FAQ | FDR Mediation
On this page you can find answers to some of our frequently asked questions.
What is FDR Mediation?
FDR mediation gives you the opportunity to work on a Parenting Plan for the care of your children, with the assistance of a mediator, in a private environment outside of the Family Court. Avoiding Court can save you time and money, and is much less stressful. Most importantly, as parents or guardians, you get to make important decisions about your children’s welfare, rather than a judge who does not know you or your children.
Who is eligible for FDR Mediation?
Anyone who is eligible and is involved in a dispute relating to the care of children under the age of 18 (including guardianship) is entitled to apply to use FDR Mediation. Generally, this is parents who are separating, but sometimes it may involve extended family/whānau. The disputes are usually about day-to-day care/contact or guardianship matters arising under the Care of Children Act 2004 (CoCA).
Do I have to use FDR Mediation or can I still go directly through the Family Court?
What types of matters go to FDR Mediation?
- day-to-day care arrangements;
- choosing a school and extra-curricular activities;
- school holiday care;
- healthcare; and
- celebrations: birthdays, Christmas etc.
How long will the FDR Mediation process take through the FDR Centre?
Can I get access to full funding for FDR Mediation?
For more information, see FDR Mediation Fees.
How can I make a payment?
Account number: 03 1322 0837828 02
Banking institution: Westpac
Reference: FDR File Number and Name
Payments may also be made online by credit card (credit card payment will incur a 2.95% merchant fee).
What happens if the other party is not entitled to full funding and refuses to pay the $448.50 fee?
What is Parenting Through Separation (PTS)?
The Parenting Through Separation course is administered by the Ministry of Justice, and offers education and tools to help you focus on the best outcomes your children during separation.
PTS programmes are four hours long and are either completed in two two-hour sessions, or one four-hour session. In most cases, PTS providers will recommend that separating parties attend separate sessions. Other guardians, such as grandparents or extended family, may also attend.
When parties complete a PTS programme, providers issue them with a certificate of attendance and record attendance.
For more information on the Parenting Through Separation course, see the Ministry of Justice website.
What is Preparation for Mediation (PFM)?
PFM may even be recommended by your mediator after he/she has completed your FDR Assessment with you.
There is no additional cost for PFM.
What is Voice of the Child?
In most cases, child inclusive FDR mediation involves the Child Inclusion Specialist:
- meeting with both parents and with the child separately;
- providing feedback to the parents;
- attending the FDR Mediation to speak on behalf of the child; and
- providing feedback to the child after the FDR Mediation on the outcomes agreed by the parents to ensure the child understands the agreements reached in the mediation and to offer support.
Do I need a lawyer to participate in FDR Mediation?
What happens if one party refuses to participate in FDR Mediation?
Can I use FDR Mediation if one of the parties lives outside New Zealand?
FAQ | FDR Mediation for Grandparents
Are you a grandparent raising your grandchild? Help is available for you. Read here for more.