Family dispute resolution: Use, timing, and outcomes

After the 2006 Australian family law reforms, it became mandatory for separating or separated parents to mediate disputes over children before filing an application for the courts. The process is known as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR).
This paper examines three cohorts of parents who had separated in different periods after the reforms. It shows that parents who went to FDR were typically able to reach an agreement, but also that the use of and outcomes from FDR were closely linked to circumstances surrounding separation. And finally that parents who used FDR typically did so in the early stage of separation, with its use much less common after a separation of three or four years.
Access the full article on the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy.
Further reading
This AIFS book explore some of the complexities of the child and family issues facing those working in social policy and legal systems
This publication tells the story of the Australian Temperament Project, a longitudinal study of Australian children born in Victoria 1982-83
This book draws together key facts and figures about family formation and change, drawing on information and analysis from a wide variety of source
Using data from the HILDA survey, this article provides estimates on the impact of divorce on wellbeing for older Australians aged 55-74 years
AIFS news
Get the latest news about our publications, research and upcoming events.