Family Dispute Resolution

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specialist form of mediation that is specifically designed to assist couples and families affected by separation and divorce.

The sessions are tailored to facilitate calm discussions around, and solutions to, family disputes. Most people know FDR as ‘family mediation’.

The Family Law Act 1975 requires separated parents and couples to make a genuine effort to resolve their parenting and property disputes through FDR before initiating legal proceedings.

As accredited FDR Practitioners we are able to issue parties with the required Section 60I Certificate to initiate court proceedings for parenting disputes if FDR does not resolve the dispute.

FDR is a highly successful process that produces results and allows people to reach an agreement without the need for Court or expensive legal fees.

Fees

Pre-Litigation Fees: 
Intake – $330 per person
3-hour Parenting Mediation – $700 per person
3-hour Property Mediation – $850 per person
Full Day Mediation/Combined Parenting and Property Mediation – $1,500 per person

In-Litigation Fees: 
Intake – $330 per person
3-hour Parenting Mediation – $850 per person
3-hour Property Mediation – $1,000 per person
Full Day Mediation/Combined Parenting and Property Mediation – $1,750 per person

General Mediation Fees (Mediation other than Family Law):
Intake – $330 per person
Half Day Mediation – $850 per person
Full Day Mediation – $1,750 per person

You can learn more about FDR, including FAQ’s and more about the process and our fees by contacting us for an information pack.

Child Consultation 

Child Consultation is a chance for parents to hear from their children about how they are experiencing living between two homes. The aim is to help parents implement some of what they learn into their agreements thereby supporting their child’s developmental, emotional and psychological wellbeing during different stages of separation.

Child Consultation is a voluntary process just like mediation. However, Article 12 of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) stipulates that “Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child”.

We are strong believers that children have a lot to share about living between two homes that can be very helpful for parents to remain child focused in their negotiations, it also demonstrates to children that their views and opinions matter which is important for their development.

Fees

Intake – $330 per parent
Meeting with One Child – $350 per parent
Each Additional Child – $250 per parent
Feedback with Parents and Mediator – $330 per parent

Parenting Coordination 

Parenting Coordination is an alternate dispute resolution process provided by specialist practitioners for separated parents who remain in high conflict after final parenting orders or parenting plan have been made.

Parenting Coordination combines assessment, education, case management, conflict management and negotiation in a tightly managed process with the aim of supporting parents to resolve disputes without further court intervention.

Please contact us for our Parenting Coordination Information booklet for further information about this process and how it might be of assistance to you.

Fees: 

Intake – $330 per parent
Joint Session – $400 per parent
Additional Work Per Hour – $300 per parent