We are the largest association representing family dispute resolution practitioners in Australia.

A family dispute resolution practitioner (FDRP) is an independent person who helps people affected by separation or divorce to resolve their parenting disputes. To be accredited as a family dispute resolution practitioner you must meet the accreditation requirements set out in the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008.

Get accredited

To be accredited as a family dispute resolution practitioner you must:

• have the appropriate qualifications and competencies
• not be prohibited under a law of a State or Territory from working with children
• have access to a suitable complaints mechanism
• not being disqualified from accreditation (a current National Police Check is required as proof)
• be suitable to perform the functions and duties of a family dispute resolution practitioner
• hold, or have access through an employer to, professional indemnity insurance

Step 1: Get the appropriate qualifications and competencies

One of the pathways to meet the qualification and competency criteria is to get accredited under the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) and acquire competency in the six compulsory units from the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (or the higher education provider equivalent).

Get National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) accreditation

Get NMAS accreditation

Get trained in family dispute resolution

Upon becoming NMAS accredited, you will need to apply to other organisations for training in the six compulsory units from the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution. Training.gov.au provides information about organisations that deliver FDRP training.

Step 2: Get access to a suitable complaints mechanism and professional indemnity insurance

Resolution Institute Fellow and Professional members enjoy free access to our complaints handling service. You will also be able to access an extremely competitive rate for Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

Become a Fellow or professional member BUY Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance

Step 3: Apply for family dispute resolution accreditation

Once you have gained relevant qualifications and competencies and you meet the other accreditation criteria, you can apply to the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department for accreditation.

Apply for family dispute resolution accreditation

Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department - Becoming a family dispute resolution practitioner

Maintain your accreditation

Accredited family dispute resolution practitioners are bound by obligations to their clients as well as obligations to remain accredited.

Family dispute resolution practitioners must:

• keep the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department up to date with your contact details, including place of employment, email and telephone details
• ensure continued access to a suitable complaints mechanism that can be used by your clients
• maintain your professional indemnity insurance
• meet your professional development requirements to undertake at least 24 hours professional development activities for every two years of accreditation
• keep the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department up to date if you cease to practice as a family dispute resolution practitioner and anything else relevant to your accreditation

Tips for maintaining your accreditation

1. Renew your Resolution Institute membership before the expiry date (30 June annually)
2. Renew your insurance before the expiry date
3. Regularly attend professional development events and webinars

Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008 Family Law Act 1975