Our specialist Family Dispute Resolution service (FDR) helps families going through separation and others who need support to create a parenting plan.
Family Dispute Resolution
Fair Way supports families through separation
About Family Dispute Resolution
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Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a free, nationwide mediation service to help you create a parenting plan for your whānau.
It’s the first step for most families and is usually required before you can apply to the Family Court.
Our focus is on helping you build better co-parenting relationships and communication, so you can make your own decisions and avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court.
Who can use FDR?
Anyone with a dispute about the care of children can use the service. This includes parents, grandparents, and other whānau members.
How Fair Way can help
When you use Fair Way, one of our qualified and experienced mediators will work with all parties to help you reach a practical agreement that puts the wellbeing of your tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) first.
We understand:
Our mediators work with separated families every day. They understand what you are going through.
We are nationwide:
We have accredited family mediators all around Aotearoa New Zealand and can arrange a venue near you.
We are confidential:
What you tell us, stays with us, unless there are safety concerns.
We are effective:
We assist thousands of families each year, and around 80% resolve some or all of their issues with our help.
Extra support for your family
Beyond the mediation itself, we offer extra support to help you understand your children's needs and learn new communication tools for the future.
We understand every situation is different. Our goal is to make a hugely stressful time as safe, easy, and straightforward as possible.
Apply online or contact us on 0800 77 44 20 to see how we can help.
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Get started
Family Dispute Resolution is the required first step for most parenting matters. Before you can apply to the Family Court, you will usually need to have completed the FDR process with us.
It's free too!
Apply online to get started.
Important: Your safety comes first
This process is not for emergencies. If you or your tamariki are at risk, or if you need urgent help, please contact 111 or a family lawyer immediately.
The Family Dispute Resolution process
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Apply
Use our simple online form to tell us about your situation.
We'll check if mediation is the right option and, if so, contact the other person to invite them to participate.
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Talk to us
If everyone agrees to proceed, we'll call each of you individually to help you prepare.
This is your chance to ask questions as we walk you through the next steps and learn more about your whānau.
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Your child's views
We have two ways to ensure your child's needs are central to the process:
For younger children: we provide resources to help you understand their developmental needs.
For children over 6: with permission, a trained practitioner can meet with them to ensure their voice is heard and their feelings are understood.
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Getting ready
We'll provide helpful resources to help you prepare for your mediation session.
A little preparation can make a big difference and helps ensure a positive outcome.
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Have a one-on-one meeting
Next, you will each have a private, one-on-one meeting with your mediator.
This can be held over the phone, online, or in person.
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Mediation
This is the joint session where everyone comes together with the mediator to discuss the issues and create a parenting plan for your whānau.
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Resolution
After the joint session, your mediator will draft a parenting plan that summarises all the agreements you've reached.
This agreement can be kept private or, if you choose, can be made into a formal Court Order.
FDR costs
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Our Family Dispute Resolution service is free!
The government fully funds our service, which typically covers up to 12 hours of support for your family. This includes:
Initial conversations with our team
Resources to help you prepare
Individual meetings with your mediator
Any meetings our specialists have with you or your children
The joint mediation session (which usually takes 3-4 hours).
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What if mediation isn't suitable?
If your situation isn't suitable for mediation, we can provide an 'outcome form' that allows you to apply to the Family Court.
There is no charge for this form.
Get started
Ready to take the next step? Applying is the best way to move forward when you can't agree on your children's care.
Why choose Fair Way?
It works: 80% of families resolve issues with our help.
It's free: Our service is fully funded.
It's simple: Just fill out our online form to begin.
Other support for your family
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Parenting Through Separation programme
We recommend completing the free Parenting Through Separation course before you begin mediation. It provides valuable tools and information for co-parenting.
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Family Legal Advice Service
You may qualify for free legal advice to help you understand your rights and options.
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Relationship Property
If you also need to divide shared property after a separation, our dedicated Relationship Property service can help.
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Useful links and resources
Here are links to other websites that may be useful.
- Ministry of Justice: Information about the Family Court and family justice services.
- Community Law: Free legal help and information for people on low incomes.
- Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, confidential information and advice on a wide range of issues.
- Ministry of Social Development: Information on financial support and services for families.