Family Dispute Resolution

Fair Way supports families through separation

Our specialist Family Dispute Resolution service (FDR) helps families going through separation and others who need support to create a parenting plan.

About Family Dispute Resolution

  • Family Dispute Resolution, or FDR, is a free nationwide mediation service.

    FDR is the first step if you need some support making a plan for your whānau. The focus is on building better co-parenting relationships and communication with the assistance of a mediator. It is designed to help you make your own decisions for your children’s future, so you can resolve childcare issues without the time, expense and stress of going to court. Going through the FDR process is also something the Family Court usually requires families to complete before applying to the court.

    Anyone with a dispute relating to children’s care can use the service. This includes wider family members, such as grandparents or extended whānau.

    When you use the Fair Way FDR service, one of our qualified and experienced mediators works with all parties to help you reach a practical co-parenting agreement that supports the best interests of the children or child. Our mediators work with separated families every day, so they understand what you are going through. Tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) are always at the heart of the process.

    We have highly experienced and accredited family mediators all around Aotearoa New Zealand, so we can arrange a mediation venue near you. Confidentiality is key – what you tell us, stays with us unless there are safety concerns. We assist thousands of families each year and around 80% of people are able to resolve some or all matters with the help of one of our family mediators. 

    There are also lots of added benefits. On top of the mediation, you can get support to understand your children's needs and through our resources can learn communication tools for the future.

    We understand that every situation is different, so contact us on 0800 77 44 20 to see how we can help. Fair Way's Family Dispute Resolution service is designed to make a hugely stressful time as safe, easy, and straightforward as possible.

  • Get started

    Mediation using Fair Way’s FDR service is the first step if you can’t agree on arrangements for your children’s care.

    80% of all family mediations with Fair Way result in some or all matters being resolved.

    It's free too!

    Apply online to get started. 

     

When to use FDR

Family Dispute Resolution is the first step. You can go to the Family Court, but in most situations you must have already completed Family Dispute Resolution mediation.

Emergency or urgent situations are different. If there’s any risk to you or the tamariki, or you need urgent help, you don’t need to come to mediation. Contact 111 or a family lawyer immediately.

The Family Dispute Resolution process

  • Apply

    Use our online form to tell us about your whānau so we can check if mediation is the right option for your situation. 

    If suitable, we’ll get in touch with the other person and invite them to join the mediation. 

    Online form
    Get started

  • Talk to us

    If everyone agrees to mediation, we’ll give each of you a call to help you get ready. 

    We will answer your questions and walk you through the process.

    We’ll also find out more about you and your tamariki.

    Get in touch Process

  • Your child's views

    For young children, we will provide some resources to help you understand their needs when making a care plan for them. 

    For children aged 6 and over, with permission from both you and your child, our team can arrange to meet with your child. This is a great way to make sure they have their own voice in the process, so their needs and feelings are understood too.  

    Specialty
    Find out more

  • Getting ready

    We’ll share some resources to help you upskill and prepare for mediation. Spending some time preparing helps you get the most from your mediation.

    Prepare process

  • Have a one-on-one meeting

    Each person meets with the mediator individually. This meeting can be on the phone, online or in person.

    Meeting

  • Mediation

    Everyone meets together, including the mediator, to make a plan for your whānau. 

    Conciliation Mediation
    Find out more

  • Resolution

    At the end of the mediation session, the mediator will prepare a a parenting plan summarising any agreements reached. 

    You can keep that private or apply to have it made into a Court Order. 

    Agreement decision

FDR costs

  • Fair Way’s Family Dispute Resolution service is free! 

    This typically covers up to 12 hours of services – including your conversations with our team, resources to help you get ready, any meetings with you or your children, and the mediation. Often, the mediation session, where you all meet together, takes around three or four hours. 

    Some family situations aren’t suitable for our Family Dispute Resolution service. If so, we can give you an ‘outcome form’ referring your dispute to the Family Court. There’s no charge for this form.

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