Family Separation Services

You may be directed by the Family Court or by family lawyers to attend family therapy or court ordered family therapy to resolve issues in respect to your child or children and parenting involved in the parental separation.

If you have been ordered by the Family Court to attend family therapy you are obligated to engage with the requirements of the family therapy process. Court ordered family therapy may not be confidential and may be reportable to the Family Court.

Louise O’Sullivan understands the unique pressures of family separation within a legal framework even when high conflict. She offers an effective model of court ordered family therapy where the process is engaging, proactive and results in the best possible outcome for the children.

The process commences with individual parent intake sessions and then individual sessions for each child, followed by feedback sessions with each parent. A comprehensive assessment is carried out during these initial appointments and recommendations provided.

REPORTS FOR THE FAMILY COURT AND FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT

Louise has extensive experience in a wide range of complex family law issues, including early childhood development, parent-child attachment, relocation cases, adoption, donor conception, same-sex parenting, assessments of parenting capacity, parental mental health concerns, family violence, parental alienation and high-conflict separations.

Single Expert Reports

Louise O’Sullivan prepares expert reports under Division 7 of the Family Law Rules, which may be used as evidence in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. As an expert, her primary duty is to assist the Court, overriding any obligations to the party instructing or funding the report.

Experts can be appointed by mutual agreement with the assistance of your Family Lawyer or a Judge can appointment an expert in a court order.

Family Report

A Family Report is an independent assessment prepared by a Court-appointed expert to help the Court make decisions about parenting arrangements. It provides insight into the family’s circumstances, the needs of the children, and any risks or concerns. The report includes recommendations that support the best interests of the child.

Child Impact Report

A Child Impact Report is a professional assessment prepared by an expert to help the court understand how a family law dispute may be affecting a child. It focuses on the child’s needs, experiences, and best interests, and can inform parenting decisions.

A Child Impact Report is typically ordered early in the Family Court process, usually after the first court hearing but before final decisions are made. It helps the court understand the child’s perspective and assists in making informed interim or final parenting arrangements.

Wishes Report

A Wishes Report provides the Court with insight into a child’s views and preferences during family law proceedings. This report helps ensure the child’s voice is heard in a way that is age-appropriate, respectful, and in line with their emotional wellbeing. While the child’s wishes are considered, they are one of many factors the Court takes into account when making decisions about parenting arrangements.