For family lawyers, navigating parenting disputes involves more than preparing strong legal advice. It also requires guiding clients through procedural requirements that can significantly influence both the timing and outcome of their matter.

One of the most important of these is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR).

While many clients see FDR simply as another step before the Court, experienced practitioners understand that it serves a much broader purpose. Properly managed, family dispute resolution not only satisfies legislative requirements but also creates meaningful opportunities to resolve disputes before litigation becomes necessary.

At Separation Solutions, we work closely with family lawyers across New South Wales and Australia as both a dispute resolution provider and a trusted compliance partner, helping clients meet their obligations while maximising every opportunity for resolution.

What Is Family Dispute Resolution?

Family Dispute Resolution is the legal term used to describe services that assist separated families to resolve disputes relating to children without commencing court proceedings.

Conducted by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), the process provides parents with an opportunity to discuss parenting arrangements in a structured, confidential and neutral environment.

For many families, it represents the first significant opportunity to move away from conflict and begin working towards practical parenting arrangements that reflect their children’s best interests.

Importantly, Family Dispute Resolution is not simply mediation under another name. It is a legislatively recognised process conducted by accredited practitioners who are authorised to issue s.60I Certificates where appropriate.

Understanding the Role of the s.60I Certificate

Before commencing most parenting proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, parties are generally required to make a genuine effort to resolve their dispute through Family Dispute Resolution.

Where this requirement applies, an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner may issue a s.60I Certificate following the process.

Depending on the circumstances, the certificate may confirm matters such as:

  • One or both parties attended Family Dispute Resolution.
  • One party refused or failed to attend.
  • The matter was considered unsuitable for Family Dispute Resolution.
  • The parties made a genuine effort but were unable to reach an agreement.

The certificate is an important procedural document that demonstrates compliance with pre-court requirements where applicable.

Family Dispute Resolution Is More Than a Procedural Step

It is easy for clients to view FDR as simply something they must “get through” before filing proceedings.

In reality, this approach overlooks one of the process’s greatest strengths.

Many parenting matters either resolve entirely or narrow significantly through well-managed Family Dispute Resolution. Even where complete agreement is not reached, identifying areas of consensus often simplifies future negotiations or litigation.

For lawyers, this means:

  • Clearer issues for determination;
  • More focused legal advice;
  • Reduced litigation costs;
  • Fewer unnecessary disputes; and
  • Better preparation should Court proceedings ultimately become necessary.

Rather than being a formality, Family Dispute Resolution often becomes the foundation for a more efficient legal process.

How Separation Solutions Supports Lawyers

At Separation Solutions, family dispute resolution is one of our core services.

Our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners are accredited by the Attorney-General’s Department and are also experienced family lawyers with extensive backgrounds in mediation and negotiation.

Many of our practitioners have worked within the Family Courts, at the NSW Bar, or in private family law practice for many years. This experience allows them to understand not only the legal framework surrounding parenting disputes but also the practical realities faced by lawyers and their clients.

Our role is to complement the work of legal practitioners, not replace it.

Lawyers continue providing legal advice while our practitioners facilitate constructive discussions in a neutral environment.

Supporting Compliance from the Beginning

Not every client approaches a lawyer after both parties have agreed to mediation.

In many matters, one parent has not responded to requests for mediation or has not yet engaged with the process.

To assist lawyers in these situations, Separation Solutions offers an FDR Invitation Request service.

Where instructed, our team can:

  • Formally invite the other party to participate in Family Dispute Resolution;
  • Manage follow-up communication;
  • Keep the requesting party updated throughout the process; and
  • Issue a s.60I Certificate, where appropriate and in accordance with legislative requirements.

This allows lawyers to demonstrate that appropriate steps have been taken before court proceedings are considered.

Efficient Systems That Reduce Administrative Burden

Family lawyers already manage demanding workloads, multiple deadlines, and significant client expectations.

One of the goals of Separation Solutions is to reduce, and not add to that administrative pressure.

Our dedicated operations and administration team supports every matter by coordinating:

  • Enquiries
  • Intake processes
  • Scheduling
  • Client communication
  • Documentation
  • And follow-up after Family Dispute Resolution.

These structured systems allow lawyers to spend less time coordinating logistics and more time focusing on legal strategy and client advice.

Court Readiness Begins Before Court

Even when litigation becomes unavoidable, the Family Dispute Resolution process provides value.

Lawyers frequently leave the process with:

  • A clearer understanding of each party’s position;
  • Issues narrowed for determination;
  • Improved financial or parenting disclosure;
  • Better informed clients; and
  • Documented efforts to resolve the dispute.

This preparation often contributes to more efficient court proceedings and assists lawyers in progressing matters strategically.

A Trusted Partner in Family Dispute Resolution

At Separation Solutions, we understand that lawyers need more than accredited practitioners. They need reliable professionals who understand compliance obligations, communicate clearly, and manage matters efficiently from beginning to end.

Through experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners, structured administrative systems, and a strong understanding of family law practice, we help lawyers meet their procedural obligations while creating genuine opportunities for resolution.

To learn more about our Family Dispute Resolution NSW services and accredited practitioners, visit www.separationsolutions.com.au.