Family Dispute Resolution
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is an out-of-court mediation process to assist families to make decisions about children. The main purpose is to discuss the needs of the children however sometimes mediators will permit discussion about other issues if it helps toward getting an agreement about the children. It is accessed primarily through two nationwide organisations: Fairway and Family Works.
The mediator will help participants identify the issues they wish to talk about FDR is a prerequisite to filing an on-notice Care of Children Act Application in the Family Court. A Judge may also direct parties to attend Family Dispute Resolution after court proceedings have begun if the Judge believes it will assist the parties to resolve some or all of their dispute. All FDR mediation hours can be used within a 12-month period for each dispute (even if the same parties are involved). Note this is different from the eligibility for Family Legal Advice Service funding (to see a lawyer), which is only accessible once every 12-month period per case (e.g. if the parties to the dispute are the same). Call us if you get confused about this! A person might be exempted from FDR if there is a barrier to participation (e.g. family violence) or the other party refuses to attend.
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Ebborn Law supports the resolution of parenting disputes using the Family Dispute Resolution service.
We feel this is often results in a positive outcome for the child or children, rather than a drawn-out dispute through the Family Court.
We feel this is often results in a positive outcome for the child or children, rather than a drawn-out dispute through the Family Court.