A new webinar from the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network will disclose why family lawyer Clarissa Rayward believes divorce does not have to mean ugly disagreements and negativity.
“With about one in three marriages ending in divorce and the average marriage lasting twelve years, there are often significant assets to be divided, particularly in rural areas where family dynasties and property assets can be threatened,” QRRRWN webinar facilitator Bronwyn Reid said.
“There are also critical issues such as the future of children and family homes to be considered.
“I often see the destructive impact on people’s lives and small businesses when marriages break down and the separation is difficult.”
Ms Reid says it is important for women and men to be able to communicate effectively and to deal with the emotional and the financial matters without acrimony.
“Clarissa’s webinar will introduce participants to a set of powerful tools that can assist in these difficult negotiations,” Bronwyn said.
Clarissa Rayward is the founder of the Brisbane Family Law Centre, and says she has often seen that when a family breakdown happens in a rural or regional area, the parties can feel isolated and cut off from information and support.
This can result in them making rash decisions that may be very damaging.
“Where couples can keep talking and negotiate rather than simply presenting demands, the outcome is usually more productive for everyone,” Clarissa said.
“This sets the foundations for an on-going positive relationship, even though the marriage is over, and allows both parties to move on productively with their lives.”
“My webinar will outline some of the legal alternatives for dealing with common separation and divorce matters. I will also introduce some strategies, grown out my practice, for maintaining positive communication.”
The webinar is a follow up to two previous QRRRWN webinars, where Susan Bryant talked about family business succession and Josie Thomson reminded attendees of the importance of having a “Possibility Mindset”.
People impacted by separation and divorce, their families and loved ones are invited to participate.
“From what I have seen, the ripples from a separation that goes down a difficult path can end up hurting not just the family, but whole communities,” Bronwyn Reid said.
“We need to learn better ways to support people going through this tough time, and unfortunately with the drought and economic downturn in our regions we are seeing more families making this tough decision and needing our support and understanding.”
Clarissa Rayward’s seminar will be held on Monday, July 25 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
The webinar is free for QRRRWN members or $20 for non-members, and registrations can be made online
