Parenting Mediation (FDR)

Empowering parents to make decisions about their family together

Parenting FDR

At Monarda Mediations, we understand that even the most dedicated parents sometimes need support for tough conversations. Our Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) service facilitates empowering discussions to achieve the best outcomes for children.

The package includes a one-hour individual session for each parent, followed by a four-hour joint mediation, usually conducted via Microsoft Teams.

We’ll document any agreements in a Parenting Plan at no extra cost, with legal drafting for Consent Orders available if needed*

All our FDR Practitioners are accredited by the Attorney General’s Department and if mediation doesn’t result in an agreement, we can provide a Section 60i Certificate** to help families with their next steps. 

* Legal drafting attracts additional fees
** Section 60i Certificates attract addition costs

Contact Us

Get in touch to schedule your free 15-minute initial consultation and discuss how we can assist you.

We’ll gather essential information and assess if mediation is the right path for your situation.

We send up to two invitations to the other party, one of which must be sent in writing via post. Once they engage, we’ll also conduct an intake session with them to ensure mediation is appropriate.

Engage in guided discussions to work through your disputes and find a mutual resolution

Once an agreement is reached, we’ll document the terms so you can move forward with clarity.

Our Process

Our mediation process begins with an individual meeting with Parent 1 to determine if our service is suitable for your family.

If appropriate, we will then invite Parent 2 to participate, sending two invitations via email, phone, or post (with at least one in writing).

Once both parents agree, we schedule a mediation session, which can be held in person, via Microsoft Teams, or by phone, either jointly or in separate rooms (shuttle mediation).

Any agreements reached during the session will be documented in a Parenting Plan.

Parenting FDR Mediation Fees

FAQ’s about Parenting FDR:   

We’ve compiled answers to your most common questions about our services, the mediation process, and fee details.

FDR is a mediation process that helps separated parents resolve disputes about their children, focusing on creating arrangements that prioritise the best interests of the children. It involves a neutral mediator facilitating discussions to help parents reach an agreement without going to court. 

Yes, in most cases, Australian law requires parents to attempt FDR before applying to the court for parenting orders. If an agreement cannot be reached, an accredited FDR practitioner can issue a Section 60i Certificate, which is necessary for court proceedings. 

FDR begins with an individual intake session for each parent to discuss their situation privately. This is followed by a joint mediation session where the mediator helps both parties explore options and negotiate an agreement regarding their children’s care arrangements. 

The agreements reached in FDR are not legally binding on their own. However, they can be documented in a Parenting Plan, which is a written agreement signed by both parties. To make the arrangements legally enforceable, the agreement can be formalised through Consent Orders in the Family Court. 

If no agreement is reached, the mediator can issue a Section 60i Certificate, which allows parents to seek court intervention. The certificate indicates whether each party made a genuine effort to resolve the dispute in FDR.

Generally, your lawyer is able to attend however FDR is a confidential process that only usually involves the parents and the mediator. Under special circumstances and with the consent of both parties, a support person may be allowed to attend. Requirement for a support person can be discussed further with your Mediator. 

The process varies, but typically it includes a one-hour individual session for each parent followed by a four-hour joint session. Some cases may require additional sessions depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement. 

Yes, FDR is a confidential process. Information disclosed during mediation cannot be used as evidence in court, except in certain situations. Disclosures regarding risk to children are required to be reported under our legal obligations

A Parenting Plan is a written agreement between parents outlining the care arrangements for their children. It covers aspects like living arrangements, time spent, education and health. Although not legally binding, it is recognised by the court as an agreement. 

A Section 60i Certificate is issued by an accredited FDR practitioner when FDR has been attempted but has not resulted in an agreement, or when one party has not attended. This certificate is necessary for filing an application in the Family Court for parenting orders. Additional fee applies.

Parenting Mediation Fees

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