Divorce the Court

Divorce the Court is a book to assist couples get through the separation maze to settlement as quickly as possible. The genesis of the book was to answer the questions that we know keep family law clients awake and worried at night. The inspiration was to assist separating couples to use helpful tools, checklists and information to get them to focus on what matters to them most and to minimise harm to children. As an Independent Children's Representative of many years, Caroline became aware that by the time she stood up in Court to put the children’s best interests before the judge, the damage had often been done. If read in conjunction with legal advice, counselling and other interventions, it is hoped families will avoid the emotional fallout which so often plagues separation. Even couples who are child free will benefit from the book’s pragmatic assistance. Former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, the Honourable Diana Bryant AO KC says in the foreword to the book: Many books have been written on separation; indeed, the shelves are full of them, but this is unique. Caroline Counsel has vast experience as a family lawyer, mediator and independent children’s lawyer, but what makes this book different are her insights about the psychology of separating couples. In addition to wisdom that only long experience can bring, she has an ability to reflect upon and understand the psychological aspects of human behaviour that drive responses and attitudes during a separation. She has skillfully distilled this understanding into useful and sensible advice for those couples trying to negotiate a separation in a way that is least destructive to them and their children.