Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners

It is compulsory to go through a mediation process with a family dispute resolution practitioner prior to taking a children's case to Court. There are a few exceptions to this such as where there is a history of violence or there is urgency. The family dispute resolution practitioner then provides the parties with a certificate that the mediation has been attempted and if they still need to take the matter to Court that certificate must be presented at the time the Court application is issued. The first three hours with the family dispute resolution practitioner are free.

If a party refuses to attend, they will issue a certificate and enable the other person to commence court proceedings if they wish to do so.

This process is highly recommended. It assists separating parents to focus on the needs of the children and the complex environment which the children are in psychologically and emotionally. Cases are often settled with this assistance.