Family dispute resolution is a process that assists people experiencing relationship difficulties to resolve their disputes during or after separation or divorce. Family dispute resolution is also known as mediation.

Family Relationship Centres

Catholic Family and Community Services Family Relationship centres service the Gold Coast from Ashmore and Brisbane's north from Chermside. Services provided include:

• Information and support for families at any stage of their relationship
• Referral service for specific needs and requirements
• One-on-one interviews for separating or separated families to discuss options
• Group information sessions before mediation (family dispute resolution) explaining the process and ways that parents can support children through separation
• Child-inclusive consultations with an experienced child practitioner to help parents understand their children's needs prior to mediation
• Mediation to help parents resolve conflict and agree on parenting arrangements for their children
• When mediation is not successful issue certificates to parents on request

Eligibility

• Any person who has spent significant time with the children, where there is parental separation. People such as parents, grandparents, other family members, neighbours and day care providers.

Fees

Individual advice is free of charge. Up to three hours of joint dispute resolution sessions (such as mediation) is free of charge in a two-year period. If further joint sessions are needed regarding the same issues our Family Relationship centres will charge a fee.

Contact

Chermside Family Relationship Centre
Westfield Chermside Shopping Town
Suite C9, 1st Flr, 90 Kittyhawk Dve
Chermside 4032
Ph: (07) 3624 0100

Gold Coast Family Relationship Centre
Ashmore Commercial Centre
Suite 11, 207 Currumburra Rd
Ashmore 4214
Ph: (07) 5656 1700

Family Dispute Resolution

Family Dispute Resolution is a process to assist people experiencing relationship difficulties which allows them to resolve their disputes during or after separation or divorce. Family Dispute Resolution is also known as mediation. Our role is to assist parents in resolving disputes and reaching agreement on parenting arrangements outside the court system through means of providing child-focused information, advice and dispute resolution.

The process of Family Dispute Resolution aims to empower parents to make their own decisions and resolve conflict and thereby avoid lengthy court battles. We are sensitive about the need to prevent children from being caught in the middle of parental conflict and we aim to help parents consider their parental role during this time of transition and change.

Our staff are experienced in assisting children to navigate the changes their family is experiencing. The ways we may assist children, include:

• Involving them in having some voice in the decisions around parenting arrangements (where this is appropriate)
• Providing referral to counselling and recovery groups specialising in the experiences of children

We provide:

• Information about family dispute resolution
• Assistance to resolve disputes and reach agreements on parenting arrangements
• Child-focused information, as well as child inclusive sessions where appropriate
• Culturally sensitive processes for indigenous and multi-cultural families that acknowledges their perspectives and needs
  Interpretation services (available on request)
• Educational and information sessions relating to the separation experiences of the whole family following separation
• Referral to appropriate services to assist families in strengthening family relationships
• Wheel chair access

Eligibility

• Parents who are separated or experiencing separation.
• Any person who has spent significant time with the children where there is parental separation. People such as; parent, grandparents, other family members, neighbours and day care providers.

Contact

58 Morgan St
Fortitude Valley 4006
Ph: (07) 3252 4371

The Lakes Centre, Building E
2 King St
Caboolture 4510
Ph: (07) 3252 4371