How 2025 Family Law Reforms Are Changing Family Dispute Resolution in Victoria

Introduction

Victoria’s family law system is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in over a decade. As of mid‑2025, sweeping reforms to the Family Law Act and new practitioner regulations are redefining how Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is delivered across the state.

These changes affect not just family law practitioners but also thousands of separating couples and families who rely on FDR to resolve parenting, financial, and property disputes without going to court.

In this article, we explore what’s changed, what it means for clients and professionals, and how FDR is entering a new, more accountable era.

What’s Changed?

1. New Family Law (FDR Practitioners) Regulations - Effective 1 April 2025

FDR practitioners must now meet stricter requirements under updated national regulations, including:

• ‘Fit and Proper Person’ Test: Practitioners must meet character and competence standards to maintain accreditation.

• Public Practitioner Register: Unless exempted, accredited FDR practitioners must appear on a national register searchable by the public.

• Tighter Qualification Pathways: Approved qualifications now explicitly include Graduate Diplomas in FDR or equivalent. Pathways have been clarified to ensure consistency across services.

• Mandatory Insurance at Application: Applicants must demonstrate professional indemnity insurance at the time of applying or renewing.

These updates are designed to increase public confidence in the professionalism and accountability of FDR providers.

2. New Section 60I Certificates

From 1 April 2025, FDR services must issue a new version of the Section 60I certificate - a document required before parenting cases proceed to the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

Changes include:

• A clearer explanation of exceptions to mediation (e.g., family violence).

• Better record-keeping requirements for issuing practitioners.

• A 12-month transition period, so older certificates will be accepted until March 2026.

This reform aims to bring consistency across courts, lawyers, and FDR organisations.

3. Confidentiality Extensions

The law now explicitly extends confidentiality protections to include pre-mediation intake assessments, even when the parties don’t proceed to full mediation. This acknowledges the importance of open, safe discussions during the initial stages of service delivery - especially when screening for risk or family violence.

June 2025 Family Law Act Reforms: Major Shifts for FDR

From 10 June 2025, the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 came into effect, introducing a series of major changes that further impact the FDR process.

Key changes include:

1. Financial Abuse Now Explicitly Recognised

• Economic and financial abuse - such as controlling access to money, hiding assets, or coercive financial dependence—is now clearly recognised in both parenting and property contexts.

• FDR practitioners must continue to assess for this form of abuse, and it is a factor to be considered when negotiating.

2. Companion Animals in Property Disputes

For the first time, the Family Law Act includes provisions for companion animals in separation disputes. The court can now:

• Assign sole responsibility for a pet to one party.

• Consider factors like emotional bond, past treatment, and who primarily cared for the animal.

This change brings compassion and clarity to a what can be a contentious issue in many separations.

3. Stronger Disclosure Duties

The Act now codifies the obligation for both parties to fully disclose financial information during property settlement discussions - something FDR practitioners must now ensure is happening from the outset.

What This Means for Clients

For separating couples and families, these changes offer:

• Greater practitioner transparency via the public register.

• More consistent service standards, particularly when engaging accredited FDR providers.

• Stronger safety protections, especially where family violence is a concern.

• A legal system that increasingly reflects real-life concerns, including economic control and the role of pets in family life.

What This Means for Practitioners

FDR providers should:

• Update documentation and forms, including the new Section 60I certificate template.

• Ensure their training and insurance are current and aligned with the new qualification pathways.

• Revisit intake and screening protocols to reflect extended confidentiality protections and family violence risk factors.

• Be prepared to mediate new areas of conflict - such as disputes over pets or financial abuse - with compassion and compliance.

Key Takeaways

• The 2025 reforms bring greater professionalism, clarity, and safety into FDR processes across Victoria.

• Clients benefit from higher standards, improved safeguards, and more practical recognition of modern family issues.

• FDR practitioners must adapt quickly to these changes, ensuring compliance while remaining client-centred.

Resources

• Attorney-General’s Department: Family Law Regulations

• Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia - Updates

• Victoria Legal Aid - FDR Services

• Relationships Australia Victoria

Need support navigating FDR under the new laws? Our accredited mediators are here to help. Contact us today to book a confidential consultation.