FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES

 Family Dispute Resolution is a special type of mediation for helping  separating families to come to reach their own agreements about their  children or finances. 

During Family Dispute Resolution families will discuss the issues in dispute and consider different options, while being encouraged to focus on the needs and best interests of their children.

The Family Dispute Resolution session is conducted by a neutral and accredited Family  Dispute Resolution practitioner. A Family Dispute Resolution  Practitioner is qualified to issue a section 60I certificate which allows parents to proceed to Family Court if the mediation is not  appropriate or successful. 

Separated parents are required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before applying to Family Court for parenting orders. 

There are some exceptions to this including but not limited to: 

• When you are formalising an agreement through ‘consent orders’
• Where family violence or child abuse is a factor
• Urgent issues

Promotes a co-parenting relationship

Family Dispute Resolution promotes cooperation and communication between parents, assisting their ongoing relationship. 

Time and cost-effective 

Family Dispute Resolution reduces the cost of legal fees and is faster than the court process. 

Solution-focused 

Family Dispute Resolution encourages parents to come to an agreement  that is in the best interests of their children. Further, it allows parents to maintain control of the decision-making process and make decisions right for their own families. 

This results in more effective conflict resolution and greater longevity, as people are less likely to  breach agreements that they have made themselves.

1. First, we will conduct our initial intake session with the parent who has engaged our services.

2. We will then contact the other party and schedule their intake session. 

3. Once we have conducted an intake session with both parties, we will determine whether your matter is appropriate for Family Dispute Resolution. If the matter is not appropriate, we will issue a section 60I certificate allowing you to proceed to Family Court. 

4. If your matter is considered appropriate, you will be booked in for a 3 hour mediation session.

5. If you reach an agreement in the session, we will draft a mediation agreement or parenting plan that reflects the agreement. 

6. If an agreement could not be reached in the session, we can book  another session if appropriate. Alternatively, we can  will issue you with a section 60I certificate. 

A Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner can issue a section 60I certificate in each of the following circumstances:
  

1. The person did not attend Family Dispute Resolution due to the refusal or failure of the other person or people to attend.  

2. The person did not attend Family Dispute Resolution because the practitioner did not consider it would be appropriate to conduct Family Dispute Resolution.

3. The people attended Family Dispute Resolution, conducted by the practitioner, and all people made a genuine effort to resolve the issue or issues in dispute.

4. The people attended Family Dispute Resolution, conducted by the practitioner, but one or more of them did not make a genuine effort to resolve the issue or issues in dispute.

5. The people began Family Dispute Resolution, but part way through the practitioner decided it was not appropriate to continue. 

 In each case, the section 60I certificate will note the relevant reason why the certificate has been issued.

 

The initial intake session takes place by phone consult. 

The mediation sessions can take place in-person or online, depending on preference of the parties, and what is deemed appropriate for a particular matter.