What to expect from an ICL in Family Dispute Resolution
Operating as both a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) has given me a unique insight into the role of the ICL in Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). My experience is that every ICL has a different approach to FDR and works towards very different outcomes. This leads me to ask the…
The life long impact of Trauma on Children
A recent study has made a strong correlation between childhood trauma and life long social, emotional and health outcomes. Exposure to early adversity affects brain development, and leads to a greater likelihood of engaging in high risk behaviours and developing serious health conditions such as heart disease and cancer. This type of childhood trauma is…
10 Tips for Parenting with Someone you Hate!
1. Minimise direct contact in the presence of the children- limit to common courtesies. 2. Do not say or imply anything negative about the other parent or their family in the hearing of the children. 3. Use a communication platform for the exchange of important information such as the App MyMob or www.ourchildren.com.au. 4.…
Family mediators- what to expect?
Are you unsure of what to expect when you engage a family mediator to assist with a family dispute? Are you confused by the differing descriptions of facilitators as Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and/or Nationally Accredited Mediators? What does it mean to be a professional mediator? Join me for the next instalment of our Conversation…
Dealing with the presence of danger
Join me for our next Conversation Series when I will talk about this fascinating topic with experienced family lawyer Paul Roberts. We will base our discussion on the book by Gavin De Becker “The Gift of Fear”. Gavin De Becker is a personal security expert and behavioural consultant who deals in his book with the…
Case Studies-Refusal, Resistance, Estrangement and Allegations of Alienation in Parenting Disputes
As an Independent Children’s lawyer, I have recently had some extremely difficult cases where I have been significantly challenged in my attempts to support the children’s rights to have an ongoing and meaningful relationship with both of their parents. These cases have reinforced for me that every situation is unique, each must be approached on…
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…
Giving children a voice in parenting disputes
This month with our Conversation Series we will be exploring how to bring children into family disputes by giving them a voice in the decision-making process. Join me at 8.00 am on Tuesday 25 September when I will be discussing this vital and fascinating topic with my guest Con Economou. Con has a long history…
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…