Unanswered Questions -Family Dispute Resolution in the Shadow of the Law

Mandatory family dispute resolution for parenting matters has been in place in Australia for over a decade. The rationale for introducing this requirement was that it would provide a more time, cost and outcome effective option for resolving such matters. The aim of this research has been to explore the implications of compulsory family dispute resolution as practiced in the most prevalent form of facilitative mediation. Analysis of recent research, reviews and court cases highlights the need for further evidence to determine whether intended outcomes are being achieved and to advise on strategies for resolving critical issues inherent in current FDR arrangements.