Key takeaway: Family Relationship Centres are free or low-cost government-funded services primarily suited to parenting matters between cooperative parents. Private mediation is more flexible, faster, and better suited to complex matters including property settlement. If standard private fees are a barrier, a reduced-fee private pathway may bridge the gap.
What Is a Family Relationship Centre?
Family Relationship Centres (FRCs) are government-funded services designed to help separating families resolve disputes without going to court. They are operated by community organisations under Commonwealth Government funding and can be found through Family Relationships Online.
FRCs provide family dispute resolution (FDR), information, and referrals. They are registered FDR providers and can issue section 60I certificates under the Family Law Act 1975 — required before filing parenting orders in most circumstances.
The first hour of FRC services is generally free for most families.
What Is Private Mediation?
Private mediation is delivered by accredited mediators or mediation organisations operating outside the government-funded FDR system. Participants pay directly for the mediator's time at privately set rates.
Private mediators must be accredited under the Mediator Standards Board (AMDRAS) framework. They handle the full range of family disputes — parenting, property, spousal maintenance, superannuation, and combined matters — and can work at times and in formats agreed by the parties.
Some private mediation providers offer assessed reduced-fee pathways for eligible participants.
If standard private fees are a concern, our Access Mediation pathway may make a difference.
Check your indicative contribution →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Family Relationship Centre | Private Mediation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | First hour free; subsidised beyond that | $1,500–$2,250 per person (or assessed reduced-fee) |
| Government-funded | Yes | No |
| Waiting time | Often weeks to months | Generally 1–2 weeks |
| Choice of mediator | Assigned by centre | You can request a specific mediator |
| Issues handled | Primarily parenting; some property | Full range — parenting, property, super, combined |
| Complex property matters | Limited suitability | Well-suited |
| Section 60I certificate | Yes — can be issued | Yes — if registered FDR provider |
| Lawyer involvement | Typically without lawyers present | Flexible — lawyers may attend if agreed |
| Online sessions | Some centres offer online | Widely available online |
| Reduced-fee option | Service is subsidised by design | Available through Access Mediation (if eligible) |
This comparison is general in nature. Individual FRCs and private providers may vary. Check with the specific provider for current information.
When an FRC May Be the Right Choice
A Family Relationship Centre is likely to suit you well if:
- your matter primarily involves parenting arrangements and is not highly contentious;
- you qualify for the free or subsidised service and timing is not urgent;
- you and your former partner are broadly cooperative;
- a section 60I certificate is your immediate need;
- budget is the primary concern.
When Private Mediation May Be Better
Private mediation is likely to be more suitable when:
- the matter involves property settlement, superannuation splitting, or complex financial issues;
- the dispute is high-conflict or there is a significant power imbalance;
- you want a specific, experienced accredited mediator;
- timing is important — FRC waiting lists could delay resolution;
- you need a flexible process that can accommodate lawyers attending if required;
- you want the matter handled with specialist expertise.
Private mediation doesn't have to be unaffordable — Access Mediation assesses your contribution individually.
See how Access Mediation works →What If an FRC Is Not Suitable but Standard Fees Are Difficult?
For many people, an FRC is not ideal — perhaps the matter involves property settlement, waiting times are too long, or the dispute is too complex for a generalist service. But standard private mediation fees may also be difficult to meet.
Access Mediation is designed precisely for this situation. It provides specialist accredited private mediation at an assessed reduced contribution based on each participant's own financial capacity. It is not free, but it may be significantly more affordable than standard private rates for eligible participants.
See the Access Mediation page to check your indicative contribution. For a broader overview of options, see Can't afford mediation? Your options in Australia.
General information only. This is not legal advice. Check Attorney-General's Dept — Family Relationship Centres for current FRC availability in your area.