Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)

AMDRAS (NMAS) | Parenting & Property Specialist Mediator.

E R I N T H I E L E

Erin is a highly experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) with extensive expertise in both Community and Private Practice settings. With 5+ years of experience Erin has worked with diverse families to help them navigate the complexities of separation, parenting arrangements, and property settlements.

Professional Background

Erin holds formal accreditation as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner under the Australian Attorney-General’s Department. Her career spans roles in Community Mediation Family Law Services, and independent Private Practice gaining skills in;

  • Assisting families in high-conflict situations

  • Facilitating child-focussed and future-focussed negotiations

  • Drafting detailed Parenting Plans and Property Heads of Agreements for formalising into legally binding agreements

  • Supporting parties to avoid litigation through effective mediation strategies

Key Strengths

Empathy and Communication: Erin excels at creating a safe, neutral space where all voices are heard, enabling open and respectful dialogue.

Child-Centered Approach: A strong advocate for prioritising the best interests of the children, Erin ensures their needs are central to the dispute resolution process.

Cultural Sensitivity: Experienced in working with families from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Conflict Management Expertise: Skilled in de-escalating high-tension scenarios and guiding parties toward collaborative outcomes.

Specialty

  • Parenting arrangements and time-sharing disputes.

  • Financial and property settlement negotiations

  • Providing pre-mediation coaching, and post-mediation support

  • Counselling

Approach to Practice

Erin combines a passionate approach with a practical focus on achieving durable agreements. She is adept at tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of each family, employing both facilitative and evaluative mediation techniques when appropriate.

Commitment to Professional Development

Erin is committed to staying at the forefront of Family Law and Dispute Resolution practices through regular professional development, including training in trauma-informed care, family and domestic violence, cultural competency, child-inclusive practices, and advanced mediation techniques.

Client Testimonials

“Erin was instrumental in helping us find common ground, during a very challenging time. Her calm demeanour and expert guidance allowed us to focus on what was really mattered - our children.”

“Erin’s ability to break down complex issues into manageable steps was invaluable. I felt heard and supported to explore other options.”

M A N Y H A T S

In addition to her qualifications and experience in Family Dispute Resolution, Erin brings a rich professional background as a Registered Nurse, having worked extensively in medically assisted alcohol and other drug (AOD) detoxification and residential rehabilitation settings. Her nursing practice focused on providing holistic, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing substance dependency, often alongside complex mental health presentations.

This experience has equipped Erin with advanced skills in managing high-stress, emotionally charged situations and a deep understanding of the interplay between mental health, substance use, and family dynamics. Her capacity to engage with individuals compassionately enables her to recognise and respond sensitively to the additional layers of complexity that AOD use and mental health challenges can bring to family disputes.

Erin’s background in healthcare enhances her ability to assess risk, ensure the safety of all participants in mediation, and tailor her approach to support families navigating separation and parenting arrangements where health and wellbeing concerns may be present. This interdisciplinary foundation strengthens her commitment to promoting safe, child-focused, and sustainable outcomes in family law mediation.