for separating families to sort out parenting and financial arrangements.

 

Instead of decisions being imposed by a court, mediation enables clients, with the assistance of a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) or a Nationally Accredited Mediator, to take control of the process and the outcome. 

​

We help clients to discuss issues, look at options, and work out how best to reach an agreement.

​

​

FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Since 1 July 2007, FDR, a form of conflict resolution, has been compulsory for anyone intending to make an application to the court in relation to children (some exceptions apply). It may also be court-ordered. This is to encourage parents to try to agree on arrangements without having to go to court.

​

To apply to the court, the parent must provide the court with a “section 60I certificate” which states that they have attempted to resolve their dispute in FDR. To issue a certificate, the FDRP must be accredited by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department. 

​

If the other parent refuses or fails to attend, or attends but fails to make a genuine effort to resolve the issues in dispute, there can be legal repercussions including being ordered by the court to attend FDR or being ordered to pay the other parent’s legal costs. 

​

If considered appropriate by the FDRP and agreed by the parties (or court-ordered), we can facilitate child-inclusive FDR and/or lawyer-assisted FDR that is non-adversarial and child-focussed.

​

FDR can also be used on a voluntary basis for:

​

• Financial matters - pre-action procedure and during court proceedings

​​

• Parenting matters - where a section 60I certificate is not required and during court proceedings

​

When FDR is court-ordered during proceedings, a Certificate of Dispute Resolution can be issued.