Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is often used in cases involving the care arrangements for children of the relationship. At Kannen Mediation we offer child-focused mediation, which ensures that the welfare of the children remain the top priority and that parenting plans are designed with their best interests in mind. By focusing on shared parenting responsibilities, mediation encourages parents to develop cooperative strategies that benefit their children’s long-term happiness and development.
Benefits of Child-Focused Family Dispute Resolution
Child-Centred Approach
FDR keeps the focus on the best interests of the children, supporting their emotional well-being, stability, and ongoing relationships with both parents.
Reduced Conflict
The mediator facilitates a respectful discussion between parents encouraging them to move away from adversarial positions and toward a more understanding and cooperative way of co-parenting.
Empowerment and Control
As parents, you are in control of making decisions around the best care arrangements for your children. As opposed to court proceedings where a judge will decide what the best arrangements for the child/ren look like, in FDR mediation you can agree on the arrangements which best suit your children and suit your specific circumstances and values.
Faster and More Affordable
Court proceedings are lengthy and costly. FDR offers a timely and cost-effective away to resolve your disputes and come to agreements about your children and the best way to move forward.
Confidential and Safe
Discussions are confidential. At Kannen Mediation our priority is to make sure everybody is emotionally and physically safe. This is particularly important when there are power imbalances and/or past conflict.
Focus on Future Co-Parenting
We encourage future-focused agreements which set the foundation for healthy communication, flexibility and cooperative parenting long after separation.
Legally Recognised Outcomes
Parenting plans give clarity and structure while remaining adaptable to children’s changing needs. Parenting plans can also be formalised into consent orders if needed.
Where mediation is unsuccessful, or one party refuses to mediate, we will issue a Section 60i Certificate.
