Family Relationship Centres
Family Dispute Resolution is a process by which parents who are in conflict can be helped by an independent and neutral third party who is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). The FDRP will assist parents to communicate with each other about what is important and how to make decisions aimed at resolving disputes. It is now compulsory for parents wishing to go to the Family Court in relation to parenting matters to first attend Family Dispute Resolution and make a 'genuine effort' to resolve their dispute. Some exceptions to this requirement apply, for example, in situations involving family violence or child abuse, or in urgent matters.
Services Include:
- provision of information, support and referrals for families
- education and child focused sessions
- specialist child consultant
- provision of family dispute resolution (mediation)
- drafting of parenting plans
- issuing s60I certificates under the Family Law Act
The Centre is funded by the Australian Government so that fees are waived for a specific number of sessions, following which, fees are charged.
If your dispute is in relation to property settlement, financial matters or neighbourhood & community disputes, please click here for information on the Dispute Resolution & Mediation service.