What is Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution is a non-adversarial way of resolving arguments and conflicts that arise in family disputes without involving authorities such as the court system. It can be used to resolve many types of dispute provided the nature of the conflict does not break the boundaries of the law.
Common causes of family conflict
It is well recognised that some of the stages a family goes through can cause conflict. These may include:
- Learning to live as a new couple
- Birth of a baby
- Birth of other children
- A child going to school A child becoming a young person
- A young person becoming an adult.
Each of these stages can create new and different stresses and potential conflict.
Changes in the family situation can also take a toll on the family and contribute to conflict. This may include events such as:
- Separation or divorce
- Moving to a new house or country Travelling long distances to work Commuting interstate for work.
- Change in financial circumstances.
The opinions, values and needs of each parent can also change and they may find they are no longer compatible.
Treatment
Family disputes can be difficult and emotional. When relationships change it can be hard for family members to handle things on their own. There are a number of services available to assist.
- Family Therapy: In family therapy, the therapist applies therapeutic principles while engaging the participation of family members, individually and as a group. Family therapy helps families or individuals within a family to understand and improve the way family members interact with each other and resolve conflicts. In general, anyone who wants to improve troubled relationships can benefit from family therapy. Family therapy can help with such issues as: Marital problems
- Divorce
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Depression
- Chronic health problems such as asthma, cancer
- Grief, loss and trauma
- Work stress
- Parenting skills
- Emotional abuse or violence
- Financial problems
- Counselling can assist people to change things in their relationships or themselves and assist people to cope with difficulties and stress.
- Mediation can assist people to work through differences and reach an agreement, for instance about parenting responsibilities, finances or communication.
- Group Work can assist people to develop skills, such as anger management, communication and parenting.
- Support Services can offer practical assistance, for instance, contact and changeover centres, or intervention and support for people at risk or in need such as home visits or advocacy.
Bail Procedure
In many legal systems, including those based on law, the bail process is an essential aspect of the criminal justice system. Bail allows a defendant who has been arrested and charged with a crime to be released from custody while awaiting trial, under certain conditions. Here’s a general overview of the bail process:
Arrest: The process begins with the arrest of a suspect by law enforcement officers. This occurs when the police have probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime.
Booking: After the arrest, the suspect is taken to a police station or jail for booking. During booking, the suspect’s personal information is recorded, fingerprints and photographs may be taken, and any personal belongings are collected and stored.
Initial Appearance: The suspect is then brought before a judge or magistrate for an initial appearance, typically within 24 to 48 hours of the arrest. During this appearance, the judge informs the suspect of the charges against them and their rights, including the right to an attorney.
Bail Hearing: If the offense is bailable, meaning it’s not an offense for which bail is prohibited, the judge will set bail. Bail is a financial guarantee that the defendant will appear in court for all scheduled proceedings. The amount of bail set depends on various factors, including the seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the likelihood of the defendant fleeing before trial.
Posting Bail: Once bail is set, the defendant or someone acting on their behalf (such as a friend or family member) can post bail. This typically involves paying the full bail amount in cash or using property as collateral. In some cases, the defendant may be allowed to use a bail bond, where a bail bondsman posts the bail amount in exchange for a fee (usually a percentage of the bail amount).
Release: Once bail is posted, the defendant is released from custody pending trial. However, the defendant must comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as staying within a certain jurisdiction, surrendering their passport, or avoiding contact with certain individuals.
Failure to Appear: If the defendant fails to appear in court as required, the court may revoke their bail and issue a warrant for their arrest. In such cases, the defendant may forfeit any bail posted and may face additional charges for bail jumping or failure to appear.
It’s important to note that the bail process can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. Additionally, some jurisdictions have moved toward alternatives to cash bail, such as pretrial release programs or supervised release, to address concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the bail system.