Choosing your procedure in the Family Court

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

When couples separate or divorce, many decisions need to be made: custody and access to children, property division, possession of the family home and support are just some of the major things that may need attention.

It is a confusing time, but it is important that people know their obligations, legal rights and choices so that they can, if possible, solve their problems together. If the Court must be involved, judges of the Family Court may decide matters both on a temporary or final basis. However, it is important that people know the other "out-of-court" options that exist within the court system and in the community which can help them reach their own settlement.

The Family Court encourages consideration of the following choices which are available in the court and the community. Please discuss them with your lawyer.

• Mediation
• Custody or access assessments
• Pre-trial court meetings
• Four-way meetings
• Arbitration
• Couples Apart...Parents Forever

The above lists all parts of our alternative dispute resolution guide. A single long page with all of them except for the Couples Apart...Parents Together page is available for printing.