Separation is difficult at any life stage, however, it can be particularly difficult when it occurs later in life. In addition to understanding the family law processes, a range of other issues may need to be considered such as long term financial and health plans, elder abuse and estate planning.  Graham shares his story about how things have not turned out how as he thought they would for his later years. He is feeling weighed down with his day-to-day responsibilities and situation and like he has no support.  Award winning lawyer, Carolyn Devries, hosts highly respected experts from the areas of family law and elder law: Helen Baker from On Your Own Two Feet Financial Planning, Eustacia Yates from New Way Lawyers Australia’s first non profit law firm and Collette Bots from Caxton Legal Service.  Check out the show notes for more resources and further information about our guests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coercive control is one of the most pressing social issues and there needs to be clear and consistent action from government, private organisations and non-profit organisations to end this form of domestic violence. Without further action, victims of coercive control have to navigate state based domestic violence and criminal legal processes as well as the federal family law system.  In this episode Abigail shares with us her story of the abuse she has experienced from her partner and the fear she holds that she will not be safe even when she leaves.  Award winning lawyer, Carolyn Devries, brings together a panel of experienced practitioners in the family services sector who are qualified to share about this topic: Amelia Torre from the Women’s Legal Service, Karyna Jansons from Macleod Refuge, and Renee Craft from Save the Children. Check out the show notes for more resources and further information about our guests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When people don’t know their legal rights and entitlements to property settlements and don’t understand the family law parenting framework, it can lead to disputes and conflict. Early access to accurate information, resources and services is the best way to lay the foundation for an amicable and positive outcome that is family focused.  The story for this episode is from Simon who has recently separated but who wants to make sure the relationship with his ex remains amicable for the sake of the children. He has no experience with the family law system and is unsure about whether to self-represent or engage professional help. Award winning lawyer, Carolyn Devries, welcomes seasoned experts from the family services sector: Jack Whelan barrister and mediator and co founder of the Separation Guide, David Curl from the For Kids Sake, Linda Maitland from New Way Lawyers, Australia’s first non profit law firm and Anne Dale from Grant Thornton.  Check out the show notes for more resources and further information about our guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cultural background and kinship connections are foundational principles that are recognised and incorporated into Australian family services and systems. These principles are however applied differently in the state based child protection system and the federal family law system.  In this episode we hear the story of Aunty Margaret who is feeling worried and concerned about her grandchildren, Shakira and Jai and she wants to know what she can do to protect them.  Award winning lawyer, Carolyn Devries, hosts experts who have extensive skills and experience working with Aboriginal families: Kate Grant, Kate Greenwood and Michael Schmidt from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service and Claire Martin and Adele Tenet from the Office of the Child and Family Official Solicitor.  Check out the show notes for more resources and further information about our guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some couples, having a family can be a long and difficult experience and surrogacy in Australia is incredibly complex. With the regulatory framework varying from state to state, it is important that everyone involved is fully informed and understands the process, to minimise the risk of disputes and issues arising. The focus of this episode is the story of Ryan and his partner, who want to have a baby with a surrogate. Ryan has lots of questions and is keen to make sure that everything is done correctly.  Award winning lawyer, Carolyn Devries, hosts a panel of recognised experts with extensive experience working in the surrogacy space:  Narelle Dickinson from QLD Family and Fertility Support, Sam Everingham from Surrogacy Australia and Stephen Page from Page Provan lawyers.  Check out the show notes for more resources and further information about our guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are experiencing domestic violence can face significant challenges and barriers in accessing services and support. Helping people in these very difficult situations relies on being equipped with practical strategies and an awareness of the specific services that are available to victims.  This episode shares the story of Jana who is experiencing Domestic Violence and Abuse and is from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background. She feels scared and is unsure of what steps to take for herself and her children  Award winning lawyer, Carolyn Devries, hosts a panel of leading experts with extensive experience working with individuals from CALD backgrounds: Karen Prestidge from Uniting Care, Ingrid Perez from the Immigrant Women’s Support Service, Andrew Morrison from New Way Lawyers, Australia’s first non profit law firm and Robert Lachowicz from the Refugee and Immigration Legal Services.  Check out the show notes for more resources and further information about our guests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After separation, children often want to understand what is happening and want their thoughts to be heard and their feelings acknowledged and considered. There are various ways that this can occur and the challenge for parents, counsellors, mediators, lawyers and the Courts is to find the best approach, depending on the circumstances of the separation and the family situation.  In this episode we hear from 14-year-old Grace, who is struggling following her parents’ separation. She is frustrated and upset and desperate to have someone listen and hear her views.   Award winning lawyer, Carolyn Devries, hosts a panel of well known and respected experts: Judge Spelleken from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Norma Williams from Uniting Care, Eustacia Yates from New Way Lawyers, Australia’s first non profit law firm and Rachel Brace from the RelationSpace.  Check out the show notes for more resources and further information about our guests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by award winning lawyer Carolyn Devries, of New Way Lawyers, and with its unique dramatized case studies and prestigious line up of experts from the family services sector  -this podcast will become your go to for education, information and updates. It is also a great way to boost your professional development points.  For more information please visit www.newwaylawyers.com.au/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.