Family Dispute Resolution

Family dispute resolution is the first step, and often the only required step, for many disputes involving the care and contact of children. Family Dispute Resolution can be either a stand-alone support process for guardians of children, or as a pre-cursor to access to the Family Court.

To gain access to the Family Court for issues of care and contact, legislation now requires most disputing parties to attempt family dispute resolution mediation for family cases. There are exceptions to this, for example where there are issues of , lack of safety, or where a party is trying to remove a child from New Zealand.

AMINZ has been appointed by the government as an Approved Dispute Resolution Organisation (ADRO). This means that we provide the qualification for people to become Family Dispute Resolution Providers. These people are experts in mediation and family issues.

You can view our Panel and List’s to find a Family Dispute Resolver, alternatively, you can request us to make an Appointment for you. Click on the “Request an Appointment” below to find out more.

Supporting Documents

Family Dispute Resolution Act 2013 (PDF, 273KB)

Family Dispute Resolution Regulations 2013 (PDF, 257KB)

AMINZ Professional Supervision Protocol (PDF, 193KB)

FDR Guidelines (PDF, 821KB)