Roundtable Dispute Management

We have a service that can help your clients who are going through a separation or divorce to resolve their family disputes. It is called Roundtable Dispute Management (RDM).

RDM can help your clients work out solutions to their family law disputes. These disputes may be about parenting, and child support issues. For detailed instructions on how to use RDM, refer to our Roundtable Dispute Management practice manual (below).

How can RDM help my client?
Who can use RDM?
How does RDM work?
How much does RDM cost my client?
What happens if my client needs an interpreter?
Where is RDM?
Does RDM have childcare?
Will my client be safe?
Is the service confidential?
What information will my client receive from RDM?
Roundtable Dispute Management practice manual

How can RDM help my client?

RDM can help your client reach agreement over a family law dispute instead of going to court. Our service encourages parents to focus on the children to:

• make sure the decisions support the children’s needs
• develop parenting plans are in the best interests of the children 
• improve family communication and co-operation
• reach solutions that work for the family.

Who can use RDM?

One of the people involved in the family dispute must have a grant of legal assistance from Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) to use RDM. To find out if your client is eligible for a grant read the VLA Handbook for lawyers.

You can apply for a grant for your client online (see e-lodgement).

How does RDM work?

A case manager will assess whether RDM is right for your client. If they are invited to use the service you will be advised of a conference date within six weeks. The case manager will help prepare the parties for the conference.

We have experienced, qualified family dispute resolution practitioners who run the conference. They have authority to issue a certificate under the Family Law Act. If the matter has not fully settled, we can arrange a second RDM conference.

After the conference the chairperson provides a report. The report includes a recommendation on further grants of assistance. The chairperson’s recommendation is not binding.

Lawyers are responsible for preparing the conference agreements. We recommend that all clients receive legal advice before signing these agreements.

How much does RDM cost my client?

The service is free for your client. This does not include the cost of legal representation. Your client may be eligible for a grant of legal assistance. If not, they will have to pay your legal costs.

What happens if my client needs an interpreter?

If your client needs an interpreter, we will arrange for an interpreter to attend the interview and conference.

Where is RDM?

We have offices in the metropolitan and regional locations. You can find these locations in the Roundtable Dispute Management practice manual (below). For address details, see Locate us.

If your client is not able to get to one of these locations, we can arrange a telephone conference from your office.

Does RDM have childcare?

We do not provide childcare. We can’t proceed with appointments if clients bring their children.

Will my client be safe?

We conduct a comprehensive risk assessment with every case. We make sure the conference takes place in a safe environment. The case manager can develop individual safety plans with each client that must be followed when using the service. Your client can choose to have no direct contact with the other party. We can have the conference in a different building. We can also arrange a telephone conference from your office.

Is the service confidential?

What happens at RDM is confidential. This means what is discussed at RDM remains private and can not be used in court. This rule does not apply where RDM:

• is concerned for a child's welfare
• forms a reasonable belief that a person or property is at risk
• becomes aware of possible fraud or a criminal act.

What information will my client receive from RDM?

RDM sends every client the following information:

• 'About family dispute resolution' fact sheet (available below), which gives compulsory information about family dispute resolution in compliance with r. 63 of the Family Law Regulations 1984
• a brochure about RDM's services (available below)
• RDM's fact sheets for families going through separation
• brochures about family dispute resolution and parenting plans published by the Australian Government.

Roundtable Dispute Management practice manual

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