Protecting Your Wealth in Later Life-Networking Seminar
Today we are often approached by clients seeking assistance in the context of breakdown and blending of families. If you would like to explore some of the issues arising from these situations, including how to assist clients to protect their assets in later life, then this seminar is for you! Join me and other leading…
New insights into the Narrative Model of Conflict Coaching
I recently attended a workshop with Professor Nadja Alexander who presented the REAL approach to conflict coaching. This provided new and exciting insights into the understanding of, and dealing with conflict. I was inspired by her holistic approach, assisting clients not only to understand and deal with a particular conflict, but to develop conflict management…
The National Mediation Conference 2016-innovation for a new road map.
In mid September more than 500 participants met at the Gold Coast. Over the five days of the conference, we were presented with many innovative ideas around philosophy, methodology and practice. There was one overriding theme- it was suggested that we take these ideas on board and use them to compare maps, and look at…
The Second Independent Children’s Lawyers Conference
A wonderful opportunity to join with other ICLs to discuss recent developments , and hear from leading professionals who can add to the tools we have available to assist with the demands of our role. Hear Dr George Klein from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Centre for Addiction medicine, discuss “Drug use and…
Child Focus and the Narrative Model of Dispute Resolution
This approach to mediation evolved from the narrative family therapy model developed in the mid 1980s. [1] It is based on the understanding that the way we interpret the world around us depends on our social and cultural background and experiences. In other words, the meaning we attribute to events, our reactions and point of…
Obligations of the FDRP at intake
The Family Law Act defines Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) as: a process, other than a judicial process, in which a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) helps people affected or likely to be affected by separation or divorce to resolve some of all of their disputes with each other. [1] It is envisaged in this process…
Best interests-what is it?
The focus of the Family Law Act in parenting matters is on “the best interests of the child” as the paramount consideration” (s60CA). This notion of “best interests” permeates all legal discussion regarding children and is spoken of as if it is a thing that can be clearly identified, and that everyone who assists parents…
Yoga-more than mindfulness
As I drive away from a week long yoga retreat at Mission Beach, I feel balanced and at peace. I look out at the amazing scenes of nature around me and ponder on how different I feel to the trip from the airport some 7 days ago. I am also nervous to return to the…
See the power of a child focus approach!
Tracey and Reece have been a relationship for about 7 years. They have a 6 year old son Trent. Six months ago, Tracey discovered that Reece had been having an affair with a good friend of hers- Sharon. A separation followed, and Reece has not spent any time with Trent since then. He has initiated…
Tools for change-towards a child focused outcome
As a family lawyer or Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) we have an obligation to ensure discussions with our clients, and any action or outcomes, comply with our duty to the court[i], and our obligations under the legislation. [ii] How do we fulfill these responsibilities if our clients refuse to co-operate? What strategies can we…