Separation Services
Telephone Dispute Resolution Service (TDRS)
Together, we'll find a way to find agreement and positive outcomes for everyone involved in separation.
Overview
The Telephone Dispute Resolution Service (TDRS), is a national telephone-based service that provides child-focused, family dispute resolution to families experiencing issues or having difficulties in navigating complex situations.
Who is this service for?
Anyone experiencing family issues or struggling to negotiate difficult family circumstances can call TDRS. Whether you’re in Queensland, Australia, or even overseas, the TDRS team will be able to answer your call and offer support.
I’m thankful for the patience, discernment, support, and skill I was met with when I called. On a professional note, I learnt a lot, and on a personal note, I appreciate the safe container that was created for me.
Garry, 48
,
TDRS client
How can I access TDRS?
To access the Telephone Dispute Resolution Service, you need to be referred. A referral can be made by:
- The Family Relationship Advice Line
- Family Relationship Centres, or
- Other services funded under the Australian Governments’ Family Support Program.
If one of these services believe your situation would benefit from Family Dispute Resolution and that the telephone would be the best mode of service delivery, they will help you to access TDRS.
What do I need to know about TDRS?
The Telephone Dispute Resolution Service operates as a component of the Family Relationship Advice Line.
The service operates between 8am and 8pm Monday through Friday, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays (excluding public holidays).
The following fees apply for this service:
- Enquiries incur no fees
- Intake Sessions incur a fee of $75 (payment taken at time of registration)
- Mediation sessions incur a fee of $75 per hour (per participant)
- A minimum of one hour is charged for all mediation sessions
- After the first hour, charges are applied in 15 minute increments
- Each party is responsible for their own costs
- Our preferred method of payment is by credit card over the phone at the time of mediation
We apply the principle that no client will be declined a service based solely on their capacity to pay.
We offer fee reduction and fee exemption to support participation in the service.
Fee reduction can be requested prior to your mediation session. Fee reductions consider your income, day to day living expenses, liabilities, and assets and whether the fee may cause financial hardship to you. Please contact 1800 054 539 for more details or an application form.
Fee exemption will apply in the following situations. This is automatically processed at registration:
- You have been granted legal aid for the parenting issue being dealt with at the Centre
- You are an inmate of a prison or otherwise lawfully detained in a public institution
- You are under the age of 18 years
- You are in receipt of a Youth Allowance, or an Austudy payment or ABSTUDY benefits
- You are the holder of one of the following:
A Health Care Card
A Health Benefit Card
A Pensioner Concession Card
A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Any other card issued by the Department of Social Security or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs that certifies entitlement to Commonwealth health concessions - Only the person(s) named on the card will be eligible for fee exemption
Child Support Agency clients who are going through a formal application for change of assessment will be provided with three hours of free family dispute resolution, after which a fee of $75 per hour will apply.
It is the Telephone Dispute Resolution Service’s discretion to waive or reduce fees. Relevant documentation may be required to evidence your request.
