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Adr In Family Law Case Analysis

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Critically analyse whether ADR methods such as mediation offer a better forum for resolving family law disputes than the courts, thus providing greater access to justice:
Alternative Dispute Resolution has become one of the most central and significant changes to the family law system since the 1980’s with the emergence of mediation as an alternative form of achieving justice. The main form of ADR used in family law is family mediation, and is now known in Australia as family dispute resolution (FDR). The concept was first introduced as a means to reduce conflict, improve communication and co-parental cooperation, produce better agreements in less time and expense and lead to more compliance with agreements (Kelly 1996 373). Since the first …show more content…

Therefore by introducing an environment that fosters cooperative parenting and promotes non legal resolution FDR can deal with family disputes and their associated emotions in a much more effective and timely manner. ADR has the potential to enhance communication and develop a level of cooperation and preserve the relationship between parties. The Attorney General in 2006 stated that FRC’s “help families to strengthen their relationships, when they separate, they help parents put aside their own differences and reach agreements on issues concerning their children without the need to go to courts.” Conversely the adversarial system is based upon the ideals of conflict and may damage any existing relationship (Victorian Law Refiom Commission 2008.) Furthermore the more conflict post- separation the more likely parenting arrangements will adversely affect the child. A crucial part of the government changes in relation to the FRC’s is that centre’s ensure that FDR is conducted in a way that is child focused, to ensure agreements are in the best interests of the child (s 60 B). FDR practitioners have adopted measures to ensure this is represented, such as in NSW FDRP’s conduct 3 hour kid’s in focus sessions. Research suggests that when there is greater importance and weight on the interests and needs of the child, then parents will be able to cooperate …show more content…

Only 1.5% of ATSI families use the FDR services. The AIFS evaluation of 2006 family law reforms has shown that many practitioners lack the confidence when engaging with CALD and Indigenous families. There are specific barriers to ATSI and CALD families such as s in the poor delivery of culturally specific or appropriate services by providers and the lack of trust in mediation services. Furthermore CALD face many communication barriers and culturally differences. There is clearly greater need for family dispute practitioners to address issues of cultural competency. The NADRAC 2009 has suggested that culturally appropriate practices are essential to better engage with the local CALD and ATSI populations. Culturally reflexive practices may help enhance the responsiveness to cultural contexts of families in dispute resolution. Furthermore employing FDR practitioners, who speak the languages of the CALD communities in the local area, may also help to increase the cultural competency of staff and increase the barriers faced by CALD

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