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…
The Dry by Jane Harper
This is the debut novel of local author Jane Harper. It very deservingly was awarded The Indie Book of the Year in 2017. A “who dun it” set in country Victoria in a time of extreme drought. Beautifully written, maintaining a constant momentum that makes it very easy to read, with interesting twists and turns…
The Conversation Series 4: Grief, Loss and Healing in Family Disputes
Join me in the fourth instalment of our Conversation Series to explore this important but oft neglected topic in family disputes. I am delighted to have this discussion with Jodie Grant, an extremely experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Restorative Justice Practitioner. Jodie has some great ideas and tips in this area and we are…
Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council
I am delighted to announce that I am now a member of ADRAC. This is a voluntary, unaligned, independent council of 11 individuals. Our Charter is to provide thought leadership in exploring, researching and promoting better Dispute Resolution in all areas of Australian life. We endeavour to provide a voice to government for the ADR…
The importance of the separation process and the impact on high conflict people
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross first published her text “On Death and Dying” in 1970. This was based on her research and experiences with dying patients. In her preface she describes her book as “an account of a new and challenging opportunity to refocus on the patient as a human being, to include him in dialogues, to learn…
Quietening the Lizard Brain-tips for intake
As FDRPs and professionals working with family disputes, we come to recognize those clients who are stuck in the reptilian part of the brain, where fight, flight and freeze are the automatic responses. Neuroscience tells us that working with clients in this state is extremely difficult, and rational thinking and problem solving are unrealistic expectations.…
Lessons for FDR from Restorative Engagement
Jodie Grant recently presented a webinar for Resolutions Institute where she shared her considerable experience as an FDRP with family disputes, and as a facilitator with the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce (DART) working with those who have suffered institutional abuse. She provided some fascinating insights as to the similarities and differences between these different areas.…
The lure of ‘Mountain’ and the ACO
I recently attended the cinematic and musical odyssey with the Australian Chamber Orchestra “Mountain”. This is described as an essay on our fascination with mountains, how they challenge us, and how we respond. The combination of wonderful music and epic photography is powerful. An experience that remains with you, returning at unexpected moments, with notes…
The Merchant of Venice-winner or loser?
The Merchant of Venice is another masterpiece where Shakespeare presents us with a variation on a fairytale situation that we are all familiar with, to expose our frailties as humans, to give us added insight and understanding. Bassanio is in love with the great lady Portia, and needs funds to be in a position where…
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…