Section 60I Certificate Explained: What Parents Need to Know
If you are sorting out parenting arrangements after separation, you may have heard about a Section 60I certificate and wondered what it actually means.
It can sound formal and intimidating, but the idea behind it is fairly simple. A Section 60I certificate is a document issued by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution practitioner to confirm that family dispute resolution has been attended, attempted, or assessed as not appropriate before a parenting matter goes to court.
For many separated parents, this certificate is an important part of the process if they want to apply to court for parenting orders.
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What is a Section 60I certificate?
A Section 60I certificate is an official document issued under the Family Law Act 1975. In most parenting matters, separated parents are expected to attempt family dispute resolution before applying to court. The certificate confirms what happened in that process.
It is not a judgment about who is right or wrong. It does not decide parenting arrangements for you. It simply records that family dispute resolution was attempted, attended, or assessed in a particular way.
Why might you need one?
If you are applying to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for parenting orders, you will usually need to file a Section 60I certificate with your application. Without it, the court may not accept the application unless an exemption applies.
This requirement is designed to encourage parents to try to resolve issues outside court where possible.
What are the different types of Section 60I certificates?
There are several different types of certificates, depending on what happened in the family dispute resolution process.
A certificate may confirm that:
family dispute resolution could not proceed because one party did not attend or was unwilling to engage
family dispute resolution was not appropriate in the circumstances
both parties attended and made a genuine effort
both parties attended but one party did not make a genuine effort
the process started but was not appropriate to continue.
Are there situations where a certificate is not required?
Yes. In some circumstances, a parent may be able to apply to court without a Section 60I certificate. The handout notes examples such as concerns about family violence or child abuse, urgency, or situations where a party cannot participate effectively due to incapacity or geographical difficulty.
Whether an exemption applies depends on the circumstances, so legal advice can be important if you are unsure.
What happens at Melbourne Conflict Solutions?
At Melbourne Conflict Solutions, the process begins with individual meetings. Your practitioner will meet with each person separately before any joint session, assess whether family dispute resolution is safe and appropriate, and then facilitate discussions focused on the needs and best interests of your children. A certificate can be issued at the conclusion of the process, or within 12 months of the last session if requested.
This approach helps make the process feel more manageable and ensures suitability is considered carefully before moving forward.
Does a Section 60I certificate guarantee a court outcome?
No. A Section 60I certificate confirms participation in family dispute resolution. It does not guarantee any particular result in court. The handout also notes that the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
A calmer first step
If you would like to understand whether family dispute resolution is appropriate for your situation, get in touch with Melbourne Conflict Solutions to arrange an initial conversation.
If you would like to understand whether family dispute resolution is appropriate for your situation, get in touch with Melbourne Conflict Solutions to arrange an initial conversation.
Get the printable guide
Prefer a copy you can save or read later?
We can email you a printable PDF explaining Section 60I certificate, including what it usually feels like, how time is managed, and a simple preparation checklist.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
