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    • Family Dispute Resolution

    We are here to assist families facing separation.

    Metropolitan Adelaide

    Murray Mallee

    Limestone Coast

    Family Dispute Resolution

    Families who are separated or in the process of change are often faced with making difficult decisions about parenting, care arrangements and division of property.

    Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) assists separated parents and grandparents in discussing and reaching a resolution that is in the best interests of the children.

    The Family Law Amendment Act 2023 encourages parents to discuss and manage how to make decisions jointly and separately for their children around major issues and for all care arrangements to be relevant to the needs of the children with the removal of the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility or time.

    This service is funded by Department of Social Services.

    Our supports

    • Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
    • Child Inclusive Practice
    • Property Mediation
    • Lawyer Inclusive Practice – Parenting & Property
    • Co-Parent Coaching
    • Supporting Children after Separation 

    Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is an alternative way of discussing the issues following separation that aims to avoid the financial and emotional costs of becoming involved in legal actions. 

    An accredited, qualified FDR practitioner (FDRP) guides the process of discussion, supports both parents and family members, and remains impartial to the outcomes while facilitating that those involved reach their own agreements.

    Incorporates the perspectives of children and young people into the FDR process, enabling parents to receive this feedback in a safe and unbiased setting. Insights provided by the child consultant inform discussions concerning future care arrangements.

    Our child consultants are skilled with in-depth knowledge of attachment theory, interviewing children, FDR and counselling.

    The process:

    • both parents attend a separate confidential interview with the child consultant,
    • the child/young person attends a session with the child consultant,
    • both parents attend a feedback session with the FDR practitioner and child consultant,
    • the FDR process continues, which includes the information shared at the feedback session with the goal of providing positive outcomes for the whole family.

    Child Inclusive FDR may not be suitable for all families. Practitioners will explain this during the FDR appointments.

    FDR is an efficient and cost-effective way to gather the information to identify the total asset and liability pool from a relationship. Individuals are supported in sharing proposals and manage a fair and equitable division of the pool. 

    We use the same 4-step process in property settlement as the Family Law Courts:

    1. Gather basic facts about the relationship, current employment, and income to identify the asset and liability pool.
    2. Consider the financial and non-financial contributions to the relationship.
    3. Consider the future needs of each party.
    4. Reach a fair and equitable outcome.

    Allows legal representatives to provide real-time guidance to their clients during the FDR appointments. 

    An accredited Family Dispute Resolution practitioner 'shuttles' between separate rooms to facilitate respectful negotiations between parties.

    The aim is to facilitate mutually acceptable and legally sound agreements in the best interest of all involved.

    Supports parents in fostering collaborative relationships to ensure children navigate separation with minimal disruption. 

    Through identifying challenges and working jointly with a coach, parents enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of their shared responsibilities.

    Some topics identified:

    • communication,
    • child-focus vs adult intent/need, 
    • concern vs reality,
    • managing difficulties/change,
    • boundaries and privacy,
    • sharing financial responsibilities.

    These information sessions provide parents and grandparents with the latest evidence-based research on how separation impacts children and outlining strategies for parental support. 

    These sessions, held in Adelaide CBD, Elizabeth, Murray Bridge and via Zoom. 

    Cost is $5 for external clients and free for current FDR clients.

    Eligibility

    Our service provides support for separating and separated families to resolve their disputes related to family law issues, including parenting and property matters, where it is safe to do so, and reach agreements that are in the best interests of the children involved.

    Safety and Confidentiality

    Centacare takes the safety of families very seriously. Please discuss any safety concerns with your FDRP.

    Confidentiality and privacy are of the utmost importance in FDR services. All FDRPs and Child Consultants must work within the Family Law Act (FLA) 1975 – Section 10J, where communications made in FDR are not able to be disclosed and are inadmissible in court unless required or authorised under the FLA. 

    Practitioners are required to disclose information to appropriate authorities where suspicions of safety to a person or property are revealed. Under section 67za, information disclosed indicating reasonable grounds of suspicion that a child/ren has been or is at risk of being abused must also be reported.

    Cost

    Family Dispute Resolution is partly funded by Department of Social Services. As this funding does not cover all costs, a fee may be charged in accordance with the client's income.

    Referrals

    We accept:

    • self-referrals (please enquire via Get in touch below),
    • Family Courts or other legal professionals (please see Make a referral below).

    Make a referral

    For professionals only: please complete this form and send it back to the email listed on the form.

    Download referral form >

    Get in touch