Harley & Co Mediators

What is Family Dispute Resolution?

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a special type of mediation that helps separated parents and others relatives, or those concerned with the care of a child such as grandparents and step-parents, agree arrangements for the children. During FDR, those involved with the child discuss the issues in dispute and consider different options, while being encouraged to focus on the best interests of the children. A neutral, trained, qualified and accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), such as Guy Harley, chairs the FDR.

The main objective of FDR is to assist them to make a child focussed parenting plan setting out the agreed future parenting arrangements for the children. It is a practical, less stressful and low-cost way for separated families to sort out future parenting arrangements with professional help.

Any aspect of the care, welfare or development of a child can be discussed including:

• Who the child will live with
• How much time the child spends with the other parent or other family members
• Special occasions such as Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day
• School holidays
• Telephone and video communication with the child
• Which school a child should attend
• Medical care etc.

The FDR is completely confidential. No one involved in the FDR can inform a court about any discussions that occur at an FDR. There are some exceptions, such as mandatory reporting by the FDRP of child abuse, threats to someone's life or health, or evidence of the commission of a serious crime.

If anybody declines to be involved in FDR, the FDRP consider that it is not appropriate to proceed with the FDR or agreement is not reached at FDR, the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner can issue a certificate under section 60I of the Family Law Act. Court proceedings under the Family Law Act cannot be commenced by any person unless such a certificate has been issued except in the case of urgency, Family Violence, child abuse or other limited circumstances.

Please note that when providing Family Dispute Resolution services we are acting as Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and not Legal Practitioners. Our FDR services are not subject to the Legal Pratitioners Act.