What is FDR Mediation?
Section Subtitle
Definition
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specialised mediation process in New Zealand that helps parents resolve disputes about children without going to court.
Purpose
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Focus on the best interests of the child
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Help parents agree on care arrangements, contact, and responsibilities
Who is involved
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Parents or caregivers
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A trained FDR mediator
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Support people (if appropriate and agreed by both parent)
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Child inclusion specialists
Funding
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Government-funded for eligible participants
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Subsidised or user-pays options also available
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In New Zealand, Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation is fully funded by the government for people who meet income eligibility criteria, meaning there is no cost to access the service. For those who don’t qualify, the government still subsidises the process, with a set fee of $448.50 per person.
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In both cases, funding covers up to 12 hours of mediation services, including preparation and the mediation session itself.
Process
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Initial assessment – checks suitability (including safety screening)
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Preparation – includes meetings with each parent and sometimes coaching sessions and child inclusion specialists
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Mediation session(s) – guided discussion to reach agreement
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Outcome – agreements can be written into a parenting plan
Duration
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Typically 1–2 sessions (2–4 hours each)
When is FDR used?
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Collobrative co-parenting
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Day-to-day care and contact
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Childrens guardianship (medical, schooling etc )
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Holidays, days of celebration, birthdays, overseas travel
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Costs
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Communication between parents
Key focus
All discussions centre on:
“What is in the best interests of the child?”
Why it matters
FDR is designed to reduce conflict, avoid lengthy court processes, and help parents create more durable agreements - especially important for ongoing co-parenting relationships.