Case study-the value of Litigation Support
Lawyers and professionals working with separated families aim to support clients to achieve their goals in the most respectful and efficient way. Empowering them to be able to make their own decisions is the best outcome, but this is not always possible. In situations where court becomes the necessary last resort, this can be a…
What do family lawyers really think about FDR?
Join me to discuss What family lawyers really think about FDR, how this impacts on the strategic alliances that we form, and the expectations we can have for referrals.
“Johnno” by David Malouf-are we who we think we are, or who is reflected in those around us?
Last week I attended a Masterclass at Melbourne University on “Johnno” by David Malouf, one of our most celebrated writers. This is the first novel of this iconic Australian poet and author, published in 1975 at the height of the Whitlam Era. Patrick White described this as the best novel written by an Australian author…
Beyond Mindfulness
There is no doubt that “mindfulness” is important for our wellbeing, happiness and ability to cope with the overload of information and stress of modern life. There is also no doubt that meditation is the key to being able to still our minds, obtain some inner peace and experience love, joy and happiness. I have…
Case study-a tool for intake
This week I attended a meeting of the Special Interest Group run by VADRA (the Victorian Alternate Dispute Resolution Association). This is a group of professionals interested in dispute resolution and coming together from all different areas and perspectives. There were presentations from experienced practitioners to illustrate their approach to their work, with the aim…
A paradigm shift for fundamental change
A paradigm shift involves a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. It creates a situation in which the usual and accepted way of doing or thinking about something changes completely. There have been those rare individuals who have had the genius to challenge thinking in their time, and create something novel and different as…
Macbeth-Shakespeare on high conflict personalities
MACBETH – Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible to feeling as to sight? Or art thou but a dagger of the mind, a false creation Proceeding…
Case study-the benefits of conflict coaching
Late last year, a family lawyer asked me to assist as a conflict coach, in supporting one of her clients through his separation. I will call him Brian. Brian and his partner had married later in life and had two children. They had been together for about 12 years and he had been taken by…
Options for resolving family disputes out of court
Recently Resolutions Institute hosted an event that explored the changing landscape for resolving family disputes out of court. This highlighted the range of options available to suit particular situations and the role for lawyers and other professionals as gatekeepers. It is possible and indeed, there would appear to be a responsibility, to be aware of…
Exploring the developing landscape for resolving family disputes out of court
Changes to the legislation around pre-action procedures, funding cuts resulting in large court lists, and lengthy delays for final hearings, means that parties to family disputes are seriously considering options for resolution out of court. Choosing from the various alternatives requires a good understanding of the different pathways, their strengths and pitfalls, and an ability…