- +0408 403 127
- events@adrsummit.com.au
- Monday - Friday 9-5pm
Join us for the inaugural Family Dispute Resolution Summit, taking place on the beautiful Gold Coast on Friday 24th April.
This landmark event will bring together practitioners, academics, policy makers, and service providers from across Australia to explore the future of family dispute resolution.
Whether you’re an experienced FDR practitioner or new to the field, this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and shape the next chapter of FDR practice in Australia.
Be part of history. Be part of the conversation.
The ADR & FDR Summit is Australia's premier professional gathering for FDR specialists and related professionals.
Hear from some of Australia's leading industry experts on a variety of useful and relevant topics.
This event brings together mediators, FDR practitioners, lawyers, academics, policy makers, and service providers to explore emerging trends, develop practical skills, and discuss key challenges in family dispute resolution. Some of the key agenda topics are
The FDR Summit 2026 is designed to equip you with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections that enhance your professional practice in family dispute resolution.
Explore emerging trends and innovations in FDR practice
Develop skills through interactive workshops and case studies
Discuss domestic violence, cultural competency, and child-inclusive practice
Connect with peers and leaders across the ADR and family law sectors
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Choose a package that suits your budget. “Early Bird” rates close 5pm 20th April 2026
Dr. Darren Mort (H.C..) is a Barrister in Melbourne, practicing for 36 years in the Family Court jurisdiction. He has been on the Domestic Violence Task Force Committee reporting to the Royal Commission on the impact of family violence on children. He is the writer and producer of the film Tommy, which is embedded in a parenting program, Families in transition in the US Court system; he is also a co-founder of the children’s charity To be Loved Network.
Darren is the author of two children’s books, Tommy & Tiger Tery and Millie and Her Magic Puppet Show, published by Wilkinson Publishing. His latest award winning film is Millie, focusing on child trauma. This recently premiered on the world stage at the World Congress conference in Cambridge, after just winning best short film at the Cambridge Short Film Festival 2025. It is about to be used by the Judicial College in England and Wales for judicial training.
Darren is an accredited mediator and Arbitrator and national and international presenter. He has completed a Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution. He co-chairs a podcast on family law, “Dear Divorce Diary. He is a mentor at Melbourne University for JD Students and sits on the Bar’s Health & Well Being Committee. Darren is also a Board Director for Pacifica Congress and To Be Loved Network
Nicole is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law with more than a decade of experience across complex parenting and property matters. She blends frontline legal practice with a strong commitment to legal education, delivering high‑value CPD programs and leading professional development initiatives for family lawyers throughout Australia.
With an early academic foundation in Social Science, majoring in Politics and Public Policy, Nicole went on to complete postgraduate law studies and a Master of Laws. Her diverse background informs her strategic approach to practice and her clear, compassionate advocacy for clients.
Nicole is recognised for her ability to distil complex legal issues, her forward‑thinking perspective, and her dedication to continuous improvement within the family law system. She has contributed to national conversations on legislative reform and presents on emerging trends and challenges within the profession. A lifelong learner, Nicole brings curiosity, clarity, and a passion for new ideas to every presentation, workshop, and written piece she produces.
Debra is a specialist family lawyer and the only lawyer in Canberra with specialist accreditation in two areas (family law and dispute resolution). She is a qualified arbitrator and collaborative divorce lawyer. Debra recently received her accreditation as an advanced mediator with AMDRAS.
Debra is a member of the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers. She currently chairs the ACT Law Society’s alternative dispute resolution committee and sits on the professional ethics committee. Debra is an expert on all areas of family law and served a 10-year appointment as a judicial registrar of the family law courts. Debra made the Australasian Law exclusive list of top 50 ‘elite women’ and is listed by Doyles as a ‘preeminent’ family lawyer & ‘leading’ mediator in family law.
Debra is proud to give back to the community to those who are less fortunate than others. Parker Coles Curtis has established many strong philanthropic partnerships with various charities including, Roundabout, Karinya House, Menslink, Hands Across Canberra, Women’s Legal Centre, Fearless Women, YWCA Canberra, Domestic Violence Crisis Service and Lifeline.
The Attorney-General’s Department will be presenting at the Family Dispute Resolution Conference, offering valuable insights into current policy directions, legislative developments, and emerging priorities impacting the sector.
This session will provide attendees with an overview of key reforms and initiatives shaping family law and dispute resolution practices across Australia.
It will also explore the role of Family Dispute Resolution practitioners in supporting families through increasingly complex matters, including issues relating to safety, compliance, and access to services.
Drawing on a national perspective, the presentation will highlight opportunities for collaboration between government and practitioners, and outline future directions aimed at strengthening outcomes for families and children.
This is a valuable opportunity for professionals to gain up-to-date information directly from the Attorney-General’s Department and better understand the evolving landscape of Family Dispute Resolution.
Anne-Marie has ticked all the “lawyer” boxes – Accredited Specialist, Mediator, Arbitrator, FDRP, ICL, Collaborative lawyer, academic, Judicial Officer, committee member, volunteer, mentor. She has run a successful family law practice, won awards and given countless technical, practical and motivational presentations to lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
She is the architect of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s internationally renowned dispute resolution pathway, delivering almost 5000 conferences each year during her time at the Courts.
Anne-Marie is a member of the Attorney General’s Family Law Council and, in a career spanning almost 30 years, she has been unrelenting and unapologetic in her work to challenge the adversarial approach to family law, including from within the Court itself.
In early 2026 Anne-Marie founded Novera Solutions, Australia’s most unique consultancy. Novera Solutions works at the intersection of legal practice and system reform where she and her co-founder, Jennifer Crawley, help courts and legal firms design and deliver better processes, lead change and strengthen resolution-focused capability.
Anne-Marie is also the principal Mediator at Anne-Marie Rice Mediations where she makes good on her motto – conflict can be resolved without combat.
Fidan has been practicing exclusively in the area of family law since her admission in 2003. She has successfully represented clients in all areas of family law including parenting, property, de facto and same sex relationships, spouse maintenance and child support applications.
Fidan has experience in complex property cases, international family law, Hague Convention matters, as well as matters involving relocation of children and applications to the Court for enforcement of orders.
She regularly practises in the Federal Circuit Court, the Family Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and District and Local Courts.
I booked my spot as soon as the dates were announced. I’ve been waiting for a conference that feels practical and grounded in real work. The speaker lineup looks unreal, and I’m excited to pick up new ideas I can use with my clients.
I’m excited to learn and hear from what I’m sure will be a stellar lineup. What a great way to support our clients by taking part in a cost-effective, live PD event.
I’ve already cleared my calendar. It’s rare to find a conference that brings mediators, FDRPs, and ADR professionals together in such a relaxed and collaborative way.
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