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Family Dispute Resolution and Separation Mediation
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specialised form of family mediation that endeavours to discover suitable options to agree upon, in regard to family-related disputes. This form of dispute resolution assists separating couples or separated families to reach their own mutual agreements in relation to their child or children and future parenting arrangements to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved for all parties involved.
What is Family Mediation?
Family Mediation or FDR is a specific type of mediation that follows a structured process and is conducted by an independent Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). This service aims at assisting separated families to come to their own agreements in relation to their children and parenting arrangements. It’s an effective way to resolve disputes between ex-partners and is facilitated by one of our experienced mediators who acts as a neutral third party.
Utilising a versatile yet structured approach, our highly experienced family mediators facilitate the family dispute resolution process between ex-partners to ensure the most beneficial and child-centred outcome is reached. It is a helpful way to assist families to reach respective agreements about what should happen following separation or divorce and is a viable solution to attending court.
Depending on your specific needs, your mediation can be undertaken in person at a location of your choosing, over the phone or online via video conference. After our intake meeting, we can best determine the most appropriate session method to pursue and discuss convenient times that suit you and your ex-partner to commence the family dispute resolution process.
Our mediation services are always conducted in the best interest of your child or children. This means that they remain protected from abuse, neglect, physical or psychological harm and domestic family violence. Mediation facilitates both parents having a meaningful relationship in their child or children’s lives, whereby the children are able to reach their full potential with the love and support of both parents and significant others.
At AID Resolutions, we are here to help you when you need it most, providing appointments during normal business hours, after work hours and weekends on request. To further discuss your family mediation requirements in more detail, speak with our experienced family mediator today!
AID Resolutions Family Mediation Services
All Inclusive Dispute Resolutions are here to help families move forward with their lives. Our family dispute resolution services cover child custody matters, parenting arrangements and financial and property-related disputes pertaining to the family. We can also work with lawyers to help you achieve the best outcome for your children and you and your ex-partner.
No matter if you’re in a de-facto relationship, recently divorced or separated, and with one or several children, we can help you discover the best way forward for everyone involved.
It’s important to keep in mind that whilst the FDRP does not make a decision for the parties or offers legal advice, they act as a neutral but supportive third party throughout the family mediation process. The parties that are involved in the matter shape the final outcome of the mediation and are empowered to work together to come to a collective agreement.
Leading Gold Coast Family Dispute Resolution Provider
Our team are here to assist with effective family dispute resolution services for you and your family, no matter its dynamics or size. Working with you through the mediation process, we will provide a calm and conducive setting for you and the other involved parties to openly discuss the issues at hand and work on finding the most suitable resolution.
FDR is a practical alternative to court proceedings as it takes considerably less time, is more cost-effective and is a far less intimidating process compared to going through the legal system. Here at AID Resolutions, we strive to provide a comfortable and welcoming space for both parties to constructively discuss their issues and come to an accepted & suitable arrangement moving forward.
From the start of the process to the agreement and resolution following family mediation, AID Resolutions’ family dispute resolution practitioners provide individualised attention and a relaxed & personalised approach that ensures your family dispute case is much more manageable. For more information about our FDR and family mediation services, contact us today!
Get in touch to explore your Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation Needs
At AID Resolutions, we understand you may have some questions about family mediation, the process and how to best prepare for it. Call us directly or fill out your details below and one of our team will contact you as soon as possible!
Why Seek Family Mediation
Here at AID Resolutions, we seek to provide a child-focused outcome, offering total peace of mind for both parties moving forward into the future. Family Mediation allows separating parents to openly and constructively discuss and make decisions about their children’s lives with the guidance and assistance of a qualified and experienced mediator.
Recruiting the services of an accredited FDRP may be necessary to assist you in reaching a mutual agreement with your former partner for a variety of reasons. These include;
It is compulsory under Australian family law for separated parents to attempt FDR before applying to a family court for parenting orders (except in limited circumstances).
Family Dispute Resolution allows parents to retain control of decision making for their children. As a parent, you know your children and family better than the judges, with agreements being able to be met promptly and cost-effectively.
A Parenting Plan documents the agreement you and your ex-partner reach during the FDR process. This could include how the child or children spend time with each parent, outline day-to-day responsibilities of each parent and details how the parents will communicate and consult each other on long-term decisions for the children.
