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YOUR FRIENDLY FAMILY RESOLUTION NEWSLETTER

MAY 2024

Welcome to the latest update from Divorce Done Differently!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FROM OUR TEAM OF MUMS!  

MOTHER'S DAY FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES - COOK SOME CUPCAKES WITH YOUR KIDS!

Mother's Day doesn't need to be expensive or extravagant.  It may be simple and delicious, especially if you cook up some cupcakes with your kids or better still, get the kids to cook them for Mum.

SEPARATION AND MOTHER'S DAY

Mothers Day is a relatively new celebration which was started by women in the US as part of peace and anti-war campaigns. It became an official US Holiday in 1914 following a declaration by President Woodrow Wilson that the 2nd Sunday in May be celebrated as a national holiday and it became increasingly recognised and celebrated and commercialised in Australia through the 1920’s. It is a day in which children across the country present mothers (or those with a mothering role in their lives) with weird and wonderful soaps, candles and “I love my Mum” mints and chocolates  purchased from  Mother’s Day stalls, where mums are served burnt toast and lukewarm tea in bed and when (for just a tiny moment) we all take time to recognise the exceptional role that mothers play in our lives.

Continue Reading Here...

COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE

Divorce without court, in a dignified, private and respectful way.  A collaborative divorce provides families with a safe place to work through the tough stuff.  Where they can discuss their worries at their own pace whilst being supported by a team (lawyers, coaches, child specialists and financial gurus) to create solutions that allow their family's needs to be met and for them to all move forward.

Our Director and President of Collaborative Professionals NSW, Shelby Timmins spoke to the Australian Financial Review on the benefits of the collaborative process.  It is wonderful to see collaborative getting a mention in a national media outlet and we hope to continue to spread the word.

Read the article here...

To find out more about the collaborative process we have put together a series of FAQ's that you can read and share...

THE COACH IN COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE

Our next round of The Coach In Collaborative Practice course kicks off on Friday 17 May 2024!  Mediators, Child Consultants, Lawyers, Financials - All are welcome to learn more about the role of the Coach in Collaborative Practice!  Click on the image below to enrol.

THE ABRAMS SCHOLARSHIP

IS OPEN FOR 2024!

 

The Abrams Scholarship was established by Collaborative Professionals (NSW) in 2021, to acknowledge the work undertaken by past CP(NSW) President, Sue Abrams, to promote and develop interdisciplinary collaborative practice in NSW for over a decade.

CP(NSW) is committed to promoting and developing interdisciplinary collaborative practice in NSW and helping the collaborative community grow, by sharing information and supporting members (and future members) to identify and engage in collaborative training opportunities.

The Abrams Scholarship is offered to two candidates annually. The candidates selected will receive funding to the value of $1,450 each, to undertake collaborative practice training that satisfies Membership Eligibility Requirements or to undertake advanced training in collaborative practice and to meet their annual membership fee with CP(NSW)/AACP, for one year.

Applications for the scholarship must be submitted by close of business on 24 May 2024 and will be considered by the CP (NSW) Board and announced on 30 May 2024. Note: Applicants must reside in NSW or demonstrate a significant connection to NSW.

For more information and details on how to apply - 
https://lnkd.in/ggQfzrPb 

SHELBY SHARES THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION MESSAGE 

Shelby has been busy in recent weeks sharing the benefits of mediation, the collaborative process and parenting coordination.

Shelby co-presented with colleagues Sue Abrams, Sarah Bevan and Belinda Crawford talking all thing DR for the UNSW Family Law Intensive. 

It included four hours of family law goodness and here are our 4 key takeaways:

  1. The practice area is shifting. You need to stay on top of the latest developments to keep up, especially with the upcoming changes. 
  2. If your clients are not responding to you, ask them why?? It might be something you could fix to make their lives easier. 
  3. Check your precedents when it comes to the upcoming changes, they will need to be fixed to get the right legislation. 
  4. Be aware of and explain every option when it comes to dispute resolution. You need to be comfortable with each process so you can advise your clients accordingly, otherwise you are doing them a disservice.

This topic is close to our hearts.  At Divorce Done Differently, we are big believers in children having a safe space to have a voice and more importantly, that we encourage parents to hear the voice of their children and to then work with that when creating care arrangements for them.  Now, don't get us wrong,  we don't think that all children should have the ultimate choice when it comes to where they live and the time they spend with their parents.  What it does mean however, is that subject to their ages, stages and other influences, we hear what they have to say and take note of it when creating parenting arrangements.

We loved sharing our thoughts at The Voice of the Child Webinar - Series 1 that was held on Monday 29 April.

