What is Mediation?
Mediation is also called FDR or Family Dispute Resolution.
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Mediation is a way of resolving disputes between people in conflict, facilitated by a neutral person.
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Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a special type of mediation for helping separating families to come to their own agreements. During FDR, families will discuss the issues causing dispute and consider different/alternate options, while being encouraged to focus on the needs of their children. FDR uses a neutral and accredited Family Dispute Resolution practitioner.
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The main objective of FDR is to assist participants to make a parenting plan setting out the agreed future parenting arrangements.
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It is a practical, more cost effective way for separating families to sort out future parenting arrangements with professional help.
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It is compulsory under Australian family law for separated parents to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before applying to a family law court for parenting orders.​
There are exemptions to this requirement, including:
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When you are formalising an agreement through ‘consent orders’
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Where family violence or child abuse is a factor
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When you are responding to an application to court
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Urgent issues
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A person is unable to participate effectively (for example, due to incapacity or geographical location), or
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A person has contravened and shown a serious disregard for a court order made in the last 12 months.
What is a Mediator or an FDR Practitioner?
A Mediator or an FDR Practitioner, or FDRP, is the neutral person who facilitates the mediation process.
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When a family disagrees about arrangements for children after separation, an FDR practitioner is a good person to ask for help.
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An FDR practitioner is an independent person trained in mediation and negotiation and specialising in family disputes. They are neutral and don’t take sides with any of the people involved in the mediation. They will facilitate the process by encouraging people to talk about the particular issues in dispute.
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They are trained in working in a family law environment and in responding to domestic and family violence. They are also trained in creating a supportive environment, particularly for the safety of vulnerable people. They should provide a safe environment to allow people to openly discuss and clarify issues as well as allow them to feel safe to disagree.
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An FDR practitioner is accredited under the standards set out in the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008.
Services
Experience You Can Trust
Parenting Dispute Mediation
Parenting Dispute Resolution or Family Mediation, is mediation which helps separated families come to their own agreements in relation to their children and parenting arrangements. Cassidy specialises in child-focused mediation.
Property & Financial Mediation
Property & Financial Dispute Resolution provides the process whereby separated parties can come to an agreement in relation to their property and financial matters.
Separation Mediation
The first few weeks and months after separation is one of the most stressful and overwhelming times of your life. You may not want to make long-term decisions at this time but there are still decisions to be made.
Not sure what service is right for you? Book a complimentary 15-minute phone consult with Cassidy to discuss your situation.