A parenting plan is not legally binding, however, consent orders can be drafted and filed without the need for a court hearing if both parents wish for the plan to become legally binding.
Where appropriate, children can be included in the family mediation process, with AID Resolutions providing an in-house child consultant if required. This could be an opportunity for children to privately & openly discuss their thoughts and feelings in a calm, safe and supportive setting without bias. We can then present the voice of the child and share vital information with the parents to assist in their mediation decision making.
You can request a Section 60I Certificate from the FDRP after displaying a genuine effort to resolve the dispute via FDR. Attendance and a valid attempt at mediation have to be undertaken in order for a certificate to be issued. Following its issue, this certificate enables both parties to apply to the Family Court to commence subsequent legal proceedings.
Why Pursue FDR & Separation Mediation
At AID Resolutions, we provide confidential, respectful and compassionate FDR and separation mediation services for couples, de facto relationships and separating families.
Our highly experienced mediators can assist you in dealing with the complexities and complications of separation, family-related issues and divorce, including parenting, property & financial arrangements.
Mediation helps separating families, separated parents & separated couples avoid the need to attend court and instead, settle existing disputes in a relaxed and informal setting. With the presence of one of our experienced mediators, both involved parties are given the opportunity to work out their own solution & agree on their specific terms for one another moving forward.
Confidential &
Respectful
Empowering
Process
No Need to
Attend Court
Avoid Exorbitant
Legal Fees
Benefits of Separation & Family Mediation
vs Court
At AID Resolutions, we specialise in providing mediation services for a variety of disputes, including family-related matters pertaining to separation, financial and property settlement, divorce, parenting arrangements and child support. We strive to provide quality separation mediation and divorce dispute resolution services with a tailored, resolution-focused approach to our client’s specific needs.
01
Quicker Alternative to Court
The mediation process can be completed in a couple of weeks, which is far quicker than going through the legal system and having to attend court.
02
Informal & Flexible
Mediation is an informal yet structured process whereby the mediator acts as a supportive & neutral presence for both parties. Courts are more formal, intimidating and can be a lot more adversarial in nature.
03
Gives Parties Control
Mediation allows parties to participate directly in the process of reaching a mutual agreement, giving parties more control over the final outcome.
04
Confidential & Private
Your family mediation is confidential and takes place in a private setting whereas court proceedings are open to the public & kept on record.
05
Cost-Effective Solution
Mediation costs are significantly less than going through the court system and are a more affordable option to pursue.
06
Promotes Open Communication
Family Mediation promotes direct communication between the parties, opening up pathways for solutions and agreement to occur, whereas the court process can be more confronting and combative.
Simple & Effective Dispute Resolution for Families
Speak with an AID Resolutions FDRP
Perform Initial Intake Session
Conduct In-Person or Online Family Mediation
Reach a Suitable Resolution
Section 60I Certificates
Section 60i Certificates are a legal requirement under Family Law and must be issued prior to applying for a Court Order.
AID Resolutions’ registered FDRPs can provide attendees with a Section 60i Certificate as needed, however, a valid attempt to engage in mediation must be made before issuing to the involved parties.
Under the Family Law Act 1975, parents with children are required to make a genuine attempt to resolve their parenting or family dispute through mediation. This process is conducted by a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) prior to being issued with a Court Order.
The Australian Legal System requires you & your ex-partner to attempt FDR first to come to a parenting arrangement for your child or children before seeking litigation. If mediation fails, or if the dispute is not appropriate for mediation, the FDRP will then issue the parties with a Section 60I Certificate. Once this is issued, the dispute can then be formally brought before the courts.
Even if you don’t believe mediation will work for your situation, Australian Law requires you to attempt to resolve your parenting dispute by attending Family Mediation or FDR with an accredited FDRP.
The first step involves booking an initial mediation intake session, whereby the mediator and each party discuss their dispute/s individually. The sessions can be conducted in person, online or via telephone. This session allows the mediator to obtain vital details regarding the dispute at hand and to assess whether mediation is appropriate for the matter at hand.
During the intake meeting, the mediator will explain the mediation process to each of the involved parties and assist them in preparing for the process. This gives the parties a confidential setting to present their ‘side of the story’, outline what they would like to achieve in terms of a parenting agreement and make the mediator aware of any concerns they may have moving forward.
