The Circle of Care

"Family lawyers want to provide a holistic service to their clients that help them not only get through a divorce and settlement but prepare them for their new circumstances.Some lawyers have referred to this as providing a "circle of care ".  Within the circle of care, there are professionals that can help with the transition to the next stage of life.It comprises their lawyer, who can deal with the legal ramifications of a divorce, but because of the trusted relationship is also able to refer them to psychologists and counsellors, to provide assistance for emotional issues. Their lawyer may then refer them to a new accountant, particularly if their former partner, because of the conflict of interest that might arise, is still using the previous one. Family lawyers recognise that there is need for broad planning advice that can then be drilled down to specific strategies early in the process, they may want to recommend that their clients meet with a financial adviser."

Collins Mann October 2010

PEACE TALKS - Mental Health issues and Family Separation

Family Law professionals often hear that one or both parents in a separated family are struggling with some sort of mental illness.

Family Report Writers, Psychologists and Psychiatrists  are expected to give opinions as to the likely impact of mental health issues on parenting capacity.

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners may be faced with one parent's claims that the other presents a risk to the children and the retort is likely to not only be contradictory but to also point a finger towards the first parent's mental health.

Judicial officers often have the unenviable task of making decisions in the best interests of children when the mental health of Family Law litigants is in dispute.

Some signposts to consider in navigating these issues are:

• What is the medical / psychiatric history of both parties?
• What is the evidence, not just of any diagnoses, but also of  behaviours considered inconsistent with "good enough parenting"?
• When did the problem first emerge?
• Was the "breakdown" first noted at the time of separation (a time of high stress often associated with aberrant and "one-off" behaviours)?
• What evidence is there of concerning symptoms since separation?
• What actions has the alleged sufferer  taken to ameliorate symptoms and prevent relapse?
• To what extent was the alleged sufferer entrusted with care of children prior to separation?
• What has changed since separation?
• What is the range of possible factors motivating parties to express such concerns?

Guide to Mediation

Brisbane Mediations has issued a new 'Guide to Mediations' specially designed to assist psychologists in their practice.

The publication is purpose driven to address the needs of psychologists and their clients and contains a cross-section of information explaining mediation and how it is practised.

Included in the publication are the following topics:

* Mediation across the Board
* Mediation Facilitates Ongoing Relationships
* Mediation in the Workplace Saves Jobs & Money
* Introduction to The Family Law Act
* Resolution of Domestic Conflict the Brisbane Mediations Way
* Mediating Prenuptial and Cohabitation Agreements Protects Relationships
* Children's Adjustment to Repartnering of Parents
* Hearing the voice of Young People at Mediation

Copies of the publication can be provided to psychologists contacting the practice manager of Brisbane Mediations on (07) 3839 7400.

Referral Base

Brisbane Mediations is in the process of developing a referral base of Psychologists, Therapists and other Social Scientists.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that all the relevant professionals in the greater Brisbane area are included there will inevitably be instances where some are overlooked.

To ensure you are included in the referral base you are invited to forward your professional details to resolve@brisbanemediations.com.au