• It’s practical, confidential and it works!
• If you can resolve your differences, you’ll save yourself time, money and stress!
• Your FDR practitioner can help you look at problems in an objective and alternative way.
• They will assist you in communicating with your partner in an open and non-confrontational manner.
• If children are involved, the focus is on your children’s interests and needs.

What is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?

•  FDR is the legal term for services like mediation that assist couples going through a divorce or separation.
• Mediation is a process in which a trained, independent and impartial person will help you isolate issues in a dispute, develop and consider options, and attempt to reach a workable agreement.​

Is FDR Compulsory?

From 1 July 2008 FDR became a requirement before you can apply to court for a parenting order. So, if you are getting divorced and there are children involved, you do need to go through mediation before applying to court unless:

• You are applying for a consent order
• You are responding to an application
• The matter is urgent
• There has been or is a risk of family violence or child abuse
• A person is unable to participate effectively in mediation (due to incapacity or geographical limitations) or
• A person has contravened and shown a serious disregard for a court order made in the last 12 months.