EXCEPTIONS:
There are certain exceptions that may allow any party to apply to Court directly for a Parenting Order without attending Family Dispute Resolution.
• if your matter is urgent
• if the Court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that:
• there has been child abuse and/or family violence by a party
• there is a risk of family violence by a party, and/or
• there is a risk of child abuse if there were to be a delay in applying to the Court
• where a party is unable to participate effectively in family dispute resolution (for example, due to an incapacity to do so or physical remoteness from a family dispute resolution provider)
• if your application relates to an alleged contravention of an existing order that was made within the last 12 months, and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person who has allegedly contravened the order has behaved in a way that shows a serious disregard for his or her obligations under that order
Exceptions to attend Family Dispute Resolution are listed in Section 60J of the Family Law Act. For more information please refer to the following link