Women and Separation (Booklet) - Relationships Australia

Making formal arrangementsFamily dispute resolutionFamily dispute resolution (also referred to as FDR) can assist youand your former partner to make decisions about your children, yourrelationship and future plans without going to Court.Family dispute resolution practitioners do not take sides. They do notrepresent either party or provide financial or legal advice. Their role isto help you and your former partner reach agreement. This can assistyou to:• make your own decisions• reduce the financial and emotional costs of legal proceedings• improve your working relationship as parents• improve your communication with your former partner• resolve future disputes.Family dispute resolution with a registered practitioner is arequirement before you can apply to the Court for a Parenting Order(for further information see page 31). There are some exceptions tothis, such as cases involving family violence or child abuse or wherethe matter is urgent.Family Relationship Centres, Relationships Australia, private familydispute resolution practitioners and some lawyers offer family disputeresolution. Contact them for more information, including fees (seepages 37-42).Visit www.fdrregister.familyrelationships.gov.au to find a list ofregistered family dispute resolution practitioners and their locations,or call the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321 or visitwww.familyrelationships.gov.auIntimidationIf your former partner is intimidating you, family dispute resolutionmay not be appropriate. Tell your family dispute resolutionpractitioner. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf.29