Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

If you are facing a separation or divorce, FDR can be a valuable tool for resolving your parenting, relationship and property disputes. It can help you to reach a mutually agreeable solution that meets your needs as well as the needs of your family.

We provide specialists services in FDR and should therefore be your first contact when you are considering separation or divorce. Kevin is a lawyer and a registered FDR Practitioner who can help you understand your rights and obligations in relation to Family Law in Australia and support you through a non-adversarial, mediated resolution to parenting and property disputes.

Unlike the Family Court, the FDR process is completely confidential and no information will be shared unless express written permission is provided. We always remain impartial and we don’t take sides.

Our process is non-adversarial and is informed by our clients. We facilitate open and transparent discussions and encourage clients to resolve their differences through respectful negotiation with a focus on the best interests of their children. You stay in control of all decisions regarding your children and assets. You make all the decisions.

We work according to your timeline, your commitments, and your requirements. We can finalise a separation, both parental arrangements and property settlements, within weeks of engagement.

What is Family Dispute Resolution

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps two people who are separating or divorcing to reach an agreement about their parenting and property arrangements. The mediator does not take sides and does not make decisions for the parties. The mediator’s role is to help the parties communicate effectively and to find solutions that meet their needs.

FDR is often the best option for resolving parenting and property disputes after separation or divorce. It is faster and cheaper than going to court, and it is more likely to result in a lasting agreement that both parties can live with. FDR is also more confidential than the court, which can be important for protecting the privacy of the parties and their children.

A Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) is a specialist in family law mediation. FDRPs are trained to help couples negotiate their own agreements, and they are skilled at resolving conflict. FDRPs are also familiar with the Family Law Act, which can be helpful in ensuring that the parties reach agreements that are fair and enforceable.

If you are considering separation or divorce, you should contact us to discuss your options. We can help you understand your rights and obligations under the Family Law Act, and help you negotiate an agreement that meets your needs and the needs of your children.

Here are some of the benefits of FDR:

It is faster and cheaper than going to the court.
It is more likely to result in a lasting agreement that both parties are comfortable with.
It is more confidential than the courts.
It is more flexible than the court and can be tailored to the specific needs of the parties involved.
It can help to preserve the relationship between the parties, which is important for the children.

If you are going through a separation or divorce, you may be considering mediation to resolve your family law issues. Here are some of the reasons why our FDR services may be a better option than the family court:

Confidentiality: Everything you say in a mediation is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone else, not even your solicitor, without your written permission. This contrasts with the family court, where your case is public record and can be accessed by anyone.
Impartiality: Our mediators are impartial. They do not take sides and do not advocate for either party. Their role is to help you and your ex-partner reach an agreement that is in the best interests of your children.

Advocate for the best interests of children: Our mediators are required by law to advocate for the best interests of children. This means that they will consider the needs of your children throughout the mediation process and will help you to reach an agreement that is in their best interests.
Non-adversarial process: Mediation is a non-adversarial process. This means that we do not encourage you to fight with your ex-partner. Instead, we encourage you to work together to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of your family.
Flexibility: We are flexible. We can accommodate your schedule and your needs. We understand that you have busy lives, and we will work with you to find a time and place that works for you.
Timely: We can help you to finalize a separation within weeks, not months. This is much faster than the family court, which can take years to resolve a case.
Cost-effectiveness: Our fees are much lower than the fees of solicitors. This means that you can save thousands of dollars by choosing mediation over litigation.

If you are considering family law mediation, HR Legal and Dispute Resolution is a great option. We would be happy to discuss your case with you in more detail.