FDR Is Now Fully Funded in New Zealand — What That Means for Separating Families

As of July 2025, Family Dispute Resolution in New Zealand is fully funded by the Ministry of Justice. This is a significant change. Here is what it actually means, in plain language.

WHAT CHANGED

Before July 2025, Family Dispute Resolution was partially subsidised for some families, with varying levels of co-payment required depending on income. The change to full funding means that eligible separating families can now access FDR at no cost. The aim is to make mediation, rather than the Family Court, the first port of call for families working through separation.

WHAT FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION IS

FDR is a structured mediation process for separating families who need to make decisions about the care of their children. It is conducted by accredited practitioners and takes place before a Family Court application is made in most cases. The process is designed to help both parents reach agreements without the adversarial pressure of court proceedings.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

FDR is available to separating parents who have disputes about the care and upbringing of their children. There are some circumstances in which FDR is not appropriate, including situations involving family violence, and your mediator will screen for these at the outset.

WHAT THIS CHANGE MEANS PRACTICALLY

It means that the financial barrier that previously prevented some families from accessing mediation has been removed. More families can work through their arrangements with professional support rather than through prolonged and expensive court processes.

A NOTE FROM SABRINA BARBARA

This change matters. The families I work with who go through FDR rather than court almost universally report better outcomes, not just legally but relationally. If you are separating and have questions about FDR, a free 20-minute call is a good place to start.