You may make a Binding Financial Agreement after separation, during or in contemplation of marriage or a de facto relationship. Family Dispute Resolution plays an important role in the community and provides parties with a forum to make plans for their children as opposed to a Court making decisions regarding arrangements for children.

The first step for a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner is to assess whether mediation is suitable for you, this happens at a separate intake process. If there are issues of domestic violence this service may be deemed unsuitable.

Upon attending the mediation process each party is given the opportunity to voice concerns, needs and put forward possible solutions. These solutions can then be made into parenting plans or legal documents.

The Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) will then be required to issue a 60I certificate stating whether or not the parties have made a genuine effort to reach an agreement. The court will place great emphasis on whether or not a genuine effort has been made by the parties to make arrangements for minor children.

Andrew is a qualified FDRP and has had the benefit of participating in FDR’s throughout his legal career. Contact Andrew today if you would like him to mediate in your family law matter.