The Legal System Does Not Always Resolve Conflict. Sometimes It Organises It
The recent High Court Practice Direction issued by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice David Barniville, represents a significant development in how mediation and alternative dispute resolution are now being positioned within Irish legal practice. On the surface, the Practice Direction focuses on procedural obligations under the Mediation Act 2017. It reminds solicitors […]
When the Legal System Becomes Part of the Family System
Rethinking High Conflict Separation Through a Systemic Lens One of the most uncomfortable realities in high conflict separation cases is this: Sometimes the legal system becomes part of the problem it is trying to solve. This is not a criticism of individual judges, solicitors, guardians, psychologists, mediators, social workers, or therapists. Most professionals involved in […]
Mother Alienated from her Child by the Father – European Court of Human Rights Decision
A significant ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the case of L.D. v. Poland (12119/14), issued on February 13, 2025. The Court found that Poland violated Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to respect for private and family life. Case Background The case concerned […]