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Family Dispute Resolution

Support for separating families to reach agreements on parenting plans. FDR is predominately for parents but may include others who have been significantly involved in the child’s life.

 

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Mediation

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation focuses on children’s needs and resolving disputes as an alternative to Court.

The aim of mediation is to help parents resolve conflict and come to mutual agreements. Resolving issues through mediation also reduces the conflict that children experience.

Our Family Dispute Resolution service helps parents to:

  • consider and focus on the needs of their children

  • clarify important issues

  • listen to each other

  • resolve issues together

  • communicate respectfully

  • develop a parenting plan to set out arrangements for your children

  • find outcomes that are fair for everyone, especially children

 

Many separated or separating parents who access FDR are able to come to agreement on issues relating to the welfare of their children, without the need to go to Court.

Our FDR practitioners lead these sessions and help participants discuss family issues, with a focus on making decisions in the best interest of the children involved.

FDR Practitioners are impartial and will not take sides. A qualified practitioner can help you to explore family issues in an objective and positive way, and resolve conflict to come to a mutual agreement.

Who is this service for?

  • Predominately separated parents, but may also involve others significantly involved in the child’s life, including granparents.

  • Separated families who require support to manage contact or shared care arrangements for their children.

Fees

Please contact your nearest location below to receive a fee schedule.

At CCV we believe everyone should be able to access support for a better life. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we can discuss payment options for you.

This service is subsidised by the Commonwealth Government Department of Social Services.

Locations

Family Dispute Resolution is offered at the following locations:

 

Got questions? Send us an enquiry or give us a call: 1800 123 228

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FAQs

No, while we work in the context of the Family Law Act, our FDR practitioners are not practicing lawyers and do not provide legal advice. We encourage both parents to seek independent legal advice.

No, FDR practitioners do not provide counselling. However, we can refer you to one of our counsellors to address issues such as coping with stress and anxiety caused by the separation. We offer counselling to children, adolescents and adults to help everyone cope with changes within the family structure.

Generally, FDR is a service that does not involve the Court. FDR is designed to help you avoid having to ask a Court to make decisions about your children and your money.

 

However, where children’s issues are being negotiated, Courts will usually require people to attempt FDR before attending Court. In these cases, we can provide a certificate to confirm that you have undertaken FDR with us.

Enquiry Form

For more information or to book an appointment, please complete the form below

Please visit our FAQs for any general enquiries.

Related pages

Client rights and responsibilities

Information for clients and service users

Child Safety

We actively work to listen to, empower and protect children

You might also be interested in

Children's Contact Service Parenting Orders Programs Property Dispute Resolution

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