Disrupting Tradition Innovative Strategies in Family & Estate Law

A Family Law Education Network event, co-hosted by JustFund.

Shelby Timmins

Keynote Speaker – Collaborative Stream, Collab Fireside Chat

Divorce Done Differently | Collaborative Coach, Mediator, FDRP, Parenting Coordinator, Trainer, Speaker, Author

Shelby Timmins is the founder of Divorce | Done | Differently and has over 20 years’ experience in family law, including as an Accredited Specialist at one of Sydney’s leading firms. Wanting to practise in a more family-friendly way, she left traditional law to focus on mediation and collaborative practice.
 
She holds a Masters of Law, is a Nationally Accredited Mediator, FDR Practitioner, Divorce and Conflict Coach, Parenting Coordinator, and Collaborative Professional. Shelby is President of Collaborative Professionals NSW, founder of Southern Sydney Collaborative Professionals, and a faculty member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
 
Passionate about giving children a voice in the separation process, she is also writing a book to help kids understand divorce in a way that feels safe and empowering.

The Case for the Child's Voice

Why hearing from children matters during separation

Voice vs. Choice

Understanding the difference and its impact on outcomes.

Reshaping Two Homes

Strategies for meeting everyone’s needs post-separation.

Small Voices, Big Impact: Navigating Children's Perspectives in Collaboration

Shelby will share her expertise on bringing the voice of the child into collaborative family law matters — a process that can profoundly shape outcomes for separating families. With over 20 years in family law and extensive experience as a Mediator, FDRP, and Collaborative Professional, she will guide attendees through the “how, who, and when” of child inclusion, exploring when it is suitable, the professionals involved, and the developmental needs of children.

She will also address the benefits of hearing directly from children, the risks to be mindful of, and the ethical balance between giving children a voice without placing on them the burden of choice. Attendees will leave with insights into how this approach can help restructure a family into two homes that respect the needs of all members and foster healthier post-separation relationships.