- 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.