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 must first attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). This is not optional. Unless a statutory exemption applies — such as urgent risk of family violence or child abuse — the FCFCOA requires a Section 60I certificate proving you tried mediation in good faith.

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 mediation, the accredited practitioner issues a Section 60I certificate. This certificate is valid for 12 months 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 matters. Type D can signal to the court that one party was obstructive, which may influence how the judge views their credibility.

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 →