
Family Dispute Resolution Caboolture & Brisbane
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a pathway to an agreement for the care arrangements of children whose parents are separated.
If you and an ex-spouse, or partner, are having a dispute about parenting matters, you must attempt Family Dispute Resolution before using the Family Court as a means of resolving the issue.
In other words, if you have been thinking about applying for a parenting order from the Court, you must first sit down with a mediator for separated parents. With some exceptions, only after Family Dispute Resolution has been attempted and has proven unsuccessful does Australian law allow separated families to apply for parenting orders through a family law court.
Do you need a Family Lawyer, or a Mediator?
In Family Law, the terms Family Dispute Resolution and Mediation get used interchangeably. Mediation/Family Dispute Resolution is a process in which a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (“Mediator”) helps separated or divorced couples resolve their disputes with each other.
The Mediator is independent of all the parties involved in the process. If you already have a lawyer assisting with your FDR process and are looking for an FDR Practitioner or Mediator, we can still help.
How Does a Mediation for Family Dispute Resolution Work?
Many clients are unsure of what to expect when they enter into Family Dispute Resolution. A mediation usually means one or more meetings with the Mediator, the two parties, and possibly their lawyers as well.
This process is objective and impartial, which means the Mediator must always be entirely independent of the involved parties. Said another way, the Mediator will be someone who does not have a pre-existing professional relationship with the clients.
The mediation process aims to de-escalate conflict and reach a resolution. Let’s face it; some people can’t get along. Depending on the parties involved, the meetings can take place in person, in separate rooms, or by telephone.
The role of the Mediator is to assist the parties to reach an agreement. It is not the role of the Mediator to give legal advice. The Mediator’s role also includes ensuring:
- The process is fair and civil
- That everyone has a chance to be heard
- The issues in dispute get identified
- All available options get explored
The most significant benefit of mediation is the impartial nature of the process. Family Dispute Resolution is valuable for getting a fresh perspective on your conflict and hopefully making headway towards a resolution.
Common Questions About Family Dispute Resolution
What You Can Expect from Family Law Group Solicitors Regarding Lawyer-Assisted Mediation
At Family Law Group Solicitors, there are a variety of ways we can help you through the mediation process, including:
- Attending mediation with you (except through a family relationships centre)
- Providing advice about process and outcomes before and after a mediation
- Developing potential solutions for use in the FDR process.
If you have any questions about how the process will look or what kind of outcomes it will seek, you can always speak to us to learn more.
Ready to Start Family Dispute Resolution?
We are happy to act as your Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners or to assist as you work through family dispute resolution with an impartial third party.
If you are interested in pursuing mediation in Caboolture or Brisbane, give us a call at Family Law Group Solicitors on (07) 5499 2900.
Or, you can send us a confidential enquiry by using our contact page.