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

Forced Marriage

On November 1st 2023, Accredited Family Law Specialist and Page Provan Director Stephen Page presented a paper at the Brisbane Zonta Club about forced marriage. I acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, on whose lands we meet today, their elders, past, present and emerging. Ruqia Hidari was aged 21 and living in Victoria, when, according to police,… Read More »Forced Marriage

ACT Government Surrogacy Bill

The ACT Government has today introduced a bill to amend the ACT’s surrogacy laws. The proposed changes are more incremental than fundamental. They include allowing a single person to undertake surrogacy, for the surrogate to be single if needed, a requirement for legal advice and counselling beforehand, a written agreement being required, that traditional surrogacy is… Read More »ACT Government Surrogacy Bill

Planning to resolve: ADR in ART

ADR can help resolve disputes in ART cases. ADR is not limited to mediation and arbitration. Other types of informal dispute resolution can resolve disputes. When assisted reproductive treatment cases go off the rails, they can have the next level of bitterness and volatility. There can be a keen sense of betrayal when things don’t… Read More »Planning to resolve: ADR in ART