Can you help me resolve a property dispute with my ex-partner?

Yes, we can help you resolve a property dispute. We offer a service called Family Dispute Resolution which involves providing separated couples with a supportive atmosphere and a method of talking to one another, to assist them to sort out the issues such as property settlement and to come up with solutions that are acceptable to both parties. Family Dispute Resolution has been successful in assisting many people to resolve property matters in a more cost effective and less distressing way than the legal system.

The Family Dispute Resolution process involves:

• the parties listening to each other's point of view without interruption
• identifying issues which need to be resolved
• sharing of relevant information
• exploring ideas and options
• testing possible solutions
• decisions and agreements put in writing.

Family Dispute Resolution is a voluntary process (in relation to property matters), and decisions made are not legally binding. Everyone gets the opportunity to express his or her own point of view and is free to talk about issues of concern, with everyone present.

Participants must be willing to listen to the other party and be genuinely willing to negotiate and commit to reaching a solution and considering a compromise. Participants must be prepared to follow the process.

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners are highly-skilled people from a variety of professional backgrounds, such as law and the social sciences. They are trained in resolving disputes within families. The expertise of these practitioners allows for a diverse range of disputes to be dealt with.

The Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners can either work alone or with another practitioner.  They do not give legal advice but will explore general principles that apply to couples who are separating.

The Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners are impartial and even-handed.  They control the process, not the content that is discussed, and they maintain the confidentiality of the process, subject to the constraints of the law. They are solution and future-focused in helping the parties resolve their dispute.  The practitioners ensure that everybody agrees to the decisions being made.

How long will it take?

A Family Dispute Resolution session lasts about 2 hours. The average number of sessions for the whole process of family dispute resolution is between 2 and 5. The frequency of appointments is adjusted in accordance with participants' needs.

If you would like to find out more about Family Dispute Resolution or book a session, call us on 1300 364 277 or contact the Relationships Australia office nearest you.