The May 2024 changes to the Family Law Act have brought a new focus on the voice of children in family law disputes.

Don't miss out on AIFLAM's first of our new series of webinars where we will hear from those already conducting Child Inclusive Mediations and an expert Family Report Writer.

Our panel was chaired by our AILFM Board member from ACT Debra Parker in conversation with ADR Practitioner of the Year Shelby Timmins of Divorce Done Differently (Sydney), Psychologist and Child Consultant Clare Rowe of Rowe & Associates (Sydney) and Mediator and Child Consultant Chanel Hughes of Chanel Hughes Mediation & Consultation (Newcastle).

Register for the recording via the AIFLAM website here - https://www.aiflam.org.au/aiflam-members

REFLECTION PIECE

- IS IT TIME FOR A REVOLUTION IN HOW SOLICITORS PRACTISING IN FAMILY LAW ARE TRAINED?

Should it be mandatory for lawyers to undertake training in either non-court dispute resolution or skills essential to keeping disputes out of court?

Edward Cooke a family lawyer and mediator, previous co-chair of Resolution’s Training and Learning Committee and founding director of Edward Cooke Family Law in the UK, in this article challenges us all to consider “Many excellent family lawyers are not trained in non-court dispute resolution, but promote it and conduct their cases in a principled, child-focused way. Yet, just as it would be extraordinary if family law barristers had no training in cross-examination… prior to practicing at the family bar, it seems astonishing that there is no mandated family law training for solicitors in the essential skills required to keep cases out court.”  

“Surely effective conduct by solicitors of out-of-court settlement meetings in a collaborative fashion is as essential to clients as having expert representation by their advocates in court. And I would argue that it is just as important for clients to have solicitors who are properly trained to support them appropriately in all forms of non-court dispute resolution, including mediation, as they are to represent them in court.” 

Statistics on training family lawyers in non-court dispute resolution are not widely available. In the UK however, of just over 6,500 members on Resolution’s website, just over 1,300 are listed as being trained in mediation or collaborative law. Thus, just one in five Resolution members are trained in one of the two key methods of non-court dispute resolution. 

One of the November 2020 Family Solutions Group (FSG) report’s key recommendations was that all family law professional training include: 

  • parental conflict’s harmful effect on children, 
  • the importance of the voice of the child, 
  • screening and awareness of domestic abuse (including coercive and controlling behaviour), 
  • mental health, personality disorders and addiction issues (a feature of high-conflict cases), 
  • the full range of alternatives to court proceedings, and 
  • the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to family law (this includes mediation and collaborative practice) 

TAKE A LISTEN -

PODCASTS WE ENJOYED THIS MONTH

We are always learning from others and are avid readers and thought you might enjoy our book choices too. To make things as easy as possible, we have created our very own Divorce Done Differently Reading Room. Here we will share with you any books or articles that we think you might enjoy. Grab a cuppa, find a few quiet moments, and enjoy 😊.

MAY 2024

Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) In An Age Of Conflict

1. Go to the Balcony. Take a break. 
The balcony is your safe place. Space for peace. When emotions are high, common sense is low. The balcony gives you space to pause. Then, zoom out – and focus attention back on your 
goals. Because when you reset, you get more clarity.

2. Build a Golden Bridge. Listen + offer solutions.
Instead of pushing an agenda, listen to your counterpart. Listen to their goals and hopes. Listen for what's (really) wanted. Be open. Defer judgement. Co-create wins. Invent first, evaluate later. Because conflict is a chance to be creative!

3. Mobilise the (3rd) Side. Get help from others.
Fixing problems is easier when you work together. Ask questions. Listen. Include communities. Find solutions people get excited about. Share the mutual benefits. Do your best as often as you can. And remember you can always make 
impossible, Possible.

MAY 2024

Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) In An Age Of Conflict

1. Go to the Balcony. Take a break. 
The balcony is your safe place. Space for peace. When emotions are high, common sense is low. The balcony gives you space to pause. Then, zoom out – and focus attention back on your 
goals. Because when you reset, you get more clarity.

2. Build a Golden Bridge. Listen + offer solutions.
Instead of pushing an agenda, listen to your counterpart. Listen to their goals and hopes. Listen for what's (really) wanted. Be open. Defer judgement. Co-create wins. Invent first, evaluate later. Because conflict is a chance to be creative!

3. Mobilise the (3rd) Side. Get help from others.
Fixing problems is easier when you work together. Ask questions. Listen. Include communities. Find solutions people get excited about. Share the mutual benefits. Do your best as often as you can. And remember you can always make 
impossible, Possible.

Boundary Badass: A Powerful Method for Elevating Your Value and Relationships

by Jan Yuhas and Jillian Yuhas

Unleash your inner badass, voice your value, and embark on a journey of self-empowerment!

