Dispute Resolution

Need legal advice on dispute resolution?

It is always in the best interests of all parties involved in property settlement disputes, particularly the Children, if an agreement is made between parties to settle such matters in an amicable manner and this is always the goal we have for our Clients at Advance Family Law. See below to explore the different stages which may be involved in the process of dispute resolution.

Mediation

Family Dispute Resolution, also known as FDR, is a compulsory pre-requisite for all parents or interested persons (like grandparents) who wish to ensure their children (or grandchildren) spend time with them.

FDR is a process in which a family dispute resolution practitioner (also known as the mediator) helps people affected, or likely to be affected, by separation or divorce to resolve some or all their disputes with each other. The FDR practitioner is independent of all the parties involved in the process.

This process can be accessed through qualified organisations which can be accessed through our useful links tab.  Some Not for Profit organisations do not allow legal representation to be present at the FDR conference, but they do advise parties to seek legal advice before attending and allow the parties to contact their lawyers if necessary during the FDR conference.  It is also advisable to have any agreement checked to ensure it is workable and practicable for your life and in the best interests of the children.

Private FDR Practitioners allow for legal representation to be present to assist you to have a voice and put forward your proposal for a just and equitable agreement and prompt legal advice on offers received from the other party.

Private FDR Practitioners can also accommodate the conference to address both parenting and property matters to enable an amicable resolution to be reached whilst conserving costs.

We recommend that the process of disclosure of financial documents and valuations be carried out prior to the conference to establish the assets available for distribution.

If no agreement can be reached at the Conciliation Conference, the parties will be required to appear before the Judge at a later date, to be given directions to go to a Trial for the Judge to determine an outcome.

Please note that the ability to negotiate and reach an agreement before the Trial or even on the day of is always an available option, and one usually encouraged by lawyers and the Court.

Arbitration

Arbitration involves the parties agreeing to appoint an Arbitrator, upon the advices of their lawyer to determine their property settlement dispute. The parties sign an Arbitration Agreement which outlines how such process will operate and to maintain confidentiality in the process. As in Court proceedings, parties are required to evidence their position by filing particular documents and the Arbitrator who effectively acts as a “Judge” in the matter makes a determination based upon such information. The Arbitrator issues an Award which details their findings and reasons. An Award is binding upon the parties and is enforceable as if it were an Order made by the Court.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law is a process which allows parties the opportunity to settle both parenting and property settlement matters following separation, whilst allowing them to maintain their dignity and respect.

The process is a relatively new process in the scheme of family law, however, is a process which is gaining more popularity, particularly considering the delays in the Family Court system, together with the sense of parties having no control within the Court system. Further, it is a private process which both parties effectively “own” as they both choose who becomes a part of the process in settling matters for their future mutual benefit.

How does Collaborative Law work?

The Collaborative Law process is similar to the Mediation process, in that both parties are legally represented and attempt to settle matters amicably without the need of seeing the matter progress further through the Court system.

The difference with Collaborative Law is that rather than each party being positioned and essentially becoming “opponents”, the lawyers, with the assistance of a mutually appointed financial expert, such as an Accountant, if necessary, or a Child Expert, say a Psychologist, work together to reach an agreement that is best for a particular family.

Matters in the Collaborative Law process are solved by way of a series of short meetings, with each meeting usually not exceeding three hours and advice is provided to Clients by both legal representatives in the presence of all parties to ensure the process is transparent.

The difference between Collaborative Law and Mediation or any other legal process, is that if an agreement is not reached in the other processes, the next logical step is to initiate proceedings in the Family Courts, however, in the Collaborative Law process, both parties, their lawyers and any other participants sign a Participation Agreement which provides that if an agreement is not reached that the Solicitors cannot act for the parties in initiating Court proceedings. Such requirement gives all parties involved strong motivation to settle matters.

Is Collaborative Law Right for Me?

The Collaborative Law process is not suited to all matters, particularly where there is an imbalance of bargaining powers, such as in domestically violent relationships.

It is a process which may assist in finding a solution where both parties are focused on reaching an amicable settlement, with the least impact upon the family as possible and where both parties are willing to fully cooperate in the process and provide full and frank disclosure of their financial positions.

Free advice on dispute resolution

If you would like to speak with a family lawyer about the best manner in which to progress your matter, call our Gold Coast or Logan office to arrange a 15-minute free consultation with one of our expert family lawyers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who Can Participate in Family Dispute Resolution?

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is available to individuals involved in a family dispute related to parenting arrangements or property matters following separation or divorce.

Generally, FDR is suitable for individuals willing to negotiate and resolve their issues without going to court. FDR is available to parents, grandparents, and other individuals who may have a role in the child’s life, such as stepparents or guardians.

2. What Types of Disputes Can Be Resolved Through Family Dispute Resolution?

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) can be used to resolve disputes relating to parenting and property following a separation or divorce.

Parenting disputes that can be resolved through FDR include issues such as:

• Parental responsibility (decision-making authority for children);
• Live with and time arrangements (custody);
• Communication between parents and children;
• Specific issues, such as schooling or medical decisions.
• Property disputes that can be resolved through FDR include the division of property, assets, and debts.

3. How Does Family Dispute Resolution Work?

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) in Australia is a process that helps individuals involved in a family dispute to negotiate and resolve their issues without going to court. The FDR process is facilitated by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) trained to help parties communicate effectively, identify issues, and develop solutions for everyone involved.

4. Is Family Dispute Resolution Mandatory?

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is mandatory for parties who wish to apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for parenting orders, unless an exemption applies.

This means that before parties can commence legal proceedings about parenting disputes, they must genuinely attempt to resolve their issues through FDR. If FDR is unsuccessful, a certificate from a registered FDR practitioner must be obtained before applying to the Court for parenting orders.

5. What Are the Benefits of Family Dispute Resolution?

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) in Australia offers several benefits for parties involved in a family dispute.

Here are some main advantages of using FDR: cost-effectiveness, faster resolution, empowerment, better outcomes for children, confidentiality, and flexibility.

FDR can effectively resolve family disputes in a respectful, collaborative manner and focus on finding solutions that work for everyone involved.

6. What Happens If the Parties Cannot Reach an Agreement Through Family Dispute Resolution?

If parties cannot reach an agreement through Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), there are several options available to them:

• Seek further FDR: Parties may seek further FDR sessions with a different FDR practitioner or continue with the same FDR practitioner. Further FDR sessions may help parties to identify and address any underlying issues that prevented them from reaching an agreement.
• Negotiation: Parties may choose to continue negotiations between themselves or with the assistance of their lawyers or a support person.
• Apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia: If all attempts at resolving the dispute outside of Court have been unsuccessful, the parties may apply to the Court to make a decision.