What You Need To Know About A Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

Mediation is the number one solution for disputed parties to help resolve the matter with the help of a third party known as a mediator. Families who are undergoing separation and divorce are encouraged to use a family dispute resolution (FDR) to resolve their matters. This is a recommended option before going through a court proceeding as it can quicken the process and save you money. For those who have a lot of questions regarding the subject, we’re going to be filling you in about family dispute resolution, how it works, the benefits, and more.

What Is A Family Mediation?

Mediation is a much more relaxed and easy process than going through court. It can be as simple as getting a family member or friend to discuss the issues of the matter. You can also get an expert mediator to be the neutral third party, making it a more formal affair with a family dispute resolution. This dispute can occur between two or more family members or the whole family group in the case of child protection. If the matter cannot be resolved through mediation, they will have to go to a court proceeding to get a judge to make the final outcome.

However, going to court can be a distressing process and it can be quite costly. Therefore, mediation is a fast response, stress-free, and affordable solution. Family mediation allows both parties to arrange matters relating to property division, parenting arrangements, and care for the children. This can be done through a parental discussion, with the help of a friend or family member, general mediation or specifically, a family dispute resolution (FDR). A family dispute resolution is conducted by a professional and is a much more thorough mediation process, making it all the more easier for a busier family to hire.

What Is A Family Dispute Resolution?

A family dispute resolution is a specific type of family mediation to assist families who are separating find a settlement. Typically, the process involves families taking time to communicate and decipher their options, placing priority on the children’s needs. Unlike other forms of mediation, FDR requires a qualified FDR practitioner to assist with the mediation.
FDR aims to help parties sort out their parenting arrangements, as a way to assist the child’s best interests. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to get assistance from a professional without having to go to court.

Who Are Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners?

Family dispute practitioners are the expert mediators when it comes to disputes involving the parenting arrangements for the children post-divorce. They are professional mediators who specialise in negotiations involving family-related legal matters. They are a third party who doesn’t show any bias toward either party, ensuring that both parties are guided to communicate and discuss the legal matter. They have years of education and practice in the family law field, knowing first and foremost how to create a safe environment, especially for those who are in vulnerable situations. Family dispute practitioners are meant to make the whole mediation process feel open and comfortable for both parties to speak and share their viewpoints.

What To Expect During The Mediation Process?

The number one question on many people’s minds is how long does it take to finalise a mediation? The answer to that is it depends. A mediation can last a few hours or the process can even take a couple of days to find an agreement. The conclusion is based on the amount and the difficulty of the matter at hand. The best way for families to find a quick resolution is to focus on making an arrangement that is best suited to the child’s interests.
As for the costs, going through an FDR is much more affordable than doing a court proceeding. The fees for the FDR are based on the type of service whether or not they are community-based or private. If you have financial issues, it’s important to speak to your FDR service provider to find the best solution for you.

Typically, the FDR practitioner will provide a variety of suggested venue options suitable to both party’s locations. For online mediations, the session can be done through the phone or via a video meeting. Unlike a court proceeding, the statements made during a family dispute resolution remain private allowing you to keep the matter confidential for the safety of the family.

If you’d like to book a family dispute resolution, feel free to speak to our team to get started.