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While some people use the internet to find
true love, a new website now makes it possible for others to
finalise their separation.
An online service called Resolution Online -
www.resolutiononline.com.auhas
been developed to allow couples, especially those with children, to
complete the final stages of their separation without being
face-to-face.
Recent changes to the Family Law Act mean
separating parents are now required to attend a family dispute
resolution session with an independent registered practitioner
before being able to proceed to court over issues such as access to
children.
"In many situations, the last thing most
couples wish to do is actually sit down, face-to-face, to try and
resolve sensitive issues," Resolution Online chief executive
officer, Katherine Graham, said.
The service involves both parties taking
part in a real-time, secure, private chatroom, facilitated by an
accredited family dispute resolution
practitioner.
At the conclusion of a session, a formal,
written agreement can be printed, which both parties will be
required to abide by.
The service is also being targeted at
separating couples who are now living in different cities or
countries.
"For some couples, their separation is
entirely mutual and amicable, and the cost of formalising verbal
agreements, either through travel, time or legal fees, can halt
otherwise agreeable resolution processes," Ms Graham
said.
The service is offered by privately-owned
company The Resolution Centre, and costs $320 per person for the
first three hours of mediation, with additional sessions charged at
$60 per hour.
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