Blog
Let Go of Perfection During Special Occasions
Special occasions can be a fun but tricky time for co-parenting families, with balancing schedules, traditions, and expectations between multiple households. But letting go of the need for perfection can lead to more meaningful and stress-free time with your children....
Post-Mediation: Implementing and Maintaining Agreements for Family Harmony
Mediation is a powerful resource for families looking to resolve conflict and discuss their best next steps. However, the real challenge often begins after the mediation process, as families work to implement and sustain the agreements they've made. At Spectrum, we...
Eight Quick Tips When Thinking About FDR Mediation
Entering your first FDR Mediation session can feel like a big step, but it’s easy to make the most out of the process. FDR Mediation is designed to support families in resolving disputes in a constructive, calm manner. When you can’t work out things yourselves, it...
Common Myths About Family Dispute Resolution Mediation: Debunking Misconceptions
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Mediation is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts, especially in the context of family law matters. However, despite its growing popularity, several myths and misconceptions persist that may deter people from using this service....
Parental Conflict Resolution: Why Putting Kids First Matters
In my work in family law, conflicts and disputes are a common challenge that separated parents face. Whether it's disagreements over time arrangements, medical decisions, school choices, or asset division, these issues can often stir up intense emotions and prolonged...
Mindful separation and divorce without court
Talking Child Development Episode #18 Mindful Separation and Divorce Without Court In this podcast I speak with Mary Louise Hatch, a collaboratively trained family lawyer, mediator, and family dispute resolution practitioner. We discuss her work with parents...
Children and Separation
When you and your partner decide to separate, it is natural to worry about how your children will respond to changes in the family dynamic and living environment. This is an age appropriate guide for emotionally supporting your children whilst you navigate separation....
Dispute Resolution: ‘alternative’ OR the new normal?
The benefits of non-litigious dispute resolution processes are well established. As a course of action for remedying conflict, non-adversarial methods are steadily gaining acceptance not only as viable practice, but perhaps as best practice. Processes like mediation,...
Increase Consumer Demand for your Legal Services.
Happy clients are good for business and mediation seems to make clients happy. This is because mediation produces an even more satisfactory outcome than a “good” litigation! Mediation has a lot going for it. The process is efficient, confidential and inexpensive. It...
Ways for Lawyers to Minimise Vicarious Trauma
Family Law matters often centre around clients who are witnessing and experiencing high conflict or abusive behavior. Family violence is often present, and toxic, manipulative personalities are not uncommon. Lawyers that work on these kinds of matters are highly...
Bringing Children to the table: Recent push for Child Inclusive Practice
A new report published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies has pushed for greater participation of children in Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Practice.[1] The report urges family professionals, including lawyers, mediators, counsellors and other family...