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 a relationship breakdown has evolved.

There is an increasing recognition of the damage done to relationships, particularly between parents, by litigation and the need for a better way to resolve disputes following a relationship breakdown.   Whilst this is not always possible and there are some people who will ultimately need a Court to determine their fate this is never the preferred option.

Always on the lookout for the positive in a situation, I am passionate about working with people to find mutually beneficial outcomes and opportunities for them, wherever possible. I treat each person I assist as an individual, learning about their own priorities and goals.

I enjoy working with other professionals to create client-centred processes and collaborative solutions for separating families to resolve disputes respectfully, wherever possible. This includes the use of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation and collaboration.

I have started this blog to share my thoughts about:-

• the changing face of family law and the tools of the modern family lawyer.
• practising family law with empathy, focusing on the individual needs of those experiencing separation and divorce, based on their own priorities and goals.
• the stresses associated with experiencing separation and divorce and also as a family lawyer the importance of developing skills for wellness and resiliency, including through mindfulness and contemplative practices.

Through this blog I hope to open up the dialogue about family law issues and what I believe is a better, more respectful, client-centred way to practise family law.