Our Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services assist separating and divorcing couples and their children to resolve disputes without needing to take action in the Family Court.
The Family Law Act requires separating families to make a genuine effort to resolve their parenting issues at FDR before making an application to court (although some exceptions apply). Currently there are no legal requirements to resolve financial issues before applying to court, however Family Dispute Resolution is the quickest and most cost effective process for reaching a settlement.
With the assistance of an impartial third party, family dispute resolution helps identify issues and together we develop a range of options and alternatives, with the goal to reach a settlement that is suitable to all.
Each party meets separately with an FDR practitioner for a confidential assessment. If FDR is deemed appropriate, a joint mediation is scheduled. If you are discussing property or financial matters, we may suggest that you obtain legal advice. We deal with issues relating to children, parenting plans, contact with grandparents, blended family issues, parent and adolescent issues, communication breakdowns, relocation, passports, property and financial issues.
Our practitioners are accredited and registered with Attorney Generals Department and maintain National Mediator Accreditation (NMAS). This service is offered at all of our Family Centres – located in Artarmon, Brookvale, Tuggerah & Waitara and all fees are subsidised and are reasonable.
For more information:
P: 1800 324 924
E: info@catholiccaredbb.org.au
All modes of communication were blocked & it felt like there was no way forward, but we learnt there was.
Cindy
The following may assist families who are experiencing separation and need supporting in navigating the world of co-parenting.
KEEPING KIDS IN MIND
Parents love their children and want the best for them. Following separation, parenting can get tougher. This 5 week course is for separated parents who are experiencing on-going conflict designed to assist parents in seeing the separation through their children’s eyes. It provides tips on how to best support children following family separation.
PARENTS 4 LIFE
An online pre-mediation course that helps you get the most out of mediation. This course covers parental behaviours that help and hurt children after separation. All our Family Centre’s offer this online course.
Our Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation Services
Family breakdown is a reality we don’t like to face. The decision to divorce is never easy, and as anyone who has been through it will tell you, the painful experience can scar adults and children for many years. Getting the right support, at the right time can reduce the long-term impact … and that’s where we can help.
The importance of co-parenting
It can take some time for two parents to get to the point where they can say their co-parenting relationship is going well. For most families, there is always room for improvement but we’re here to give you some tips to accentuate the positive and work towards resolving any conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not Catholic, can I still access your service?
Can you tell me more about Family Dispute Resolution?
Who can be assisted by our Mediation/FDR team?
What sorts of things are discussed in a mediation about parenting?
Is there a way that my child can have input in mediation?
What if the other person doesn’t want to mediate with me?
What is the process for mediation?
Is the outcome of a mediation legally binding?
Can I use information from mediation in my Family Court matter?
How much does it cost to have mediation?
Is mediation confidential?
What are the options for appointment and mediation times?
Can I mediate online? Do I have to be in the same space at the other party?
Can I have a mediation for a property settlement too?
What is a 60i Certificate and how can I get one? What if my matter is determined to be inappropriate for mediation?
LATEST fdr & mediation NEWS
Mediation gives Amanda & David breathing space
When Amanda first contacted CatholicCare for help with property mediation, her life was nothing short of chaotic. “You name it, it had happened,” says Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Melanie.
Read MoreMediation helps Sofia & Mark
Shortly after Sofia arrived in Australia from South America on a student visa, she unexpectedly became pregnant. Without access to family support and being unable to work, Sofia had no option but to live in a refuge with her baby.
Read MoreMaria & Alberto grapple with separation (how our Family Dispute Resolution team helped)
Marriage or relationship breakdown is never easy, especially when children are involved, but our Family Dispute Resolution program helps open up the lines of communication again and assists parties to move forward in the best possible way. Maria and Alberto came to Australia from Europe for Alberto’s work. They have two children and while in Australia they separated.
Read MoreCo-parenting after separation – challenges and opportunities
The importance of family cannot be overstated, with our parents, partners, and children playing a huge role in our happiness and sense of wellbeing. Everyone wants a happy and stable family life - however, conflict and separation can arise for many reasons.
Read More