Families who are separated or in the process of change are often faced with making difficult decisions about parenting, care arrangements and division of property.

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) assists separated parents and grandparents to discuss and reach a resolution in the best interests of the children.

The Family Law Amendment Act 2023, now considers the best interests of children to be about  what arrangements would promote the safety of the child and each person who has care of them; any views expressed by the child; the developmental, psychological, emotional and cultural needs of the child; the capacity of each person with parental responsibility of the child to provide for their developmental, psychological, emotional and cultural needs; the benefit to the child of being able to have a relationship with their parents, and other people who are significant to them, where it is safe to do so; and anything else that is relevant to the particular circumstances of the child.

These amendments also encourage parents to discuss and manage how to make decisions jointly and separately for their children around major issues and for all care arrangements to be relevant to the needs of the children with the removal of the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility or time.

The service is child-focussed with the needs and interests of young children/people at the centre of all discussions and any agreements reached and is guided by our accredited FDR Practitioners working within the family law framework.

In 2006, changes to the Family Law system made Family Dispute Resolution a requirement before applications can be made to the Court for Parenting Orders and the amendments in 2021 require those parents attending FDR to make a genuine effort to resolve the issues at mediation.

Alternatively, FDR may assist families to further discuss children’s arrangement or to change the existing Parenting Orders. Exceptions may apply and it is advisable to seek prior legal advice, as no legal advice can be given by the FDR practitioners.

Property Mediation is also available for separating/separated couples going through financial settlement using the 4-step process used by the family courts.

Family Dispute Resolution is offered in person, in the office, or via telephone or zoom. Centacare is an inclusive organisation and same sex couples, and CALD clients will be fully supported during FDR. For more information, or to enquire about how we can help you, please phone (08) (08) 8215 6700 or email fdr@centacare.org.au

Services provided

Program details

Who: Separating couples: Grandparents: families requiring mediation to deal with issues in dispute arising from separation.

How: Clients can self-refer. Referrals are also received from the courts and legal professionals.

Cost: Some fees apply.

Where: FDR support is available in Adelaide, Elizabeth Park, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge.

Contact:

  • Adelaide – 45 Wakefield St, phone (08) 8215 6700
  • Elizabeth Park – 34 Yorktown Rd
  • Mount Barker – 26 Mann St
  • Mount Gambier – Level 1, 62 Gray St, phone (08) 8303 6630
  • Murray Bridge – Office T3, 2-6 Sturt Reserve Road, phone (08) 8215 6320

Information Packages

Back to service list