Parenting mediation & Family Dispute Resolution in Sydney & NSW
Child-focused support for separated parents to agree on arrangements for their children, through a structured process led by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Based in Sydney, NSW · sessions online across NSW and Australia
What FDR means
What is Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a form of mediation defined in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). An independent, accredited practitioner helps separated families sort out their disputes with each other, most often about arrangements for children.
Only practitioners accredited by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department can call themselves Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and issue section 60I certificates. Not every mediator holds this accreditation. Accredited practitioners are listed on the public Family Dispute Resolution Register.
Deepa is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Why FDR matters before court
In most cases, before a parent can apply to the court for parenting orders, they must try to resolve the dispute through FDR and make a genuine effort to do so. The application must then be filed with a section 60I certificate, unless an exception applies.
Even if you never plan to go to court, FDR can help you reach clear, practical arrangements in less time, at lower cost and with less conflict.
Child-focused decision-making
Keeping children at the centre
Under Australian family law, the best interests of the child are the most important consideration in parenting decisions. FDR keeps the conversation focused on what your children need, not on who is right.
Safety first
Children's safety, and the safety of the people who care for them, comes before everything else.
Children's needs and views
We think about each child's age, stage, routines and needs, and how their views might be considered appropriately.
Important relationships
Children often benefit from relationships with both parents and with grandparents, siblings, extended family, culture and community, where it is safe.
Parenting plans
Creating a parenting plan
A parenting plan is a written agreement about arrangements for your children. To be a parenting plan under the Family Law Act, it must be made in writing and signed and dated by both parents, without pressure, threats or coercion.
A parenting plan can cover:
- who the children live with and spend time with, including weekly routines
- school holidays, birthdays, cultural and religious celebrations
- handovers, travel and communication between households
- how major decisions about schooling, health and religion will be made
- how you'll communicate with each other and resolve future disagreements
- how and when the plan will be reviewed as children grow
Parenting plans vs consent orders
A parenting plan is not legally enforceable. It's flexible and can be changed by agreement, and a court may consider your most recent plan if there are later proceedings.
Consent orders are legally enforceable. They are arrangements both parents agree to, which are then approved by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. They have the same effect as orders made after a hearing.
If you have existing parenting orders, a later parenting plan can affect how those orders work. Get legal advice before signing.
What happens during mediation
The FDR process, step by step
Every family is different, so we adapt the process to fit. This is the usual path.
- 1
Enquiry
You contact us for information about the process and fees. With your agreement, we invite the other parent to take part.
- 2
Individual intake and assessment
Each parent has a separate, confidential pre-mediation session. The practitioner assesses whether FDR is appropriate, including screening for family violence, safety risks and each person's ability to negotiate freely. You also receive information about the process, confidentiality and the documents to sign.
- 3
Joint session(s)
Parents meet with the practitioner online, in one virtual room or in separate rooms. We agree on an agenda, explore each issue and look at options with your children's needs in mind.
- 4
Outcome
If you reach agreement, we help you record it, often as a parenting plan. If you don't reach agreement, or FDR isn't appropriate, the practitioner may issue a section 60I certificate.
Section 60I certificates
What is a section 60I certificate?
A section 60I certificate is issued by an accredited FDR practitioner. It shows the court what happened when FDR was attempted. In most cases, it must be filed with an application for parenting orders.
The five types of certificate
An accredited practitioner may issue a certificate stating that:
- a person did not attend FDR because the other party refused or failed to attend
- a person did not attend FDR because the practitioner considered it would not be appropriate
- everyone attended and all made a genuine effort to resolve the issues
- everyone attended, but one or more people did not make a genuine effort
- FDR began, but the practitioner considered it would not be appropriate to continue
A certificate is a record of the FDR process. It is not a judgment about who is right. If the dispute is resolved, a certificate usually isn't needed. Certificates generally need to be used within 12 months of the FDR they relate to.
Exceptions to attending FDR
The court may let a parent apply for parenting orders without a certificate in certain situations, including where:
- there has been, or there is a risk of, family violence or child abuse
- the matter is urgent
- a person is unable to take part effectively, for example because of incapacity or where they live
- the application is for consent orders, or is a response to an application already filed
- the application concerns a serious contravention of a recent parenting order
Whether an exception applies depends on your circumstances. Please get legal advice. You can also call the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321.
Suitability
When FDR may not be suitable
The law requires FDR practitioners to assess whether FDR is appropriate before and throughout the process. FDR may not be suitable where there is family violence or a risk of it, a risk to a child, coercive or controlling behaviour, or a significant imbalance of power. It may also be unsuitable where a person's health or circumstances would stop them from negotiating freely.
Your private intake session is a safe place to raise these concerns. Please don't put them in the website enquiry form. If FDR isn't appropriate, we'll explain your options. Where relevant, this may include a certificate stating that FDR was not appropriate, and referrals to support services.
Getting started
How to get started
Send an enquiry
Use our contact form or call 0431 603 047. Just tell us that you're enquiring about parenting arrangements. No details are needed yet.
Have a short call
We'll explain the process, fees and timing, and answer your questions.
Book your intake
Each parent books a private pre-mediation session and receives a mediation kit to read, sign and return.
Begin mediation
Once both intakes are complete and FDR is assessed as suitable, we schedule your joint session.
Helpful government resources
Authoritative information
These Australian Government sources explain FDR and the family law system in more detail.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Family law can be complex and the right path depends on your circumstances — we encourage you to get independent legal advice before making decisions or signing agreements.
Family dispute resolution — Attorney-General's Department
Accreditation, finding a practitioner and section 60I certificates.
Section 60I certificates — Attorney-General's Department
Types of certificates and what they mean.
Family Relationships Online
Information for separating families, and the Family Relationship Advice Line (1800 050 321).
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Pre-action procedures, consent orders and court forms.
Parenting & FDR FAQs
Questions parents often ask
What if the other parent won't take part?
FDR is voluntary. If the other parent refuses or doesn't respond to invitations, an accredited practitioner may issue a section 60I certificate stating that they did not attend.
Do children take part in FDR?
Children don't usually attend FDR sessions. Some services offer child-inclusive processes, where a qualified child consultant meets with the children separately. We can talk with you about whether this might be appropriate and how it could be arranged.
What happens to what I say in FDR?
What is said in FDR is generally confidential and can't be used as evidence in court. The law requires or allows disclosure in limited situations, such as to protect a child from harm or to prevent a serious threat to someone's life, health or safety. We explain these limits at intake.
Can FDR also cover property?
Yes. FDR and mediation can also cover financial and property matters, although section 60I certificates relate to parenting applications. See property and financial mediation.
How long does it take?
It depends on how many issues there are and how quickly both people complete intake. Many families need one intake session each and one or two joint sessions. Family sessions are currently held on Saturdays, 9:00am – 4:00pm.
Focus on what your children need
Talk to us about Family Dispute Resolution and creating a parenting plan that works for your family.