National Mediation Conference 11-14 September 2016
Join me at the National Mediation Conference at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11 -14 September. There is such a great programme that you can explore at: http://www.mediationconference.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/NMC-2016-Conference-Program.pdf I am participating in the Workshop on Conflict Coaching presented by Professor Nadja Alexander on Conflict Coaching on Sunday 11 June. You can join…
What do family lawyers really think about Family Dispute Resolution?
By Susan Hamilton-Green Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) has been compulsory prior to issuing court proceedings in parenting matters for some time now, and has become an essential consideration for family lawyers in supporting their clients to resolve disputes. As a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and family lawyer, I understand the benefits of FDR…
Power Talking-the right message, to the intended audience, in the most effective manner.
When we talk to our clients in family law disputes we do so against the backdrop of the relevant legal and social science concepts. We use words and strategies that are familiar to us and we assume that our meaning will be easily understood, so that we can lead our clients down the path we…
Capacity for good decision-making
As professionals in family law we are constantly required to make assessments about our clients, their ability at that time to make the best decisions for themselves and their children, and what would be the most useful way we can assist them at that stage of their journey. They come to see us in…
Insight from Shakespeare about the breakdown of relationships
400 years since Shakespeare died, yet his plays continue to have so much to say to us today! As I watched Othello on the weekend, I was astounded by the insight and wisdom that this play demonstrates about relationships and human nature. This is a tragedy that pushes relationships to a limit, and challenged…
Networking Breakfast Seminar 10 August 2016
Dispute Resolution-Where from and where to?
On 30 June I joined ADRA at the Australian Museum to celebrate their 30th anniversary. As a lawyer and mediator it was a great opportunity to explore the evolution of dispute resolution over this time, and consider where this movement has come from, and what position it has come to in this industry. Most importantly,…
Family Law Fundamentals Workshop
Join me at the Law Institute of Victoria on 12 July from 8.30 am to 5.15 pm for two workshops on essential family law skills. This is a repeat of a similar session earlier this year. Feedback from the LIV was: “The materials you supplied were informative and of a high quality. This has been…
Child focus- working together for good parenting outcomes?
In Family Dispute Resolution you have the great advantage of hearing the stories from both parents, and the opportunity to work with these to avoid the parents becoming entrenched and positional. Child focus moves the discussion away from the position and needs of the individual parents, and on to the child. The questions change from…
Attachment Theory-what it means and why it is important!
Professionals working with parents need to have a basic understanding of the social science research involving the impact of separation on children. This is a fluid and dynamic area, but there are some principles that appear to be well established. These enable us to help those we are working with to appreciate what is…