Family Dispute Resolution in Canberra: Costs, Wait Times, and What to Expect

Before you can file a contested parenting application in any Australian court, you generally must first attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). Unless a statutory exemption applies — such as urgent risk of family violence or child abuse — the FCFCOA requires a current Section 60I certificate from an accredited FDRP recording that FDR was attended or attempted.

In Canberra, three main pathways exist, and the differences in cost and wait time are significant.

Option 1: Family Relationship Centres (FRCs)

FRCs are federally funded community facilities operating on a sliding income scale. The first intake session and initial hour of mediation are free, with subsequent sessions around $30 per hour.

The catch: Wait times at Canberra FRCs frequently stretch from several weeks to multiple months for an intake session. If your situation requires timely resolution — particularly if you are approaching the 12-month post-divorce deadline for property claims or need to establish arrangements before a school term starts — the FRC waiting list can be a serious bottleneck.

Best for: Parents with no time pressure and limited financial resources.

Option 2: Conflict Resolution Service (CRS)

CRS is a long-standing ACT community organisation that facilitates structured family mediation. They charge approximately $550 per party for the initial intake interview, with mediation sessions starting at $1,650 per party for a standard four-hour block. Concession rates are available for low-income earners.

CRS also acts as a referral partner for Legal Aid ACT, so if you are receiving legal aid assistance, your lawyer may direct you here.

Best for: Parents who want a respected community provider at a moderate cost, particularly those eligible for concession rates.

Option 3: Private FDR Practitioners

Private practitioners offer the fastest path to mediation — sessions can typically be scheduled within weeks rather than months. A standard private FDR package in Canberra ranges from $850 to $3,000 per party depending on complexity and session length.

Best for: Parents who need to move quickly, can afford higher fees, and want scheduling flexibility.

The Section 60I Certificate

After FDR is attended or attempted, the accredited FDRP can issue a Section 60I certificate. This certificate is valid for 12 months from the last FDR session or attempted session and comes in five categories:

• Type A: The other party refused or failed to attend
• Type B: The practitioner determined the case was not appropriate for FDR
• Type C: Both attended and made a genuine effort, but could not resolve the dispute
• Type D: Both attended, but one or both failed to make a genuine effort
• Type E: FDR started but the practitioner determined it was not appropriate to continue

The certificate type records how FDR concluded; it does not itself determine the parenting outcome.

Exemptions from FDR

You can file without a Section 60I certificate if:

• There is an active presence or risk of family violence or child abuse
• The matter is urgent (child abduction, immediate risk of harm, unilateral relocation)
• A party is physically or mentally unable to participate
• The application relates to a serious contravention of an existing order within the past 12 months

To claim an exemption, you must file an Affidavit — Non-Filing of Family Dispute Resolution Certificate with your application.

Preparing for FDR

Walking into mediation without a concrete proposal is the fastest way to waste a session and your money. Before your appointment, have a clear position on: the weekly schedule, holiday arrangements, decision-making authority for major issues, changeover logistics, and communication boundaries.

The ACT Child Custody & Parenting Plan Guide includes an FDR preparation worksheet that helps you structure your proposal before you sit down at the table.

See more Australian Capital Territory guides →