I’ve joined AFCC

I’ve joined AFCC

Some news from home, for a change.

I’ve joined the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. The AFCC has about 3000 members- not just family lawyers like me, but also judges, mediators, counsellors, psychologists and others, who are focussed on family law.

Starting in California in 1963, the AFCC is an international association of over 3000 members. Its mission is:

  • AFCC is an interdisciplinary, international association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through the resolution of family conflict.
  • AFCC promotes a collaborative approach to serving the needs of children among those who work in and with family law systems, encouraging education, research and innovation and identifying best practices.
  • Vision
  • A justice system in which all professionals work collaboratively through education, support, and access to services to achieve the best possible outcome for children and families.
  • Values
  • Collaboration and respect among professions and disciplines
  • Learning through inquiry, discussion and debate
  • Innovation in addressing the needs of families and children in conflict
  • Empowering families to resolve conflict and make decisions about their future
Things to Read, Watch & Listen

Black Friday meant good luck for many children born through surrogacy – and their parents

Friday the 13th, Black Friday, is normally a day of doom and gloom- when things go wrong. However, Black Friday, 13 December 2024 was a good day for many children born through surrogacy – and their parents.

Mitochondrial donation: Not so fast, Tonto

News from the UK is that eight children- four boys and four girls (including a pair of twins) have now been born through mitochondrial donation, enabling these children to be born through three people’s DNA.

Will I Get Prosecuted if I Do Surrogacy Overseas?

Surrogacy is a deeply personal and often complex journey for many Australian families. With the rise of international surrogacy arrangements, a pressing question frequently arises: Will I face prosecution if I engage in surrogacy overseas?

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board