Family Dispute Resolution in Ararat
Separation is difficult. Working out parenting arrangements should not make it harder. Our registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner helps you have productive conversations, find common ground, and create a parenting plan that works for your whole family.
We support separating families to resolve co-parenting challenges and reach agreements that put your children first. Whether you need to establish new arrangements or modify existing ones, we guide you through every step of the FDR process.
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What is Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a structured form of mediation specifically designed for separating families. With the guidance of a registered practitioner, you and your former partner can work through parenting arrangements, communication challenges, and co-parenting decisions in a safe, neutral environment.
At Ararat Wellness, our FDR service provides families with professional, accredited mediation support via a flexible telehealth model. Unlike counselling, FDR does not focus on the emotional side of relationships. It concentrates on resolving specific disputes and reaching practical agreements, which can be made into a parenting plan (if signed and dated mutually by each party) and then into legally binding consent orders with the support of an independent solicitor.
FDR must be conducted by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). Under the Family Law Act 1975, separated parents are required to make a genuine effort to resolve disputes through FDR before filing a parenting application, unless an exemption applies.
Is FDR Right for You?
FDR is designed to help separating families work through parenting arrangements in a structured, supportive environment. You may benefit from FDR if any of these situations apply to you:
Recently separated – You need to establish where your children will live, how time will be divided between households, and who makes decisions about education, health, and other important matters.
Current arrangements are not working – Life changes. What worked when your children were toddlers may not suit teenagers. FDR helps you renegotiate arrangements as circumstances evolve.
Communication has broken down – When every conversation ends in conflict, having a neutral third party guide discussions can transform how you and your co-parent interact.
You want to avoid court – Court is stressful, expensive, and adversarial. FDR offers a collaborative alternative where you maintain control over the outcome. If you do need to go to court, Australian law requires you to attempt FDR first (unless exemptions apply). Where FDR is not deemed suitable or one party to the matter is not willing to engage in FDR, the FDRP can issue a Section 60i certificate at their discretion.
Modifying existing orders – Even if you have been to court before, changes to parenting orders often require another attempt at FDR.
High-conflict situations – Our practitioner is experienced in managing difficult dynamics. Shuttle mediation and online options mean you do not need to be in the same room.
Interstate or long-distance co-parenting – Distance adds complexity to parenting arrangements. We help you create practical plans that account for travel, holidays, and communication across locations.
When FDR may not be appropriate: If there are safety concerns involving family violence or child abuse, exemptions from FDR apply. We assess every situation individually during intake to ensure the process is safe and suitable for everyone involved. Your safety and your children’s safety always come first.
How the Process Works
We have designed our FDR process to be straightforward and supportive. From your first enquiry to final agreement, we guide you through each stage so you always know what to expect. Families across Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, and the wider Grampians region can access our services in person or online.
Step 1: Initial Enquiry – Reach out to book a free consultation. We answer your questions about FDR, discuss your situation, and explain what to expect.
Step 2: Individual Intake Sessions – Each party attends a private intake session so we can understand your circumstances and assess whether FDR is suitable.
Step 3: Joint Mediation Sessions – You and your co-parent meet with your practitioner via secure video link. We guide the conversation and help you work toward agreement.
Step 4: Agreement and Documentation – If you reach agreement, we document it in a Parenting Plan that can be formalised as consent orders through the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
Step 5: Certificate Issuance – If needed, we issue a Section 60I Certificate so you can proceed with court applications.
Benefits of Family Dispute Resolution
FDR offers significant advantages over going to court. Here is why families choose mediation:
Faster Resolution
Court can take months or years. FDR typically resolves matters in weeks, letting you and your children move forward sooner.
Cost Savings
Legal fees add up quickly. FDR costs a fraction of litigation, freeing up resources for your family.
You Stay in Control
In court, a judge decides for you. In FDR, you and your co-parent make decisions together. Agreements you create last longer.
Better for Children
Children benefit when parents communicate and cooperate. FDR reduces conflict and builds a working co-parenting relationship.
Confidential Process
What is said in FDR stays in FDR. Your discussions are confidential and cannot be used in court proceedings.
Preserve Relationships
You will be co-parenting for years. FDR helps you build communication skills and a working relationship, not burn bridges.
Available via secure online video conferencing. Contact us on 0493 819 355 to discuss your options.
Why choose Ararat Wellness for FDR?
Why choose Ararat Wellness for FDR:
Registered FDRP with the Attorney-General’s Department
Registered with the Attorney-General’s Department, meeting strict national standards. You receive accredited mediation services and valid Section 60I certificates recognised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
Qualified Child Consultant for Child Inclusive Practice
We offer Child Inclusive Practice that brings children’s voices into mediation in a safe, age-appropriate way, helping you make decisions that serve their best interests.
Over 6 years experience in family law and mediation
Over 6 years guiding families through separation and co-parenting challenges. We navigate difficult conversations with skill and sensitivity.
Available online via Telehealth
Access FDR services from anywhere in Australia via secure video conferencing. Attend from home without travel or childcare arrangements.
Experienced with high-conflict and complex family situations
We specialise in high-conflict co-parenting, communication breakdowns, interstate arrangements, and complex family structures.
Warm, professional, and genuinely supportive approach
A calm, non-judgmental space where both parents feel heard and respected, balancing professionalism with genuine warmth.
Meet Erin, Your FDR Practitioner
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
- Providing guidance to families navigating complex and high-conflict circumstances
- Leading child-centred, forward-looking discussions to reach practical outcomes
- Preparing detailed Parenting Plans suitable for formalisation as legally binding consent orders
- Supporting parties to resolve disagreements and minimise court involvement through skilled mediation
We Can Help You
Got a question? A doubt?
Our team is here to answer all your questions about your options.
Reach out and let's start a conversation.
Or Give us a Call 0493 819 355
