FMC Relationship Services

FMC Relationship Services has contracted with the Federal Magistrates Court to deliver dispute resolution services.
In the Federal Magistrate Court these processes are:

• Counselling;
• Mediation; and
• Conciliation.

Why Family Dispute Resolution?

FDR allows parties to resolve their dispute without the need for a federal magistrate to make a decision. It is a much more affordable way for most people to resolve their disputes.

When does FDR happen?

The Federal Magistrates Court can order parties to attend counselling, mediation or conciliation at a community based organisation such as FMC Relationship Services. The Court will arrange for all details to be forwarded to our organisation and a staff member will contact parties in order to make a convenient appointment time.

The kinds of cases that can be referred out from the Court include applications by parties for parenting orders and property settlements.

In cases concerning parenting orders, including the living arrangements for children, either a mediation or a counselling session would normally be arranged. The session(s) would be conducted by a family dispute resolution practitioner.

In property settlement cases a conciliation conference would be conducted involving one of the organisation’s lawyers, who are experienced in Family and Property Law, acting as a conciliator.

The Federal Magistrates Court pays all fees to our organisation for providing the FDR service.

If you have been ordered to attend FDR at our organisation we will require the following documents:

• Copies of Court orders;
• Copies of any family violence or intervention orders;
• Family Reports (if applicable); and
• Copies of Court documents.

The Federal Magistrates Court is advised of the outcome of any conference conducted at FMC Relationship Services.