If you’re looking for a way to settle parenting matters without the stress and expense of court, our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Andrew Lander, can help you reach practical solutions that work for you and your family.
At Lander Solicitors Queensland, we believe that there’s a better way to resolve parenting disputes—one that is faster, less exhausting, and puts decision-making back in your hands.
What Is Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a type of mediation specifically designed for parenting disputes. Instead of a judge making the final decision, both parties—guided by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner—work together to find common ground.
FDR is a preferred option in many family law matters because:
- It avoids the emotional and financial cost of court
- It helps parents communicate and find solutions that work
- It encourages cooperation rather than conflict
Under Australian law, parents must attempt Family Dispute Resolution before applying to the court for parenting orders, except in cases involving family violence or those that are urgent.
Why choose mediation over court?
Court battles can take months or even years, costing families time, money, and emotional energy. Mediation with a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner offers a faster, more affordable alternative that focuses on resolution rather than conflict.
At Lander Solicitors, we provide Family Dispute Resolution as part of our comprehensive family law services, which include legal representation for parenting disputes, property settlements, and family reports. Our goal is simple: helping families reach agreements with less stress and more cooperation.
Meet our family dispute resolution practitioner: Andrew Lander
Choosing the right Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner is crucial to the success of mediation. Andrew Lander is not only a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with the Attorney General’s Department, but also a family and domestic violence lawyer with over 20 years of experience.
His credentials include:
- Bachelor of Social Work with Honours (James Cook University, 1997)
- Bachelor of Law (University of Queensland, 2001)
- Masters in Applied Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution), 2024
- Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
- Member of The Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM)
- Accredited Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer
Andrew is a passionate lawyer who is highly motivated to provide cost-effective services that deliver tangible benefits to his clients. His approach to Family Dispute Resolution is centred on helping families move forward with less stress and more clarity.
His background as an experienced family lawyer, accredited domestic violence lawyer and in social work gives him unique insight into the emotional and social aspects of parenting disputes, making him a skilled and compassionate mediator.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys playing bass guitar, going to the gym, exercising, collecting vinyl records, and travelling with his wife and son.
How family dispute resolution works
We know mediation might be new to you, so here’s what to expect:
Where
Mediation can be held in person (preferred) or virtually, with sessions available in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and other locations interstate such as Sydney and Melbourne by request.
Process
Step 1: Individual intake sessions
Each party has a private 45-minute session with our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
This helps us understand the key issues and ensure mediation is appropriate.
Cost: $550 (inclusive of GST).
Step 2: Mediation session
A structured Family Dispute Resolution Conference lasting up to 4 hours.
Both parties work toward agreements with guidance from our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Legal representatives can be present if agreed upon beforehand.
Cost: $1,250 (inclusive of GST).
Step 3: Property settlement mediation (if required)
A full-day session for complex property matters.
Cost: $1,990 (inclusive of GST).
Costs can be shared between both parties or covered by one party exclusively.
Book a Family Dispute Resolution session today
Family disputes don’t have to end in court. Family Dispute Resolution offers a faster, more affordable, and more cooperative way forward. If you need an experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner to guide you through the process, Lander Solicitors Queensland is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your intake session and start working toward a resolution that’s best for your family.
DISCLAIMER – The information provided in this blog is general and does not consider your individual legal needs or objectives. It does not constitute personal advice and is for informational purposes only. We recommend seeking out professional and independent legal advice from qualified Australian lawyer to advise on your individual situation before acting on any information contained below. Lander Solicitors Queensland accepts no express or implied liability for negligence or contractually for reliance on any information provided. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
