Free Information Session
Separating? This session will give you information about what decisions you will need to make and how best to make them! When–Wednesday 12 July at 12.00 noon to 1.30 pm and from 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm. How–Book at Eventrite.com.au Or contact us at 0419104494 What–You will learn about Yourself The separation and grieving process…
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…
Respect for Diversity and LGBTQI+
As a professional working with family disputes we aim to be inclusive and cater to the diversity of people and issues that we are confronted with. But it is very hard to avoid making assumptions about those we deal with based on their first impression, their presentation, and what they tell us or omit to…
How to tell the children about your separation
Telling your children that their parents intend to separate will be one of the hardest and most difficult conversations you may ever have! Your children love you both and wish to be able to share this love and your support in everything that they do. Their strongest held wish will be that the two…
What is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?
Process FDR is a process that involves a facilitator or registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) who assists separated parties to sort out the issues that arise from their separation. These may include parenting arrangements, property settlement, financial issues, interim or short term arrangements, trial arrangements, or long term plans. The FDRP provides…
“The Eye of the Sheep” by Sofie Laguna
As professionals working with family disputes, family violence is a topic that we must all confront. We attend training, cover this topic in conferences and seminars, and discuss it on a regular basis. In our work we must assess for this, acknowledge where it occurs, and assist those affected to deal with the consequences. But…
Hazards and Outrage in Conflict Management
Conflict can bring with it a time of crisis and trauma, as well as an opportunity for growth and development. Many professionals dealing in the vast area of communication and conflict management, have developed ways of looking at conflict to assist in this task. Peter Sandman is one such expert who has an interesting way…
What you can expect of your lawyer in Family Dispute Resolution
Lawyers perform an important role in Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) yet many participants are unsure as to what to expect from their lawyer in this process. Good team work between you and your lawyer in FDR can make a crucial difference in ensuring that this is a constructive, empowering and respectful process, that achieves the…
Insights from the High Court for Assessment and Intake.
I recently revisited the recent High Court decision of Thorne v Kennedy[i]. Although this case is in the context of Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) I was struck by the importance of many of the comments made by the High Court for professionals assisting in the resolution of family disputes. There is no doubt in…