FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is the formal process of assisting separating parents or families to resolve conflicts. FDR is conducted by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and focuses on communication, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving. It is designed to reduce conflict, encourage cooperation, and achieve sustainable agreements, particularly around parenting arrangements and parenting plans.

 

Family mediation is a structured process where an accredited family mediator helps parents and families resolve disputes regarding parenting plans, property settlements, and child support without going to court. Through family dispute resolution, parties can reach mutually acceptable agreements in a neutral, supportive environment.

There may be specific exemptions to attending family mediation:

  • Cases involving family violence or child abuse.

  • Situations deemed urgent by the Court.

  • When one party is unable to participate due to health, incapacity, or location.

  • Other circumstances recognised under Section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975.

Mediation for Families is a premium family mediation service across Australia, offering:

  • Highly experienced FDR practitioners specializing in parenting plans, family dispute resolution, and child-inclusive mediation.

  • Flexible online, phone, or face-to-face mediation to reduce stress and costs.

  • A child-focused, neutral, and professional environment.

  • Legally compliant Section 60I certificates for court proceedings.

We provide practical guidance, expert negotiation, and support to help families achieve sustainable agreements without the stress of court litigation.

1. Why shouldn’t I just use a publicly funded family dispute resolution service?
Publicly funded services often operate under strict time constraints, high caseloads, and limited sessions. This can lead to long waiting times, rushed mediations, and less personalised support. By choosing Mediation for Families, you access premium family mediation tailored to your unique needs, ensuring your concerns are fully addressed and your family’s future is prioritised.

2. How is Mediation for Families different from free services?
Unlike publicly funded options, our family dispute resolution services provide a child-focused, client-centred approach. Our family mediators guide parents through the development of parenting plans, property agreements, and child-inclusive mediation sessions, helping families achieve practical, long-lasting outcomes.

3. Will I get more personalised attention here than at a public service?
Yes. We provide flexible session lengths, private mediation rooms, and individual support for each parent. Our experienced FDR practitioners carefully manage high-conflict situations, allowing families to focus on resolutions rather than rushed processes—a level of attention rarely available in publicly funded services.

4. Are your mediators more experienced than those in publicly funded services?
Absolutely. Our team includes accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and expert family mediators with years of experience in complex family mediation and parenting plan development. This expertise ensures that every family dispute is addressed professionally and effectively.

5. Can I get court-compliant documentation from your service?
Yes. Unlike some free services, Mediation for Families can provide Section 60I certificates, formal parenting plans, and property agreements suitable for court submission. Our documentation is legally recognised and enforceable, giving you confidence in the outcomes of your mediation.

6. What about convenience and flexibility?
We offer face-to-face, online, and phone mediation sessions across Australia. This ensures that families can attend mediation on their own schedule, without being limited by location or availability, while still receiving premium service.

7. Does paying for private mediation improve outcomes?
Yes. Private, professionally facilitated mediation is consistently associated with higher satisfaction, lower conflict, and more durable agreements. By investing in expert FDR practitioners, you reduce the likelihood of disputes returning to court and achieve outcomes that truly reflect your family’s needs.

8. Why is Mediation for Families considered a premium service?
We provide:

  • Experienced and accredited family mediators.

  • Child-focused and tailored mediation sessions prioritising the best interests of your children.

  • Support for parenting plans, property agreements, and child-inclusive mediation.

  • Flexible, personalised scheduling and formats.

  • Court-ready documentation, including Section 60I certificates.

Choosing Mediation for Families ensures your family receives high-quality, professional, and effective mediation, helping you resolve disputes efficiently, with less stress, and with solutions that work for everyone.