Giving children a voice
I do not think the value of listening to children and giving them a voice could be put any more powerfully then this poem that was recently brought to my attention. LISTEN When I ask you to listen to me, and you start giving advice, you have not done what I asked. When I ask…
Intake- The Jewell In The Crown
Intake is a place of discovery, magic and imagination. When it is done well it is a dazzling jewel that lights up the way towards a bright and hopeful future. The Intake Session is an opportunity to set up the Settlement Conference that follows for maximum success. By connecting well, Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)…
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…
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…
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…
What you can expect from the court system
Litigation The inevitable consequence of separation is that decisions will need to be made. In many cases these are easily identified and parties can work together to manage their conflict, and move forward with dignity and minimal cost to themselves, their extended family, friends, and society. In some cases this is not possible…