This article is published in The Networking Effect newsletter.
With international experience helping clients in family law for over 12 years, Dr. Brett knows the right way to approach family law disputes. Through practice as the President and Senior Staff Lawyer at Family Law Pathways Centre, Dr. Brett is able to empower separating couples to find the right pathways to resolve family law disputes.
What have your clients taught you throughout your years of experience?
Over the years I have learned from clients that most separating parents and spouses are either scared or confused about separation and divorce. My clients have taught me that there is a culture of fear and blame surrounding family law, and justice can end up lost in the mix. This is something we need to change. My clients are good people, wanting what is fair for their family and children – a win-win situation, which I believe is much more likely to be achieved outside of court.
Often times clients don’t always know what is fair because they do not have useful information about separation and divorce as it applies to their unique family situation, which is why we started the Family Law Pathways Centre. We provide information first to separating couples in a single meeting. Information includes ranges of options for the law and processes, and contacts. Clients have asked for access to information and we are providing it at Family Law Pathways Centre. Among the many things my clients have taught me, one that stands out is that ‘having access to information leads to better access to justice’.
When it comes to your career, what do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding thing about setting up Family Law Pathways Centre is the encouragement and inspiration I have received from many families and many professionals. It is rewarding to know that what we are doing is a team effort and makes a difference in families’ lives.
What are 3 words that you or Family Law Pathways Centre values the most?
The three words we value most at Family Law Pathways Centre are Information, Consultation and Empowerment. Information is the key to empowering separating couples to move forward on the right pathway, in the best interest of their family and children. It’s the old truth in the phrase knowledge is power. We provide Information in an Early Neutral Consultation, where couples hear Information First together. Sometimes the couple attends the Consultation in person, and sometimes we use modern technology such as Skype to facilitate the Consultation.
Who is your professional role model?
My professional role model is not a person, but a personal quality – Wisdom. I come across Wisdom in so many people and in so many unexpected places. I believe Wisdom is more important than intelligence. A Wise person once said to me “Wisdom is the application of Knowledge in a beneficial way”. I try to learn from Wise people from all walks of life and apply what I learn from them.
What is 1 tip you have for dealing with conflict?
The resolution of conflict always involves compromises. Communication and decision-making are two critical steps in getting to an agreement. All communication and decision making involves conflict at some level, especially relating to separation and divorce. Some conflict is low level and some conflict is high level; but it is always there. To resolve conflict between any two people we need to educate people that it always takes two people for communication and decision making. In general, conflict is not resolved by forcing people to react how you would like – conflict is resolved by empowering people to be responsible communicators and decision-makers.