An FDRP may consider mediation as an unsuitable option for certain situations. These include;
- Existing orders or criminal charges from the court that prevent mediation
- History of violence between the parties
- Risks or Concerns regarding wellbeing, health & safety of a party/parties
- Concerns regarding the capacity of a party to make decisions for themselves or inability to fully participate in the mediation process
It is valid for 12 months from the last date of mediation or an attempt to mediate your dispute, giving you a year to instigate court proceedings. However, parties can attempt to engage in FDR or Family Mediation if their circumstances have changed over time, and their situation has now become suitable for mediation to occur.
Refusal to attend FDR or mediation.
The Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner deemed the matter to be unsuitable for mediation.
The parties made a genuine effort to resolve the issues between them, however, they were unable to reach a mutual agreement.
The parties attended mediation but one or more parties did not make a genuine attempt to resolve the dispute/s.
The parties began the mediation process but the FDRP decided it was not appropriate to continue the process.
Co-Parenting Family Mediation Services
With Australia’s separation and divorce rates on the rise, more and more families are requiring mediation now more than ever before. When children are involved, parents are understandably concerned about how such a major change will impact their future. At AID Resolutions, we seek to provide comprehensive and child-focused FDR services that consider the wellbeing of the parents as well as the children.
Co-parenting mediation can assist if a disagreement exists regarding custody, decision making, visitation schedules, or child support. It can help separated parents take control of their lives and make joint decisions about their children’s future. Parents can choose to keep their mediation agreement between themselves or file it in Family Court to make it legally binding.
Speak to AID Resolutions today to find out how our Family Mediators can help you & your ex-partner find ways to reach a beneficial agreement moving forward.
AID Resolutions provides family mediation services that help create a more stable, conducive and cooperative environment in which co-parenting can happen successfully. Whilst divorce or separation signals the end of a relationship for adults, it is not the end of a family for children.
A thoughtful and child-focused parenting plan can be devised when your partnership changes through separation or divorce and your children will no longer be residing in only one household. As you embark on your new life as a separated couple, undergoing the FDR process can provide you with peace of mind for your children’s current and future wellbeing.
Face-to-Face Family Mediation & Online Dispute Resolution Services
At AID Resolutions, we’re here for you every step of the way. Offering supportive and confidential face-to-face separation mediation and family dispute resolution services for Gold Coast and Brisbane based clients, as well as nationwide online family mediation services.
We endeavour to assist all parties involved in reaching amicable and enduring agreements to ensure the best possible outcome for your family moving forward. Our online family mediation service allows you to resolve disputes with ease, without the need for additional travel or unnecessary stress.
AID Resolutions’ virtual family dispute resolution service can also be carried out from anywhere in Australia and allows you to do so in the comfort of your own home or at another preferred location.
How Does Family Mediation Work?
AID Resolutions’ Family Dispute Resolution Process
At AID Resolutions, our primary focus is you and your children’s needs. Our family mediation process is specifically structured to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved for all family members involved, in a calm and conducive setting.
Our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will work directly with you and your ex-partner to:
- List, identify and clarify the issues in dispute
- Encourage open communication
- Focus on the best ways to support your children and their future
- Explore personalised options that work for your family situation
- Negotiate suitable solutions
- Reach agreements that provide clarity moving forward
We can also discuss specific time arrangements for each parent, education-related issues, contact with other family members, financial concerns, blended families, special needs and managing future conflicts. Our FDRP will help faciltate the reaching of a mutual agreement regarding your child or children, and follows the below steps;
Contact AID Resolutions
For an obligation-free discussion to explore your needs
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to perform family mediation varies, depending on the complexity of the dispute and the number of disputing parties or people involved in the matter. The average mediation lasts only four hours, but can easily extend to several weeks.
The short answer is no. However, if you reach an agreement, you can make it legally enforceable by lodging it with the court as consent orders.
Fees are quoted per person/ per hour or per person/ per session. This is because, in most cases, each party will pay for their own fees for the duration of the service. It means that each party then has a vested interest in progressing matters and getting to an agreement.
Family dispute resolution won’t work unless each person involved agrees to attend. If one person refuses to go, you may need to apply to the court to resolve your dispute. You’ll need to explain to the court that you’ve asked for FDR, but the other person has refused to attend the session. In this case, Section 60I certificate may be issued to the person that wanted to attend the mediation process.
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