Alienation in Parenting Disputes
Recently experts and professionals from around Australia and overseas gathered in Adelaide to explore issues relevant to the “alienation” of children [1]. There was general agreement that this involves a very small subsection of separated families. From a child’s perspective, alienation can be seen as the result of parents pulling them into their conflict to…
Supports for Separating Families
Join me and my special guest Melinda Nutting to discuss what supports are available for separating families and how these can be accessed and implemented to ensure best possible outcomes. Melinda is a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Child-Inclusive Practitioner, Certificate of Holistic Counselling, Grad Dip Teaching (Primary), Certificate Rudolf Steiner Education. I am very pleased…
The importance of symbolism and the Magna Carta
On my recent overseas trip, we travelled to Salisbury and the magnificent cathedral there. Of particular interest is the Chapter House, and the Magna Carter residing there. The cathedral had a wonderful display of white paper origami swans soaring the entire length of the building like a huge wave of joy. The impact as you…
Under the Tuscan Sun-Mediation Retreat 2018
I had no expectations of this event! I knew that I would benefit by the break from the Melbourne winter, and the notion of some time to ponder on my passion for mediation in the setting of Tuscany, seemed perfect! Little did I know when I booked late in 2017 how important this would be…
Sir Laurence Street 1927-21 June 2018
This is a very sad week in the Dispute Resolution world, as we note the passing of Sir Laurence Street. There are many acknowledgements in the media of his incredible contribution to many aspects of public life in Australia, most notably the legal arena, but I cannot miss this opportunity to note the impact of…
Conversation Series- Social Science for Family Lawyers
The role of the family lawyer is unique. To assist separated families, it is crucial to have an understanding of the context of any presenting disputes, including the impact of the separation on the parties and children, and the age and stage of development of the children. This influences how we deal with our clients,…
Conversation Series- Insights into child support
The technicalities and constant changes in the world of child support, make this an extremely difficult area for family lawyers. Join me and Jill Raby to discuss what it is that we need to know to be able to advise our clients, and deal with the issues that are likely to arise. Learn about the…
What techniques or behaviours by a mediator will assist parties reach resolution or will increase the difficulties of achieving a settlement?
Join me and a panel of experienced mediators across a spectrum of fields including family, commercial, workplace and franchising to discuss techniques and behaviours of mediators that can positively or negatively affect the resolution of disputes. Questions will be put to the panel based on an American Bar Association report and a survey conducted in Australia to…
Conversation Series 6- Dealing with Difficult Lawyers
Join me and my special guest Sue Macgregor when we discuss the generally ignored topic of “How to deal with difficult lawyers”. Sue and I have both been in practice for more than 30 years, and a spirited and fascinating discussion we had recently, convinced me that this is a conversation that needs to take…
The Role of FDRPs and Family Lawyers in the Resolution of Family Disputes – Evolution or Revolution
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is now a fundamental part of the Australian dispute resolution landscape for family disputes. A good understanding of the principles underlying this process and the role of FDR in the overall dispute resolution field is crucial for guiding participants from presentation to outcome. I will present at VADR to explore the…