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  • Understanding Pathways to Family Dispute Resolution

    Understanding Pathways to Family Dispute Resolution
    Aug 21 2025

    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.
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    23 Min.
  • 2025 changes to Australia’s Family Law Act - Pets

    2025 changes to Australia’s Family Law Act - Pets
    Aug 14 2025

    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.
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    22 Min.
  • 2025 changes to Australia’s Family Law Act - Disclosure

    2025 changes to Australia’s Family Law Act - Disclosure
    Jul 31 2025

    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.
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    45 Min.
  • 2025 changes to Australia’s Family Law Act - Family Violence

    2025 changes to Australia’s Family Law Act - Family Violence
    Jul 23 2025

    In this episode, Paula joins Dianne from her secondment in Tonga, where she’s helping to set up a new women's and children's legal service. Together, they unpack the significant June 2025 changes to Australia’s Family Law Act with a focus on how financial and property matters are set to shift during relationship breakdowns.


    Whether you're a legal professional or navigating family law personally, this episode brings clarity, practical insight and a little island breeze. 🏝️

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    46 Min.
  • Yes, You Can Mediate With a Family Violence Order in Place

    Yes, You Can Mediate With a Family Violence Order in Place
    Jun 26 2025
    Dianne and Alina explore a commonly misunderstood fact, mediation can still be an option even when a Family Violence Order (FVO) is in place. With appropriate safeguards, Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) can proceed safely and respectfully, helping families make parenting arrangements that prioritise the child’s best interests. While the presence of a protection order signals risk, it doesn’t automatically exclude FDR, especially when the law encourages meaningful, safe contact between children and both parents. This episode wraps up the series by highlighting how even in complex situations, mediation remains a valuable, structured path forward.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    21 Min.
  • Most Family Law Disputes Don’t End Up in Court

    Most Family Law Disputes Don’t End Up in Court
    Jun 26 2025
    In this episode, Dianne and Alina debunk the common belief that separation inevitably leads to court. While emotions can run high and threats of litigation are often made, the vast majority of family law matters are resolved without ever stepping into a courtroom. They explain how Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), alongside legal negotiation, helps most families reach agreements, saving time, money and emotional energy. Court is usually a last resort, not the default.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    13 Min.
  • Discovery vs. Disclosure: What Do You Really Need?

    Discovery vs. Disclosure: What Do You Really Need?
    Jun 26 2025
    In this episode, Dianne and Alina break down what “full and frank disclosure” really means in a financial separation and when formal discovery might be unnecessary. Whether you’re working with a mediator or a lawyer, both parties must share enough information to make informed decisions. The key difference? FDR mediation can achieve the same legally binding outcomes without the costly and often excessive discovery process.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    11 Min.
  • Your Lawyer Works for You, Not the Other Way Around

    Your Lawyer Works for You, Not the Other Way Around
    Jun 26 2025
    In this episode, Dianne and Alina remind listeners that you are the one in charge when working with a lawyer. Your lawyer acts under your instructions, not the other way around. They explore how clearly communicating your goals and boundaries helps you stay in control of both the process and the costs, leading to better outcomes in your family law matter.

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