Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Services in Sydney
Trusted & Recommended by Clients. Let by Accredited Specialists
4.6Â – 120 Reviews
The O'Brien Advantage
Experienced Family Dispute Resolution Specialists
Our FDR services are delivered by Dr Jose A Hernandez Ibarzabal, an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and Practitioner Member of the Australian Dispute Resolution Association. Mediation guided by an accredited Practitioner who is also a Civil Solicitor at O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors. His role during the mediation is only as FDRP.
Convenient Location in Sydney
Our office is conveniently located in Sydney’s CBD, offering easy access for clients travelling by public transport or car.
We provide three state-of-the-art conference rooms designed to support comfortable mediation sessions..
Immediate Availability & Affordable
We offer immediate availability, with mediation available online or in-person.
.
Affordable Rates
Our rates are transparent and competitively priced for FDR clients.
What Is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?
FDR practitioners can assist separating and separated families reach agreements regarding arrangements for children and property.
FDR practitioners help individuals affected, or likely to be affected, by separation or divorce resolve their disputes with one another.
If no exemption applies, families must submit a certificate from an FDR practitioner to have a matter addressed by a family law court. An FDR practitioner can issue this certificate under Section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975.
The following topics are commonly covered in FDR:Â
Parenting Arrangements
These discussions can focus on where children live, how time is shared, and how parental responsibilities are divided. FDR can help parents create practical, child-focused arrangements.
Communication and Decision-Making
FDR can assist in establishing clear communication methods and protocols to reduce conflict and misunderstandings.
Property Settlement
Parties can negotiate the division of assets, liabilities, and personal property in a structured environment.
Financial Matters
FDR allows families to address issues such as spousal maintenance, budgeting and financial responsibilities.
Future Decision-Making Responsibilities for Children
This can involve discussing decisions regarding schooling, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities.
Relocation and Change of Residence
This can address situations where one parent wishes to move to a new town, state, or country, and the implications this may have on the children and or the parenting arrangements.
Our Family Dispute Resolution Process
Step 2: Attend Individual Pre-Mediation Sessions
After completing your booking, our Practitioner will contact each party individually for an intake session, which may consist of a written questionnaire and or an interview.
The intake process is a preliminary step conducted by our Practitioner to assess the suitability of the parties for FDR.
FDR Mediation Session
The family mediation process can take place either online or face-to-face at our office located in Sydney’s CBD, allowing the participants to engage in a confidential discussion which can lead to a resolution.
Meet Our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner: Dr Jose A Hernandez Ibarzabal
Dr Jose A Hernandez Ibarzabal  Dr Jose A Hernandez Ibarzabal is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), Civil Solicitor and a Practitioner Member of the Australian Dispute Resolution Association.
Jose has extensive qualifications, including a Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice, a Juris Doctor and two PhD’s.
Achieving accreditation requires solicitors to complete a rigorous assessment process conducted by the Law Society of New South Wales. This process ensures that each Accredited Specialist has demonstrated a superior level of skill, knowledge, and practical expertise in their chosen field of law.
Family Dispute Resolution in Sydney: Fees
Free Initial Call
Contact us for a free, confidential discussion about your needs. Our team will be able to advise if FDR is right for you.
Half-Day Mediation
Duration: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Cost (per party): $800 (incl. GST). Total (Both Parties): $1,600.
Full-Day Mediation
Duration: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Cost (per party): $1,250 (incl. GST). Total (Both Parties: $2,500.
Payment
Fees are payable to O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors. Flexible scheduling and immediate availability apply.
We offer clear, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
Client Reviews
Read what clients of O’Brien Criminal and Civil Lawyers have said in our Google Reviews.
Peter O'Brien (with his superb team) has been a phenomenal blessing to me. He believed me, supported me, and undertook extensive detective work and archive research in the preparation of my case culminating in a legal precedent that will be referred to by future court decisions. It has been a stressful 9 years from beginning to end and Peter was steadfast the entire time. Thank you Peter
Absolute best in the business, I had the pleasure of Peter running one of my civil cases and to say he and his team went above and beyond is an understatement, Peter and his team are both professional and friendly, can't thank you guys enough, one would say the Lamborghini of defence.
