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Family Relationship Centres (FRCs)
Family Relationship Centres are government-funded services providing free or subsidised FDR to help separating families make parenting arrangements without going to court. There are 65 Family Relationship Centres across Australia.
What FRCs offer
- Free initial sessions — the first three hours of FDR are free for most clients, including intake assessments and initial mediation sessions. Additional sessions are charged on a sliding scale based on income.
- Information and support services — free information about separation, parenting arrangements, children's needs during separation, and referrals to counselling, financial counselling, and legal services.
- Section 60I certificates — FRCs can issue Section 60I certificates confirming you have attempted FDR, which is required before filing most parenting applications in court. The certificate indicates whether FDR was attempted, whether one party refused to attend, or whether FDR was not appropriate.
- Children's contact services — some FRCs offer supervised changeover and supervised contact for families where there are safety concerns or high conflict.
How to access FRCs
- Call the Family Relationship Advice Line: 1800 050 321
- Visit the Family Relationships Online website
- Search for "Family Relationship Centre" with your suburb or postcode
Waiting times
Private FDR Practitioners
Private FDR practitioners offer mediation services for a fee, often with greater flexibility and shorter waiting times than government-funded services.
Advantages
- Shorter waiting times (often 1–2 weeks)
- More flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
- Choice of practitioner with specific expertise
- May offer specialised services (e.g., complex property matters)
- Some offer lawyer-assisted mediation
Typical costs
- Initial intake: $100–$250 per party
- Mediation sessions: $150–$400+ per hour per party
- Total cost typically: $500–$2,000+ per party
- Lawyer-assisted FDR: $300–$600+ per hour
- Some practitioners offer fixed-fee packages
How to find private practitioners
- Family Law Section of Law Societies — state and territory Law Societies maintain directories of family law practitioners, many of whom offer FDR services.
- Resolution Institute — Australia's leading dispute resolution membership body maintains a searchable directory of accredited mediators.
- Family Law Practitioners Association — professional associations in each state can provide referrals to FDR practitioners.
- Referral from your family lawyer — if you have consulted a family lawyer, they can often recommend experienced FDR practitioners they work with regularly.
Legal Aid FDR Services
Legal Aid Commissions in each state and territory offer free or subsidised FDR services for people who meet their eligibility criteria.
Eligibility
- Means test — you must meet financial eligibility criteria. This generally means having a low income and limited assets. People receiving Centrelink payments usually qualify. Each Legal Aid Commission has specific thresholds which vary between states.
- Matter suitability — Legal Aid assesses whether FDR is appropriate for your matter. FDR may not be suitable where there is family violence, child abuse concerns, or significant power imbalances between parties.
- Lawyer-assisted mediation — in some cases, Legal Aid may fund lawyer-assisted FDR where each party has a lawyer present during mediation. This is typically reserved for more complex matters or where there are safety concerns.
State and territory Legal Aid services
| Jurisdiction | Service |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Legal Aid NSW Family Dispute Resolution |
| Victoria | Victoria Legal Aid Family Mediation |
| Queensland | Legal Aid Queensland FDR Services |
| Western Australia | Legal Aid WA Family Dispute Resolution |
| South Australia | Legal Services Commission SA FDR |
| Tasmania | Legal Aid Commission Tasmania |
| ACT | Legal Aid ACT Family Services |
| Northern Territory | NT Legal Aid Commission |
Online and Telephone FDR Options
Remote FDR services have become widely available and are equally valid for Section 60I certificate purposes. Online and telephone FDR is equally valid and has been widely used since 2020.
Benefits of online FDR
- Geographic flexibility — access practitioners anywhere in Australia regardless of your location.
- Safety benefits — participate from a safe location without physical proximity to the other party.
- Scheduling flexibility — often more appointment times available including outside business hours.
- Cost savings — no travel costs or time off work for travel to appointments.
Types of remote FDR
- Video conferencing FDR — conducted via platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. This is the most common form of online FDR, allowing face-to-face interaction and screen sharing for documents.
- Telephone FDR — conducted by phone conference call. May be suitable where parties have limited internet access or technology capabilities. Section 60I certificates issued following telephone FDR are equally valid.
- Shuttle mediation (remote) — the practitioner moves between separate virtual "rooms" with each party, never bringing parties together directly. Particularly suitable where there are safety concerns or high conflict.
Technology requirements
Verifying FDR Practitioner Accreditation
Only practitioners accredited under the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008 can issue valid Section 60I certificates. It is important to verify accreditation before engaging a practitioner.
Accreditation requirements
- Relevant qualifications — a degree in law, psychology, social work, conflict resolution, or a related field, or equivalent experience and training.
- FDR training — completion of an approved Graduate Diploma or equivalent training in Family Dispute Resolution, including supervised practical experience.
- Child-inclusive training — training in working with children and understanding child development and the impact of separation on children.
- Family violence training — specific training in screening for and responding to family violence, and understanding the dynamics of family violence.
How to verify accreditation
- Attorney-General's Department FDR Register — the official register of all accredited FDR practitioners. You can search the register online to verify a practitioner's accreditation status.
- Ask the practitioner directly — request the practitioner's accreditation number and the name of their accrediting organisation. Legitimate practitioners will readily provide this information.
- Check professional memberships — many accredited practitioners are members of professional bodies like the Resolution Institute, Family Law Practitioners Association, or relevant Law Societies.
