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Family Dispute Resolution

When couples decide to separate, they are commonly unsure about next steps in the separation process. Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (also known as Family Dispute Resolution), is the best way to come to an agreement on issues such as co-parenting, property division and maintenance without joining to court.

 FDR can support both parties to work together to reach a shared agreement.  You can go to as many mediation sessions as you need to to reach agreements. You may also return later if your children’s’ circumstances change, and you want to ‘update’ parenting or maintenance agreements.

Distanced Couple

What Is FDR Mediation?

Family Dispute Resolution is a confidential process and statements cannot be used as evidence in any later legal court proceedings (with limited exceptions). The FDRP is a neutral, independent third party, does not give legal advice, is child focused and is skilled in assisting each party to feel they have been heard and their needs understood. 

The FDRP guides the couple to reach a written parenting agreement that is workable, sustainable and in the best interests of child. The FDRP can also facilitate property matters and this can be done either separately or in conjunction with parenting matters. This avoids costly litigation and a long court battle.

What Is a Section 60i?

If separating couples wish to apply to the court over parenting matters, they must demonstrate that they have made a genuine effort to resolve their dispute through mediation with an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). These couples need to obtain a certificate 60i (which only an FDRP can issue). However, this requirement will not apply in cases that involve family violence or child abuse, or where there is another reason for urgency.

Why Engage Larissa as Your FDRP?

Larissa is accredited as an FDRP by the Federal Attorney-General’s Department, has met the standards required by the Family Law Act (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008, and is able to issue Section 60i Certificates. She understands that separation is complex, impacts the entire family unit, and challenges the foundations of family life. Understanding the emotional stress and complex psychological dimensions that separation has on family, she adopts an empathic, pragmatic, and authentic approach. She ensures that each party feels that their needs are understood. She will guide parents through the FDR process and facilitate discussions to generate options and move toward amicable resolutions. Her aim is to deliver workable, realistic, and sustainable agreements without having to go to court. 

Mediation Process

Work on laptop

Invitation to Ex-Partner

Image by Andrew Neel

Preparation for Mediation

Image by Priscilla Du Preez

Joint Mediation Session

Image by Gabrielle Henderson

Agreement of Next Steps

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Format

Mediation can be scheduled in varying formats to suit your circumstances. It may occur in person, via a shuttle process in separate rooms, or via video conferencing. Legally assisted mediation (where lawyers are present), child-inclusive mediation (involving a child consultant), and co-mediation may also be suitable. 

 

Location

If you wish to conduct parenting and property mediation simultaneously, this can be arranged. Mediations can be arranged in offices located in Crows Nest, North Sydney, Macquarie Park and Sydney City.

We invite you to reach out and schedule a free 15-min complimentary consultation to discuss how we can best assist you. 

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