NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The Government has announced new regulations that will govern the
introduction of compulsory dispute resolution in custody cases and the
accreditation of family dispute resolution practitioners.

From 1 July, courts will not be able to hear an application for a parenting
order in a new case unless the person seeking the order first obtains a
certificate from a registered family dispute resolution practitioner. There
are some exceptions, such as in cases of family violence or child abuse.

All family dispute resolution practitioners must be included on a new family
dispute resolution register in order to issue valid certificates.
Accreditation rules are also being introduced to ensure that families
receive quality family dispute resolution services.

"The changes reflect the Australian Government's desire to change the
culture of parenting disputes from confrontation to co-operation. We would
like to see parents negotiate, not litigate," said Mr Ruddock.

"Family dispute resolution practitioners and others working in the family
law system have an integral role to play in helping families sit down and
talk about the arrangements for their children rather than fighting it out
in long and costly court battles."

To help people working in the family law system implement the new
requirements, information sessions will be held in all major capital cities
and some regional locations across Australia during May 2007.

Further details about the changes and the dates and locations of information
sessions are available at

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Information sessions

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