Lessons from the National Mediation Conference Day 1
There is nothing more inspiring than getting together with a group of experts to discuss what you are passionate about! The National Mediation Conference in 2019 has a focus of “Over the Horizon”, looking at the essence of mediation for the future. So many fascinating presentations, but some significant standouts for me! Dr June Oscar-Whole…
10 Tips to deal with someone overwhelmed with emotion
Stay calm Do not get sucked into the vortex! Remain friendly and calm, maintain a reassuring tone of voice and body language. Be empathetic Show compassion by the use of empathy for what you are observing, attention to their experience, and respect for their distress. Focus on the future Do…
Why We Sleep- The new science of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
We all now accept that what we eat and the amount of exercise we get is crucial to our wellbeing and long term health. However the other aspect of our lives that dominates our day to day lives is all but ignored. Dr Matthew Walker is seeking to change this and educate us about how…
Reflective practice-The path to improvement!
Working with separated families is challenging! Every family is unique and requires a unique, sensitive and sophisticated approach. The complexity of families has increased dramatically, and to do justice to our work, every professional needs to understand not only our primary area of expertise, but also sufficient about associated areas to work effectively in a…
Why have a lawyer as advocate?
Background I was recently asked by a colleague (for the purpose of this blog I will call him Jack) to represent him at a conference in the context of a disciplinary investigation in his workplace. Jack was not directly involved in the incident that had created the complaint, but as part of the supervisory structure,…
Autumn Inspiration- “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
During recent regional travel I listened to Michelle Obama read her current autobiography “Becoming”. It was fascinating to hear her tell her own story and answer those questions I had about who she is, the challenges that she has faced along her journey, and how she came to be the wife of Barac Obama. I…
Conversation Series- Expert Reports in Family Law
Join me for the next instalment in our Conversation Series with Hemal Ganatra talking about Expert Reports in Family Law Disputes. We all have to discuss with our clients from time to time the need to have all the relevant information available when making decisions about sharing the family pool of assets. Obtaining a valuation…
Creating Space for Consensus
At a time of crisis, parties can feel stunned and flooded with feelings of shock, disbelief and powerlessness. This can give way to a strong sense of fear, loss and hurt, and then to overwhelming emotions such as sadness, rejection, depression, betrayal and perhaps anger. In this state it is very hard to make sense…
Autumn Reading – “The Fragments” by Toni Jordan
I have followed the work of Melbourne based author, Toni Jordan over several years, and can recommend her most recent novel. This is a murder mystery set in Brisbane, with many familiar features about this city and the lifestyle of those who live there, that are like hooks to grab hold of and keep the…
Obligations to minimise the negative impacts of the adversarial system
The current review of the family law system has focused attention on the limitations that lead to dissatisfaction with process and outcome in resolving family disputes. The many responses reflect different views, but there is a common theme regarding the adversarial frame that defines a dispute once it enters the legal system. This is destructive…