Family Dispute Resolution Services

Interact Online family law mediation service is available for parenting and property issues.

What is Family Dispute Resolution?

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a style of mediation facilitated by Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners. FDR Practitioners have post-graduate level studies in Family Law Mediation. 

Don’t risk working with a mediator who is not qualified, make sure you work with a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner registered with the Australian Attorney Generals Department.

Is it Compulsory?

FDR is required (parenting) and recommended (property) before going to court unless there is an exemption. Generally it is best to engage with a FDR Service as they will discuss your situation and if FDR is not appropriate, issue you with a Section 60i Certificate which allows you to start court action. (Parenting) 

If there is any chance to resolve the issues and reach an agreement out of court it is probably in your best interests, and that of your children.

That’s because it is better to keep control rather than trying to get a judge to decide for you. Going to court is the least best way for most people in family law situations, so don’t waste your family’s money if you can help it.

What does it cost?

We are a social enterprise not-for-profit so we keep costs as affordable as we can. We don’t have any government funding to support our service so if you can afford to pay we ask you to do so.

Our fees are based on $242 per hour.  Discounts may be available if you are on a low fixed income or experiencing hardship.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes we are happy to speak with you to discuss your situation and answer any questions you have about the process.

That does not replace the need for a pre-mediation session which is a full risk screen and preparation session.

FAQ
.
Questions

What is a parenting plan?

A Parenting Plan is a document that outlines how parents will share responsibilities and make decisions regarding their children after a divorce or separation.

It specifies important details such as where the children will live, when they will spend time with the other parent or family members, financial obligations, and any special considerations specific to the children’s needs.

The goal of a Parenting Plan is to provide a clear and comprehensive roadmap that helps parents navigate their co-parenting responsibilities while also prioritising the best interests of their children.

In Family Dispute Resolution our practitioners can help you to discuss the issues and work towards a well-crafted parenting plan that can help create a stable and nurturing environment for the children, minimise conflict between parents and ensure that both parents have a meaningful and ongoing role in their children’s lives.

Find out more

Do you help with property settlements?

Yes. Helping people reach property settlement agreements is one of our specialty areas.

Mediation is an effective way to resolve property settlement disputes. This form of dispute resolution allows the people involved to communicate their interests, share information, and work collaboratively to find a solution that is mutually agreeable.

In property mediation we will help you, in the role of neutral third parties, to identify what is important, understand the legal framework of property settlement, and explore different options for the division of property that is fair and equitable.

Mediation provides a flexible and cost-effective alternative to costly litigation or inefficient lawyer facilitated negotiations.

This is because it is customised to meet the specific needs of the people involved rather than taking a generic approach and can lead to more creative solutions than those imposed by a court.

Moreover, mediation is a confidential process, which allows you to be more open and honest about your concerns and expectations.

Using mediation can be an effective tool for property settlements. It saves time, and money, and can potentially help salvage relationships between the participants, an important consideration if you are going to have ongoing shared care for children.

Find out more

Do you help with Divorce?

In Australia divorce is not a complicated process. We have a no-fault divorce ruling which means if one person wants to end the marriage you can get divorced after you have been separated for 12 months.

It is possible to be separated under the one roof if your financial or other reasons mean moving to separate homes is not possible.

It is recommended to finalise your property settlement before you divorce because there is a time limit of 12 months after you divorce to be able to automatically apply for court orders for your property settlement.

After they separate most people use mediation or another process to reach agreement about the care of their children, then sort out their property settlement and then, if they were married, file for divorce.

It is an administrative process which you can do yourself using a Do It Yourself Kit from the court or a lawyer can assist you.

Scroll to Top