Subjects:

Family Law

Contents:

Brief history of divorce social policy and law

trends in family law in 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s

criticisms of present divorce law

brief history of mediation in family law and mediation today

themes in the Act

general principles

divorce information

initiating the divorce process

statement of marriage breakdown

certificate as to marriage services, reconciliation and/or mediation

period of reflection and consideration

divorce and separation orders

the parties' agreements for the future

orders preventing divorce

resolutions of dispute

mediation

legal aid and mediation

financial provision

pension splitting

amendments to Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973

miscellaneous

practical impact on professional practices

future relationship of mediation and law.

The Family Law Act 1996 brought about the most wide-ranging reforms seen in family law for over 25 years. Divorce Reform: A Guide for Lawyers and Mediators not only comes complete with the relevant parts of the text of the Act, but also presents a full explanation of the key provisions introduced by this major legislation. It looks at important aspects such as: * The divorce law in practice * Court proceedings during the period of reflection and consideration * New powers for financial provision including pension splitting * Interaction with mediation and counselling * Practice management implications * Background to family mediation today.