Not a lawyer? No worries. We offer courses that focus on building your skills as a professional – even if you don’t have a legal background. With flexible learning options to fit your schedule, you can choose to work and study at the same time.
No matter your profession – we have a range of courses that will further develop skills you can bring to work every day.
Confidently bring parties together and facilitate through constructive negotiation.
Understand what it takes to maintain a neutral position in order to assist parties looking to come to an agreement.
Two intakes each year:
Feb and Aug
Subjects:
4 core subjects (FDR1, FDR2, FDR3, FDR4)
and completion of either FDR5 or 20 hours external practicum
Duration:
7 months
FEE-HELP eligible:
Yes
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) play a crucial role in mediating family conflicts, requiring not just mediation skills but also a deep understanding of family law and the complexities of family dynamics.
To become an FDRP, you must complete a Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice. Generally, this requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like law, social work, or psychology. However, if you don’t have a degree, you can still qualify by completing the National Mediation Accreditation System (NMAS), which also gives you credit towards the diploma, or by completing the Mediation skill set from the Community Services Training Package.
Throughout this course, you'll develop essential mediation techniques and gain knowledge about family law, child welfare, domestic violence, and cultural competency, equipping you to handle the intricate and sensitive issues that arise in family disputes.
We are proud to partner with the:
Are you passionate about helping families navigate challenging circumstances? Then FDRP could be the right path for you.
Linda Kochanski, LLB, Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) and FDRP
I commenced the course with the mindset that I want to help families and offer them the quality dispute resolution services they deserve.
Dr Hadeel Al-Alosi, FDRP Graduate
Each of us brings something from our own experience, knowledge and wisdom about family law, mediation and dispute resolution, so we are always able to share and learn
Josephine Byrnes-Luna, FDRP Graduate
What struck me most about my experience with The College of Law was the collegiality of other like-minded professionals, and from this how much more you are able to learn and understand.
FDRP Graduate
My studies with the College provided me further insight into where family law is now looking to give some children a voice, particularly regarding parenting plans.
Josephine Byrnes-Luna, FDRP Graduate
Enable and empower people to make challenging, important decisions effectively.
Further your skills in a growing area of family dispute resolution.
Diversify your practice and open new potential revenue opportunities.
A prerequisite to going to court if the dispute is not resolved after a family dispute resolution conference.
To enrol in the program, you need an undergraduate degree or higher in fields like Psychology, Social Work, Law, or equivalent. Alternatively, accreditation under the National Mediator Accreditation System or a mediation skill set from the Community Services Training Package is acceptable.
After successfully completing the coursework and practicum, you apply for accreditation with the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department. Once accredited, you can officially practice as an FDRP.
The program is designed to be completed within nine months, with structured online and virtual classroom sessions to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Yes, if you are already a Nationally Accredited Mediator, you may be eligible for advanced standing in the Family Law and Mediation subject.
A Section 60I certificate is issued by FDRPs after an unresolved family dispute resolution conference, and it is a prerequisite for going to court. This certificate is crucial in the legal process following family disputes.
Sign up to keep up to date with latest news, programs, events and career tips.