FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or family mediation, is a professional service designed to assist families to resolve disputes related to couples who are separating, separated or divorced.
A Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) is trained to provide FDR services. He/she is an independent, impartial person who assists separated or divorced couples to resolve their disputes related to separation including children, finances and property. The FDR process guides the participants in identifying the issues, understanding their origins and the differing perspectives of each party, and exploring viable options for reaching a mutually agreeable solution. The process is child focussed – meaning that in considering parenting arrangements, parents are encouraged to focus on arrangements that are in the best interest of their children. A Parenting Plan is then prepared to document the agreed arrangements. Separation and/or financial agreements can also be developed to document agreed property division arrangements.
Our Approach
Both parties to the dispute are treated with total respect and supported impartially. It is recognized that every person is unique, and each person's family of origin, cultural background including environmental factors, together contribute to the values, beliefs, behaviors and life expectations they hold. Family systems theory is a valuable platform for understanding how these factors play out in an individual's relationships, and predicting areas of conflict that can develop.
The FDR process includes providing psycho-education to help separated parents understand the source of their disputes, improve their communication skills and ultimately provide a more healthy emotional environment for negotiating solutions to their issues now and into the future. Developing these skills also reduces high parental conflict, the possibility of violence or seriously dysfunctional behaviours, which ensures their children feel safe and have the opportunity to thrive.
The FDR process encourages greater involvement by both parents, and where appropriate, by significant others in the children's lives after separation
Getting in Touch
Feel free to call for a 30 min free no obligation discussion