As a divorce lawyer I have the unique privilege of people sharing with me deeply personal events and hardships in their lives. Often my relationship with them starts when emotions are raw, at the beginning of working through the grief and loss of a relationship. I observe, with continual curiosity, how people approach the challenging…
My recent podcast and my top tips on how to cultivate mindfulness in law and in life
MY VERY FIRST PODCAST INTERVIEW Earlier this week I was fortunate to be a guest blogger for my friend and colleague, Clarissa Rayward on her The Happy Family Lawyer blog. This followed a podcast interview on Happy Lawyer Happy Life I recently did with Clarissa about how to use mindfulness practices to be a happy…
Taking time out – 3 tips to reinvest in your wellness during a holiday
Recently I returned from ten glorious days on holidays at a beautiful farmhouse in the luscious Byron Hinterland. It was an opportunity to rest, relax and solely focus on recharging the batteries after what had been a fairly frantic year professionally so far. For me the opportunity to take an extended break couldn’t come quickly…
4 tips to look after yourself during a separation or divorce
Over the many years I have been entrusted to provide legal advice, care and guidance to families experiencing separation I have observed that end of a relationship is an emotional and traumatic time for all concerned. Whilst people cope with the stages of grief in very different ways I have seen first hand that mourning…
EMPATHY – What it is, its power and 5 tips to cultivate it
Although I aspired to be a lawyer from a very young age there have been many occasions over the last decade when I have reflected upon exactly what it was that drew me to decide to work with people who are experiencing relationship breakdown. I have always enjoyed helping others and have been intrigued by…
Are you investing in yourself? My 5 tips for making an immediate investment in your wellness.
My inspiration for sharing my thoughts on mindfulness and wellness in this blog is best encapsulated by a wonderful quote from poet, Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style”. Just over five years ago…
Fiona’s blog – a forum to share ideas
For over a decade I have been assisting people experiencing relationship breakdown by providing big picture, commercial and practical advice working in boutique family law firms in Sydney, the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. During this time I have seen that the needs of the people and families who have entrusted me to navigate them through…
Mindfulness – what it is and how it can benefit the modern lawyer (and us all)!
Earlier this year I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Cairns, in the balmy tropical north, to speak at a conference held by the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA) themed “The Modern Family Lawyer”. When the theme of the conference was decided it struck me as an ideal opportunity to “think outside…
How do Pre-Nuptial Agreements really work?
Many people seem to associate “pre-nups” with celebrities. However entering into pre-nups (known more formally as Financial Agreements) is now becoming increasingly common for couples who are marrying or living together in second or third relationships or where one of the couple has already accumulated substantial assets which they wish to protect if the relationship…
The current crisis in the family law system and solutions to keep you out of Court
When I first meet people experiencing relationship breakdown and seeking my assistance to resolve the issues which arise for them, commonly a big fear is of ending up in Court, in a lengthy, acrimonious and expensive legal battle. To compound such fears, over recent months there has been a sharp focus in the media…
What do “separation” and “divorce”really mean?
Often when I meet clients for the first time it becomes apparent there is a general misunderstanding about what the terms “separation” and “divorce” really mean. There is also common misconception in the initial stages following their separation about the implications of separation and divorce on finalising a property settlement. I recently wrote an article…