Family Relationship Centres

Family Relationship Centres provide information and referrals for families at any stage of their relationships, as well as individual and joint Family Dispute Resolution sessions for separating or separated families

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.