In this weeks episode, Dianne and Paula unpack the often-overlooked differences between engaging in mediation through private practice versus government funded family dispute resolution. While the core principles of mediation remain consistent, confidentiality, neutrality, and the assurance that what’s said can’t later be used against you in court the path to the table and the environment in which those conversations unfold can look very different.

From the role lawyers play, to the accessibility and structure, the episode explores the nuances that shape people’s experiences in mediation.

Dianne and Paula break down the practical realities, highlighting that family dispute resolution isn’t black and white, it’s a process influenced by context, approach, and the space in which families try to resolve conflict.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paula’s still in Tonga, and this week’s episode is for the animal lovers. 🐾

With recent changes to Australia’s Family Law Act, companion animals, from dogs and cats to birds, bunnies, and beyond are getting new legal recognition in separation. Paula and Dianne unpack what the law now says, how to navigate disputes with compassion, and why pets deserve more than just a property label.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Paula dials in from Tonga, where she’s currently on secondment helping to establish a new family law service. She and Dianne explore the latest changes to Australia’s Family Law Act, with a focus on one of the most significant updates: the formal introduction of a duty of disclosure.

For the first time, the legislation places a clear obligation on practitioners to inform clients of their responsibility to disclose financial and other relevant information during separation. Paula and Dianne break down what this means in real terms, why it’s so important, and how it aims to create more transparent, equitable outcomes.

Whether you're a family law professional or someone navigating the system, this episode offers practical insights and just a little island breeze. 🏝️

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.