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17 May 2019

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Family Law
Federal

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Family law mediation - Arranging public or private mediation

I am acting for a husband client in a parenting dispute matter. The parties previously agreed to private mediation. The wife subsequently applied for mediation through the Family Relationship Centre (FRC), which requires attendance at set times.

Due to work commitments, my client has difficulty in finding the time to attend.

Can we apply for private mediation and cancel the meetings with FRC? What is the main difference between the two types of mediation?

Answered

Thank you for the question.

Mentor assumes that there are no proceedings on foot and therefore no court orders to attend mediation. Therefore, the client can advise the Family Relationship Centre (FRC) that he is unable to attend due to work commitments and is going to arrange private family dispute resolution (FDR). If the purpose of the FDR is just to comply with section 60I requirements under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) before proceedings can begin, then the FRC may issue a section 60I certificate to the other party. 

The client can speak to the FRC about telephone intake appointments and/or after hours appointments so he can continue with that process. This may lessen the chance of proceedings beginning without an opportunity to mediate the matter. 

In relation to the differences between private FDR and the FRC mediation, the centres have been set up by the federal government, and normally mediation is subsidised or free. Private FDR providers are often counsellors, social workers or lawyers who have completed the FDR training and are accredited to provide the section 60I certificate. Private FDR is generally more expensive though more flexible in terms of booking appointments. 

Regards

Mentor