Used O'Brien solicitors for both my criminal law case which they managed to get all charges dismissed when I was looking down the barrel of 18 months jail. Then even more impressively ran my civil claim vs the police and I got a very good outcome and substantial pay out. Easy to talk to and actually listened and took my opinion into consideration which is a first. Highly recommend!
I contacted O’Brien Solicitors after an incident involving NSW Police. The matter was based around Police behaviour in a Domestic Violence situation involving myself and members of my family. After hearing the details, Peter agreed to represent us on a no-win no-fee basis. Although potentially extremely stressful, Peter and his team made the whole process a lot easier than I had anticipated. The whole team at O’Brien's were terrific. The matter was settled and we were very happy with the outcome and, as promised, there were no fees payable by us. I couldn’t recommend this firm highly enough.
I first got in touch with O'Brien's after I posted online about my family member's situation. Peter O'Brien messaged me personally and referred me to two amazing lawyers in his firm; Wilson and Sidnie. Outstanding attention to detail and empathy. Legal Aid was available, and the case was handled with a lot of care which led to a very positive outcome. Additional legal support was offered following the outcome, without having to ask. Highly recommended for both criminal and civil matters. Thank you!
They stick up for the little guy. Keep it up!
O'Brien solicitors represented me in very complicated civil proceedings. From day one, I was greatly impressed by the knowledge and professionalism of the entire team at O'Brien solicitors. After a year of court proceedings, the matter was finalised in my favour and I could not have expected such a great outcome.
O'Brien Solicitors are a highly capable and professional team who are very generous with their time and are willing to pursue justice against those powers that be. Peter and Sidnie agreed to represent the Refugee Action Coalition at short notice in court to defend the right to protest and prepared an excellent defence. They come up with legal avenues and solutions that many others have missed. Highly recommended. After a year of court proceedings, the matter was finalised in my favour and I could not have expected such a great outcome.
Ordinary people standing up against inhumanity, abuses of power and for a better world need to know someone has their back when their own rights are abused. Thank you.
As a victim of police brutality, I was dismayed by the total lack of concern and a refusal to investigate the complaint I made in writing to the NSW Police and NSW Ombudsman. Even before I contacted Peter O'Briens Solicitors, I was encouraged by the information and positive attitude shown on their website. Peter O'Brien and the team at O'Briens Solicitors have been wonderfully helpful and supportive in seeking legal redress through the Courts. I wholeheartedly recommend Peter O'Brien’s Solicitors to anyone who has experienced police misconduct and had their rights trammelled by heavy-handed police officers.
Our Case Studies
- Nicole Byrne
- November 18, 2025
Our client, Derek*, a young Aboriginal man, successfully sued the State of New South
- Nicole Byrne
- October 30, 2025
In a major legal triumph for civil liberties, the New South Wales Supreme Court
- Nicole Byrne
- October 27, 2025
Our client, Rachel*, has courageously held the State of NSW accountable for the abuse
- Nicole Byrne
- October 15, 2025
Sexual Abuse by Police Officer: Brave survivor receives justice after suffering abuse by a
- Nicole Byrne
- October 2, 2025
Our client, Dan*, was a young Aboriginal man with complex mental health needs. He
- Nicole Byrne
- September 30, 2025
Security guards at a NSW sports game racially discriminated and falsely imprisoned our client
Get Expert Legal Advice - Free Initial Consultation
Speak directly with our experienced legal team about your case. We're here to protect your rights and guide you through every step.
Facing a similar legal challenge? Our experienced team has successfully handled cases like this. Contact us today for your free consultation.
- 100% Confidential
- No Obligation
- Award Winning Team
- Proven Track Record
- 100% Confidential
- No Obligation
- Award Winning Team
- Proven Track Record
