What is the Role of the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner?
The role of the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) is principally to facilitate a process whereby a couple who are separating can reach agreement over care of children and division of property in a safe environment.
The FDRP will:
- Facilitate communication, problem solving and negotiation
- Assist the parties to set their agenda for mediation
- Maintain a neutral position and be impartial
- Address any imbalance of power
- Control the process of mediation, rather than the content or outcome
- Refrain from offering advice, yet be informative
- Show no judgement of issues in dispute or impose any solutions
- Refrain from providing legal, therapeutic or any other professional advice
- Have no vested interest in the outcomes that are decided upon by the parties
- Assist the parties to record their agreements in writing
- Issue a Section 60I Certificate if appropriate
- For more information on the obligations of the FDRP please read Family Dispute Practitioner Obligations To Clients.
Christine Bennett offers Family Dispute Resolution and Marriage Counselling in Crows Nest, Central Coast NSW and online.
