Drop-in centre for separation disputes

Family Works service offers free, no obligation information sessions

Separated parents who are unsure how to make arrangements for their children’s care can now seek support at a Manurewa drop-in centre.

Family Works is offering sessions at its Mahia Rd service centre for parents to learn about the new government-initiated Family Dispute Resolution service. People can call in any time until 3.00 pm to see a fully qualified family mediator and FDR Provider accredited by the Ministry of Justice.

The aim of the session is to collect all necessary information to enable us to conduct the first pre-mediation meeting.

“We want to provide a friendly and accessible service that is saves parents the time, stress and money of going to Family Court,” says Timothy McMichael, Family Works Resolution Service Manager.

Family Dispute Resolution is for parents who have separated or are separating. The process guides parents in making child care arrangements that work in the best interest of their children/tamariki.

Parents are welcome to bring a support person to the meeting and there is a playroom open on site for children to play in.

*The drop-in sessions and pre-mediation meetings are free if the attendee is eligible for public funding. If the individual is not eligible, they will still be able to attend for free but will need to pay a charge of $117.30 if they wish to formally register the dispute with the Ministry of Justice.

Dates for the Family Dispute Resolution Service drop-in
28 August
25 September
30 October

Location
10 Mahia Road, Manurewa

Time
9.00am to 6.00pm – last drop in time 3.00pm

About Family Works

Family Works supports children and their families to help them address complex issues. They are part of Presbyterian Support Northern, a charitable social services provider which strengthens New Zealand families as they face life’s challenges.

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