Are you tired of feeling taken advantage of, constantly sacrificing your own needs for the sake of others, or feeling undervalued? Despite your efforts to express your feelings, you experience heightened reactions or stonewalling from others, leading to further disconnects in your relationships.

Within the pages of Boundary Badass, individuals discover how to establish healthy boundaries and own their self-worth - without feeling guilty or fearful. Packed with valuable advice, the authors Jan Yuhas, M.A., MFT and Jillian Yuhas, M.A., MDFT, inspire individuals to honour their authentic voice, diminish feelings of powerlessness, and cultivate thriving relationships - with family, partners, colleagues, friends and more.  Whether you're struggling to define your limits, feeling powerless in your relationships, or seeking to improve your communication and conflict resolution skills, Boundary Badass is the ultimate book for reclaiming your power and elevating your relationships.  This book is both a journey of self discovery and a practical workbook combined!

Boundary Badass: A Powerful Method for Elevating Your Value and Relationships

by Jan Yuhas and Jillian Yuhas

Unleash your inner badass, voice your value, and embark on a journey of self-empowerment!

Are you tired of feeling taken advantage of, constantly sacrificing your own needs for the sake of others, or feeling undervalued? Despite your efforts to express your feelings, you experience heightened reactions or stonewalling from others, leading to further disconnects in your relationships.

Within the pages of Boundary Badass, individuals discover how to establish healthy boundaries and own their self-worth - without feeling guilty or fearful. Packed with valuable advice, the authors Jan Yuhas, M.A., MFT and Jillian Yuhas, M.A., MDFT, inspire individuals to honour their authentic voice, diminish feelings of powerlessness, and cultivate thriving relationships - with family, partners, colleagues, friends and more.  Whether you're struggling to define your limits, feeling powerless in your relationships, or seeking to improve your communication and conflict resolution skills, Boundary Badass is the ultimate book for reclaiming your power and elevating your relationships.  This book is both a journey of self discovery and a practical workbook combined!

Seeing What Others Don't

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have a knack for solving problems creatively or making quick and insightful decisions? In "Seeing What Others Don't: The Remarkable Ways We Gain Insights," challenges the traditional view of insights as sudden flashes of inspiration and instead argues that they are the result of a complex interplay between experience, knowledge, and our ability to see patterns and connections. Here are some key lessons:

1. Insight Isn't Just an Aha Moment: While sudden flashes of brilliance ("aha" moments) can occur, true insights often emerge from a deeper foundation. Imagine an iceberg - the visible tip represents the insight, but below the surface lies a vast network of knowledge, experience, and past observations. These unseen elements come together to form the foundation for that "aha" moment.

2. Seeing the Bigger Picture: 

Insights often involve recognising patterns or connections that others miss. To cultivate this skill, practice active attention. Don't just passively observe; actively seek out patterns and how elements connect. Pay close attention to details, anomalies, and seemingly unrelated factors. Look at the bigger context, beyond the immediate situation. By developing this peripheral vision, you'll be better equipped to spot the hidden connections that lead to insights.

3. Expertise Breeds Insight: 

The deeper your understanding of a particular field, the better equipped you are to spot subtle cues and make connections that lead to insights. When they encounter new situations, they can quickly recognise relevant patterns and draw connections from their knowledge base, leading to insightful solutions. This expertise also allows for a form of "educated intuition," where seemingly gut feelings are actually based on a vast network of subconscious knowledge.

4. Mental Simulation: 

Imagine different possibilities in your head. Consider potential outcomes and challenges by playing out "what-if" scenarios. This mental exercise is like a dress rehearsal for the mind, allowing you to anticipate problems and uncover creative solutions before they arise. You can also build on past experiences by using them as mental simulations. Think back to similar situations and how they unfolded. 

5. Shift Your Perspective: 

Don't be afraid to challenge your initial take on a situation. Look at it from different angles: the user's perspective, a historical viewpoint, or even a completely opposite viewpoint. Sometimes, a simple change in perspective can reveal hidden aspects of the problem, open yourself up to new possibilities for insights, and lead to a breakthrough. 

6. Beware of Confirmation Bias: The Enemy of Insight: Our brains have a natural tendency to favour information that confirms our existing beliefs, known as confirmation bias. This can be a major roadblock to insights. To overcome this bias, actively search for information that contradicts your initial beliefs. This challenges your assumptions and opens you up to new possibilities. Surround yourself with people who have different backgrounds and perspectives. 

