Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) in NZ (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is mediation designed to help separated parents agree on care of their children without going to court. For most parenting disputes, attending (or attempting) FDR is a required step before the Family Court will hear your case.
An accredited, neutral FDR mediator helps you and the other parent work toward a parenting plan. It's confidential and far faster and cheaper than litigation. FDR is free if you qualify on income; otherwise a capped fee applies. You can skip FDR only where there's family violence, urgency, or the other party won't take part — in which case the mediator issues a certificate letting you proceed to court.
When does it apply?
- You and the other parent can't agree on care or contact.
- You want to resolve things before, or instead of, court.
- The Family Court has directed you to attempt FDR.
What to do about Family Dispute Resolution
- Contact an approved FDR provider (listed on the Ministry of Justice website).
- Check if you qualify for free FDR based on income.
- Prepare what matters to your child — routines, schooling, contact.
- Keep the FDR certificate — you'll need it to apply to court if mediation fails.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't refuse to engage — courts take an unreasonable refusal into account.
- Don't treat FDR as a court hearing — it's collaborative, not adversarial.
About Family Law in New Zealand
New Zealand family matters run through the Family Court and a set of focused statutes. The Care of Children Act 2004 governs day-to-day care and contact (the modern term for "custody and access"); the Family Proceedings Act 1980 covers dissolution of marriage (divorce); the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 divides relationship property; the Family Violence Act 2018 provides protection orders; and the Child Support Act 1991 (administered by Inland Revenue) sets child support. For most parenting disputes you must try Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation before going to court.
Family Court: 0800 268 787. Family violence emergency: 111; Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843.
Common Questions
What is the family dispute resolution (fdr) right in New Zealand?
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is mediation designed to help separated parents agree on care of their children without going to court. For most parenting disputes, attending (or attempting) FDR is a required step before the Family Court will hear your case.An accredited, neutral FDR mediator helps you and the other parent work toward a parenting plan. It's confidential and far faster and cheaper than litigation. FDR is free if you qualify on income; otherwise a capped fee applies. You can skip FDR only where there's family violence, urgency, or the other party won't take part — in which case...
When does it apply — family dispute resolution (fdr)?
You and the other parent can't agree on care or contact.You want to resolve things before, or instead of, court.The Family Court has directed you to attempt FDR.
Do I have to do FDR before Family Court in New Zealand?
Contact an approved FDR provider (listed on the Ministry of Justice website).Check if you qualify for free FDR based on income.Prepare what matters to your child — routines, schooling, contact.Keep the FDR certificate — you'll need it to apply to court if mediation fails.
What should you NOT do — family dispute resolution (fdr)?
Don't refuse to engage — courts take an unreasonable refusal into account.Don't treat FDR as a court hearing — it's collaborative, not adversarial.