Navigating cultural and religious needs in family dispute resolution

This chapter focuses on the impact of Family Dispute Resolution on women from culturally and linguistically diverse and faith-based communities. Family Dispute Resolution processes can offer significant benefits for culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities, particularly in family disputes. However, navigating these processes can be intimidating for these women - frequently leading to feelings of disenfranchisement and disempowerment. Evidence suggests that community leaders are often sought for resolving family disputes, for example within Muslim communities. To address these issues, this chapter proposes culturally and religiously sensitive amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to enhance the Family Dispute Resolution process.