Warning: unaccredited practitioners
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Provider
Before engaging an FDR practitioner, asking the right questions helps ensure they are suitable for your situation and needs.
About accreditation and experience
- Are you accredited under the FDR Regulations 2008?
- How long have you been practising as an FDR practitioner?
- What percentage of your work involves family law FDR?
- Do you have experience with issues similar to mine?
About fees and process
- What are your fees for intake and mediation sessions?
- Are fees charged per person or per session?
- Do you offer fixed-fee packages?
- What is included in the fee (preparation time, certificate)?
- What is your cancellation policy?
About availability and logistics
- How soon can you offer an intake appointment?
- Do you offer online or telephone FDR?
- What are your available appointment times?
- How many sessions do you typically conduct?
- How long after mediation is the certificate issued?
About safety and special circumstances
- How do you screen for family violence?
- What safety measures can you implement?
- Do you offer shuttle mediation?
- Do you have experience with complex matters (relocation, high conflict)?
- Can you accommodate support persons or interpreters?
State-by-State FDR Resources
Here is a summary of FDR resources available in each Australian state and territory.
New South Wales
Multiple FRCs across Sydney metropolitan area and regional NSW including Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast, and major regional centres. Legal Aid NSW provides FDR services through their Family Law helpline and offices in Sydney, Parramatta, and regional areas.
Victoria
FRCs located throughout Melbourne metropolitan area and regional Victoria including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Shepparton. Victoria Legal Aid operates family mediation services and also funds lawyer-assisted mediation in appropriate cases.
Queensland
FRCs across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville, and other regional centres throughout Queensland. Legal Aid Queensland provides FDR services through their family law division with offices across the state.
Western Australia
FRCs in Perth metropolitan area and regional WA. Note: WA operates its own family court system under the Family Court of Western Australia. Legal Aid Western Australia provides FDR services and can assist with both federal and state family law matters.
South Australia
FRCs in Adelaide and regional SA. Relationships Australia SA is a major provider of FDR services in the state. The Legal Services Commission of South Australia provides FDR and can refer to appropriate services.
Tasmania, ACT and Northern Territory
- Tasmania — FRCs in Hobart and Launceston. Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania provides FDR services.
- ACT — FRCs in Canberra. Legal Aid ACT provides family law services including FDR.
- Northern Territory — FRCs in Darwin and Alice Springs. NT Legal Aid Commission provides family services.
FDR Cost Comparison
Understanding the costs associated with different FDR options can help you choose the most appropriate service for your budget and circumstances.
| Service type | Typical cost | Wait time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Relationship Centres | First 3 hours free, then sliding scale | 4–8 weeks | Budget-conscious, straightforward matters |
| Legal Aid FDR | Free (if eligible) | 4–8 weeks | Low income, eligible clients |
| Private practitioner | $500–$2,000+ per party | 1–2 weeks | Urgent matters, flexible scheduling |
| Lawyer-assisted FDR | $1,500–$5,000+ per party | 2–4 weeks | Complex matters, power imbalances |
Compare to court costs
Common questions
What is an FDR practitioner and why do I need one?
An FDR (Family Dispute Resolution) practitioner is an accredited professional who helps separating families resolve disputes about parenting arrangements without going to court. Under Section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975, you generally must attempt FDR before filing a parenting application in court (unless an exception applies). FDR practitioners are accredited under the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008 and can issue Section 60I certificates confirming you have attempted dispute resolution.
What is the difference between Family Relationship Centres and private FDR practitioners?
Family Relationship Centres (FRCs) are government-funded services that offer free or subsidised FDR. The first three hours are typically free for eligible clients. Private FDR practitioners charge fees (usually $150–$400+ per hour per party) but may offer more flexibility in scheduling, specialised expertise, and shorter waiting times. Both types of practitioners are equally accredited and can issue Section 60I certificates.
How can I verify that an FDR practitioner is properly accredited?
You can verify FDR practitioner accreditation through the Attorney-General's Department FDR Register, which lists all practitioners accredited under the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008. Ask the practitioner directly for their accreditation number, and check that they maintain current registration. Only accredited practitioners can issue valid Section 60I certificates required by the court.
Is online or telephone FDR as valid as in-person mediation?
Yes, online and telephone FDR is equally valid and has been widely used since 2020. Many FRCs and private practitioners offer video-conferencing FDR using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The same accreditation requirements apply, and Section 60I certificates issued following online FDR are fully valid. Online FDR can be particularly suitable for parties in different locations, those with mobility issues, or where in-person attendance creates safety concerns.
Can I access FDR through Legal Aid?
Yes, Legal Aid Commissions in each state and territory offer FDR services for family law matters. Eligibility is generally based on a means test (financial assessment). Legal Aid FDR is provided at no cost or heavily subsidised for eligible clients. Contact your local Legal Aid Commission to check eligibility and access services. Legal Aid may also fund lawyer-assisted FDR in appropriate cases.
How long does the FDR process typically take?
The FDR process varies depending on the complexity of issues and the service provider. Initial intake appointments are typically scheduled within 2–6 weeks. The mediation itself may involve 1–3 sessions of 2–3 hours each, spread over several weeks. FRCs may have longer waiting times (4–8 weeks) compared to private practitioners (1–2 weeks). The entire process from first contact to receiving a Section 60I certificate typically takes 4–12 weeks.
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