Hi my name is Gabe. As a qualified and registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with the Attorney General’s Department, I bring extensive experience and education to help families navigate difficult transitions:

• Bachelor of Social Work, University of New South Wales

• Master of Counselling Social Work, University of New South Wales

• Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution Practice, College of Law

• Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (Attorney General’s Department)

My background in counselling provides a strong foundation for understanding the emotional aspects of family separation, while my specialised FDRP training ensures all processes follow best practices and legal regulatory requirements.

Children’s Matters

Family Dispute Resolution helps parents develop parenting arrangements that prioritise their children’s best interests. Our services include:

• Facilitating discussions about parenting arrangements

• Developing comprehensive parenting plans addressing:

  • Living arrangements and time with each parent

  • Holiday and special occasion arrangements

  • Education and schooling decisions

  • Health and medical care responsibilities

  • Religious and cultural upbringing

  • Communication between parents and children

• Addressing specific concerns related to children’s welfare

• Creating flexible arrangements that evolve with your children’s developmental needs

• Issuing section 60I certificates when required

• Post-agreement support and review sessions

Financial Matters

We assist separating couples resolve property and financial disputes through:

• Facilitated discussions about asset division

• Superannuation splitting arrangements

• Debt allocation and management

• Financial disclosure processes

• Consideration of future financial needs, particularly regarding children

• Discussion of spousal maintenance where relevant

Pre-Mediation

• Initial Enquiry: Free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if our service meets your needs

• Information Pack: Comprehensive materials explaining the process, requirements and preparation guidelines

Initial Assessment (Intake Session)

Before beginning mediation, we conduct individual intake sessions to:

• Assess suitability for FDR

• Understand your specific situation and concerns

• Explain the FDR process and your rights

• Determine appropriate safety measures if needed

• Help you prepare for the mediation process

• Discuss the documentation and information to bring to mediation

Mediation Session

Mediation sessions can be conducted:

• Jointly in the same room

• In separate rooms (shuttle mediation)

• Via video conference when appropriate

Family Dispute Resolution - Initial 4 Hour Session

This is your first mediation session where you'll work together with a qualified family dispute resolution practitioner to resolve your family law matters in a safe, neutral environment.

What happens during the session:

You'll discuss the issues that matter most to you—such as parenting arrangements, communication about children, living arrangements, or other family matters. Our mediator facilitates constructive conversation, helping you both explore options and work toward mutually acceptable agreements.

What to expect:

• The session runs for 4 hours (including breaks)

• Both parties participate together with the mediator, though separate sessions can be arranged if needed

• The mediator remains neutral and doesn't take sides or make decisions for you

• Discussions are confidential (with limited legal exceptions)

• You'll have the opportunity to identify priorities, discuss concerns, and explore solutions

• If agreements are reached, they'll be documented for your records

Agreement and Outcomes

Successful mediation results in:

• Written parenting plans or financial agreements

• Clear implementation pathways

• Future review mechanisms

• Referrals to legal practitioners for formalising agreements

Pricing

Service Provided (GST inclusive)

1.     Intake and Assessment Session for children’s matters and/or property settlement (60 mins)

$220

2.     Standard Mediation Session (4 hours)

$1200

3.     Additional time: extension of standard mediation session, individual support/coaching, and any additional work where matters are complex (60 mins)

$220

4.     Issuing of Section 60I Certificate if assessed as unsuitable to mediate after intake and assessment (parenting matters)

$110

5.     Follow up/Review Session (90 mins)

$330

Medicare rebates are not available for FDR services.

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) offers separating families a constructive alternative to court proceedings, providing numerous advantages for all involved—especially children.

Key Benefits

Child-Focused Outcomes: FDR prioritises the best interests of children, helping parents create parenting arrangements that support their children’s wellbeing and maintain meaningful relationships with both parents.

Cost-Effective: Mediation is significantly less expensive than court litigation, saving families thousands of dollars that can be better spent on their children’s future and establishing new households.

Time-Efficient: Disputes can often be resolved in a matter of weeks rather than months or years, allowing families to move forward more quickly and reduce prolonged uncertainty.

Control and Flexibility: Unlike court-imposed decisions, FDR empowers parents to craft their own solutions tailored to their family’s unique circumstances, schedules, and values.

Reduced Conflict: The collaborative nature of mediation helps reduce hostility and promotes respectful communication, which is essential for successful co-parenting relationships.

Confidential and Private: FDR sessions are confidential, protecting your family’s privacy and allowing open, honest discussions without public court records.

Better Compliance: Agreements reached through mutual discussion and consent are more likely to be honoured and sustained over time compared to court orders.

Preserves Relationships: By fostering cooperation rather than confrontation, FDR helps maintain workable relationships between parents, which benefits children’s long-term emotional health.

Moving Forward Together

Family Dispute Resolution provides a respectful, dignified pathway through separation—one that recognises parents as the experts on their own family and supports them in making decisions that truly work for everyone involved.

What is Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specialised form of mediation designed to help separating couples resolve disputes about parenting arrangements and property settlements without going to court.

Is FDR mandatory?
Before applying to the Family Court for parenting orders, you must attempt FDR and obtain a section 60I certificate (with some exceptions for urgent matters or cases involving family violence).

How long does the process take?
Most matters require 1-3 sessions after the initial assessment. Simple matters may be resolved in a single session, while complex cases may require multiple sessions over several weeks.

What if we can’t reach an agreement?
If an agreement cannot be reached, a section 60I certificate will be issued, allowing you to proceed to court if desired. Even partial agreements can reduce the issues needing court intervention.

Is what I say confidential?
FDR is generally confidential and inadmissible in court. However, there are exceptions when there are concerns about child abuse or family violence, threats of harm, or information related to the commission of a crime.

Can I bring a support person?
Support people may attend with prior arrangement and agreement from all parties, though they typically don’t actively participate in the mediation.

Should I get legal advice?
Yes, we strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice before, during, and after the FDR process, particularly before finalising any agreements.

What’s the difference between a Parenting Plan and Consent Orders?
A Parenting Plan is a written agreement that is signed and dated, but not legally enforceable. Consent Orders are approved by the court and are legally binding. We can discuss which option best suits your circumstances.

What if there has been family violence?
FDR may not be appropriate in some cases involving family violence. During the assessment, we’ll determine whether special arrangements can be made (such as shuttle mediation) or whether a section 60I certificate should be issued without mediation.

What should I bring to mediation?
For parenting matters, bring information about your children’s schedules and needs. For financial matters, bring financial statements, property valuations, superannuation statements, and details of assets and liabilities.

At GRT Family Dispute Resolution, we are committed to providing a service that:

• Prioritises the best interests of children

• Respects cultural diversity and individual needs

• Promotes fair and equitable outcomes

• Delivers professional, ethical practice at all times

• Maintains the highest standards of confidentialityscription