Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

There are many things to sort out when a marriage or a long-term relationship comes to an end. Family Dispute Resolution is a way of jointly dealing with all the complex issues including arrangements for children; finances; and property matters. It helps facilitates conversations around sensitive issues to assist people to develop their own agreements and avoid the stress and expense involved in going to Court.

What happens during FDR?

FDR is facilitated by an independent third party. The decisions made are not legally binding. Everyone gets the opportunity to express their point of view and are free to talk about issues of concern, with everyone present.

It is mediation rather than counselling. The mediators listen but do not take sides. FDR mediators will assist you to discuss problems and develop solutions that make sense in your situation.

FDR is personalised to meet your circumstances. Mediation is a flexible way of dealing with issues arising from relationship breakdowns including contact with children, finances, and property matters. It can reduce the need for stressful, expensive court hearings and keep legal costs to a minimum.

Participants must be willing to listen to the other party, be genuinely ready to compromise and committed to reaching a solution. Participants must also be prepared to follow the process.

In relation to children, FDR assist by:

• Discussing with you about your children’s needs;
• Providing information on how children are affected by separation and how to adapt to meet the changes;
• Providing referrals to specialist services for parenting skills and support and support for children; and
• Assisting you to reach parenting agreements with the other party.

In relation to financial separation, FDR assist by:

• Assisting you to identify assets and debts and how they will be shared;
• Providing referrals to specialists in relation to debt/asset management, financial counselling and legal advice; and
• Providing written records of any mutual agreements reached.

If you are going through a separation and want to sort out your finances and parenting arrangement, Straits Lawyers are now offering online services in both English and Chinese.

Simply purchase our online services via this link: https://straits-lawyers.square.site/product/binding-financial-agreement-consultation-bfa-/5?cs=true

Alternatively, you can email us at info@straitslawyers.com or call at 08 8410 9069 to find out more.

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Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice and Straits Lawyers will not be legally responsible for any actions you take based on this article.