Support for Parenting, Property and Post-Separation Decisions
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) in Queensland
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), commonly referred to as family mediation, is a structured and confidential process designed to help separating or separated parents resolve parenting and property matters without going to court. In Australia, FDR can only be facilitated by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) registered with the Attorney-General’s Department.
As an experienced FDRP and barrister, Sue-Ellen Wright supports families across Queensland and Australia to communicate more effectively, reduce conflict and reach practical, child-focused agreements.
What is Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution is a legally recognised mediation process used to assist parents and former partners to negotiate:
- Parenting arrangements
- Communication expectations
- Property and financial settlement matters
FDR is required under the Family Law Act before most parenting applications can be made to the court. A registered FDRP also has the authority to issue section 60I certificates, depending on the outcome of the mediation or the behaviour of the parties during the process.
Why Families Choose FDR?
When communication has broken down
To prevent disagreements from escalating
To support children through relationship changes
To develop a clearer co-parenting structure
To build long-term, respectful communication
Parenting Matters & Co-Parenting Support
Mediation can help parents agree on:
- Living arrangements and parenting schedules,
- Schooling, health care and extra-curricular decisions,
- Communication expectations,
- Extended family involvement,
- Travel arrangements,
- General co-parenting guidelines.
While mediators are not counsellors, the FDR process is designed to support parents through a time of considerable emotional change. Sue-Ellen encourages all clients to have their own support network in place before the mediation process begins.
Property & Financial Settlement Mediation
FDR is also used to resolve property adjustment and financial matters following separation.
A core legal requirement is full and frank disclosure. Each party must provide complete information about their financial circumstances, including assets, liabilities, superannuation, and other relevant documents. Sue-Ellen works respectfully with both parties—and their legal representatives, if appointed—to ensure the disclosure process is understood before the mediation day.
Clients may choose to address parenting and property at:
- Separate mediation sessions, or
- A full-day mediation with parenting matters in the morning and property matters in the afternoon
Sue-Ellen has extensive experience assisting separating couples to reach property settlements and has also negotiated many agreements as counsel in court-based negotiations.
Is Mediation Suitable For You?
While FDR is appropriate for many families, it may not be suitable in every circumstance—for example, where significant family violence or safety concerns are present.
If you are unsure whether mediation is appropriate, you are welcome to contact Sue-Ellen confidentially. She will discuss your situation and provide guidance about the next steps.
All enquiries, intake discussions, and mediation sessions are handled with the strictest confidentiality.
FDR Certificates (Section 60I)
When Certificates Are Issued
A registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner has the authority to issue certificates under the Family Law Act and the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2025.
Reasons for Issuing a Certificate
Certificates may be issued when:
- Mediation is unsuccessful,
- A party did not attend,
- Someone refused to participate meaningfully,
- Mediation was deemed inappropriate,
- There was no genuine effort to resolve the dispute.
What Certificates Include
Certificates record how each party approached the process and allow the matter to progress to court if required.
Preparing for Your Family Dispute Resolution Session
To get the best outcome from FDR, both parties should:
- Come prepared with an open mind,
- Review any disclosure documents (property matters),
- Consider their goals for parenting or property agreements,
- Organise personal support such as counselling or legal advice,
- Ensure they understand the issues they wish to address.
Mediation works best when both parents are willing to communicate openly and respectfully.
Why Choose FDR Over Court?
Faster: avoids long court wait times
More cost-effective: significantly lower than litigation
Less stressful: confidential and collaborative
Child-focused: supports ongoing parenting relationships
Flexible: parents design their own outcomes
Work With Sue-Ellen
If you would like to retain Sue-Ellen for Family Dispute Resolution, please complete the contact form or submit an enquiry. She will call you to discuss your circumstances and outline the next available intake times.
Secure videolink or telephone intake sessions are typically available within a few days, with mediation times scheduled based on client needs and document review requirements.
OUR SERVICES
Mediation Services
Neutral and confidential facilitation to assist individuals, workplaces, families and organisations to resolve conflict constructively.
Barrister Services
Court representation, written advice and advocacy across family law, domestic violence, estates, child protection and civil matters.
Family Dispute Resolution
A structured, child-focused process to help separating or separated parents resolve parenting and property issues without going to court.
Sue-Ellen Wright respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which she lives and works. She honours their enduring connection to land, waters, culture, and community, and pays deep respect to Elders past and present.
She extends this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who visit this website, and acknowledges their rich contributions to storytelling, knowledge-sharing, and the wellbeing of our communities.
EsueW Mediations
Office Hours
Brisbane based mobile service, for most Australian locations.
Daily - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed - Weekends and Queensland Gazetted Public Holidays