Family Dispute Resolution with Karina

 

As a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and Social Worker, my role is to assist families navigating separation or divorce. I help families resolve disputes and develop individual family arrangements, especially concerning children. It's important to note that not all families are suitable for Family Dispute Resolution (FDR); an individual assessment is always conducted first to determine suitability.

FDR is governed by the Family Law Act 1975, which requires families to attempt dispute resolution before attending court. To facilitate this, FDRPs can issue a Section 60I Certificate. FDR is a confidential process, and information discussed during FDR is not admissible as evidence in family law court matters under the Family Law Act.

As a member of the Mediation Institute, I receive support in various ways, including access to a complaints mechanism. If you have concerns that we are unable to resolve directly, the Mediation Institute can be contacted on 1300 781 533.

For more information about FDR, please visit: https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/family-dispute-resolution

About the FDR Process

All requests for Family Dispute Resolution sessions begin with an initial consultation, followed by individual pre-mediation sessions. The purpose of pre-mediation is to assess the family situation post-separation, determine the level of conflict, understand what needs to be resolved, and explore the safety of all parties involved. Family separation is a time of heightened stress, and not all families can negotiate arrangements effectively, especially if there is a significant power imbalance or a history of family violence. Pre-mediation sessions specifically include an assessment of both power imbalances and any history of family violence. Pre-mediation also enables the FDRP to work with the family to determine their readiness to mediate the family matter. Once pre-mediation sessions are completed, a follow-up phone call is made to determine the next steps in the FDR process.

Between the parties, a decision can be made regarding whether additional one-on-one sessions are necessary before a joint session is completed. In resolving any conflict, preparation is key to constructive outcomes. Preparation includes understanding if you are emotionally ready for the conversation, considering all possible scenarios that may assist in resolving the dispute, identifying the best outcome for your children to grow happy and healthy with new living arrangements, and determining if your desired outcome is truly achievable. All important aspects of the dispute need to be explored thoroughly.

Possible Steps to FDR with Costs

Option 1

  • Step 1: Initial Consultation - 30 minutes per party - Free. An invite is sent to the second party to discuss a resolution.

  • Step 2: Pre-mediation Individual Sessions - 60-minute appointment - $220.00 per person (concession rates can be negotiated where necessary). Both parties agree to try and resolve the matter.

  • Step 3: Joint Sessions - Charged at an hourly rate of $195.00 per person. Prior to the joint session, the first agreement will be how long you need for the mediation session.

  • Step 4: Parenting Agreements/Certificate Issuance - Write-up of any parenting agreements developed during the FDR session. The agreement will be unique to your family's needs. If the matter cannot be resolved, a certificate can be issued.

Option 2

  • Step 1: Initial Consultation - 30 minutes per party - Free. An invite is sent to party two.

  • Step 2: Certificate Issuance - Party two chooses not to participate in FDR, and a certificate is issued. (Fee for certificate to be confirmed).

Option 3

  • Step 1: Initial Consultation - 30 minutes per party - Free. An invite is sent to party two.

  • Step 2: Pre-mediation Individual Sessions - 60-minute appointment - $220.00 per person (concession rates can be negotiated where necessary). Both parties agree to try and resolve the matter.

  • Step 3: Certificate Issuance - Party two agrees to attend, an initial assessment is completed, and mediation is deemed not suitable, resulting in a certificate being issued to both parties.

For more information, please complete the form below and our team will be in contact to discuss these options.