7. Break Free from Functional Fixedness: Don't limit yourself to the traditional use or function of something. Challenge the obvious and consider alternative ways to utilize it. This can spark new ideas and lead to unexpected insights. Move beyond the immediate solution and explore unconventional approaches. By breaking free from functional fixedness, you open yourself up to a wider range of potential solutions.

8. Groupthink Can Block Insights: 

Groupthink, the tendency for groups to make poor decisions due to a desire for conformity, can be a major barrier to insights. To combat this, create a safe space for team members to challenge each other's ideas without fear of judgment. Foster healthy debate and encourage diverse perspectives. Building teams with a range of backgrounds and experiences can also help prevent groupthink. 

By valuing diverse expertise and encouraging critical thinking within your team, you can create an environment that fosters a wider range of insights.

Seeing What Others Don't

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have a knack for solving problems creatively or making quick and insightful decisions? In "Seeing What Others Don't: The Remarkable Ways We Gain Insights," challenges the traditional view of insights as sudden flashes of inspiration and instead argues that they are the result of a complex interplay between experience, knowledge, and our ability to see patterns and connections. Here are some key lessons:

1. Insight Isn't Just an Aha Moment: While sudden flashes of brilliance ("aha" moments) can occur, true insights often emerge from a deeper foundation. Imagine an iceberg - the visible tip represents the insight, but below the surface lies a vast network of knowledge, experience, and past observations. These unseen elements come together to form the foundation for that "aha" moment.

2. Seeing the Bigger Picture: 

Insights often involve recognising patterns or connections that others miss. To cultivate this skill, practice active attention. Don't just passively observe; actively seek out patterns and how elements connect. Pay close attention to details, anomalies, and seemingly unrelated factors. Look at the bigger context, beyond the immediate situation. By developing this peripheral vision, you'll be better equipped to spot the hidden connections that lead to insights.

3. Expertise Breeds Insight: 

The deeper your understanding of a particular field, the better equipped you are to spot subtle cues and make connections that lead to insights. When they encounter new situations, they can quickly recognise relevant patterns and draw connections from their knowledge base, leading to insightful solutions. This expertise also allows for a form of "educated intuition," where seemingly gut feelings are actually based on a vast network of subconscious knowledge.

4. Mental Simulation: 

Imagine different possibilities in your head. Consider potential outcomes and challenges by playing out "what-if" scenarios. This mental exercise is like a dress rehearsal for the mind, allowing you to anticipate problems and uncover creative solutions before they arise. You can also build on past experiences by using them as mental simulations. Think back to similar situations and how they unfolded. 

5. Shift Your Perspective: 

Don't be afraid to challenge your initial take on a situation. Look at it from different angles: the user's perspective, a historical viewpoint, or even a completely opposite viewpoint. Sometimes, a simple change in perspective can reveal hidden aspects of the problem, open yourself up to new possibilities for insights, and lead to a breakthrough. 

6. Beware of Confirmation Bias: The Enemy of Insight: Our brains have a natural tendency to favour information that confirms our existing beliefs, known as confirmation bias. This can be a major roadblock to insights. To overcome this bias, actively search for information that contradicts your initial beliefs. This challenges your assumptions and opens you up to new possibilities. Surround yourself with people who have different backgrounds and perspectives. 

7. Break Free from Functional Fixedness: Don't limit yourself to the traditional use or function of something. Challenge the obvious and consider alternative ways to utilize it. This can spark new ideas and lead to unexpected insights. Move beyond the immediate solution and explore unconventional approaches. By breaking free from functional fixedness, you open yourself up to a wider range of potential solutions.

8. Groupthink Can Block Insights: 

Groupthink, the tendency for groups to make poor decisions due to a desire for conformity, can be a major barrier to insights. To combat this, create a safe space for team members to challenge each other's ideas without fear of judgment. Foster healthy debate and encourage diverse perspectives. Building teams with a range of backgrounds and experiences can also help prevent groupthink. 

By valuing diverse expertise and encouraging critical thinking within your team, you can create an environment that fosters a wider range of insights.

MARCH 2024

Trauma Informed Law

Good Mourning

FEBRUARY 2024

Five Arguments All Couples (Need to) Have and Why The Washing Up Matters

Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids

DECEMBER 2023

Fight Right - How Successful Couples Turn Conflict Into Connection 

NOVEMBER 2023

Mending Fences.  A Collaborative, Cognitive-Behavioral Reunification Protocol Serving the Best Interests of the Post-Divorce Polarized Child

Home Will Never Be The Same Again - A Guide for Adult Children Of Gray Divorce

AUGUST 2023 

 Divorce Journal for Kids

APRIL 2023 

The Power of Talk: Who gets heard and why?

Lead with compassion: Why compassion is a better managerial tactic than toughness

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