Apply for Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

Read an easy English explanation about FDR 

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) conferences are formal meetings for people to try to resolve parenting or property disputes without going to court. They are run by a neutral third party.  

We offer lawyer-assisted FDR. This means at least one party must have a lawyer representing them at the conference. It can either be a Legal Aid lawyer or a private lawyer.


Why should I attend FDR?

If you want to bring your family law problem to the court, you must usually attend an FDR Conference beforehand. There are some exceptions, but you should talk to a lawyer about this.  

FDR is quicker, less stressful and cheaper than going to court.


How to apply for an FDR conference with Legal Aid

If you have a private lawyer (not a Legal Aid lawyer):

  • you can ask your lawyer for a private referral form for our FDR services
  • you will need to pay for your lawyer’s fees and there is a fee for the conference.

If you do not have a lawyer:

FDR is free if you are eligible for a grant of legal aid.


Contact Us

Phone: (02) 6173 5433  

  • Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm

Email: fdr@legalaidact.org.au   


Resources

Factsheets and resources

This Legal Aid factsheet goes through commonly asked questions about the FDR process:

The Family Law Pathways Network has created a directory of legal and non-legal services for people who are interacting with the family law system:

For practitioners