On Thursday 5 March Susan Hamilton-Green addressed a VADR CPD event on the topic is Pets on a Pedestal. Susan’s exploration of this developing space used case studies and current information to gain insights that may assist with the resolution of disputes involving pets.
Pets are often members of our family and are very close to our hearts. At a time of family breakdown, they can become a significant point of contention between separating parties, and their role can take centre stage. The comfort and unconditional love of a dog or cat can make all the difference in coping with loss and grief associated with this difficult time – they can pave the way for the transition from a shared home to separate households.
Pets can be humanised, weaponised, or used as leverage in the bargaining process. Best practice needs us to take into account the expertise of animal behaviorists, as well as recent changes to the Family Law Act, to ensure focus on the best interests of the animals involved.
About the Speaker
Susan Hamilton-Green is a Melbourne-based family lawyer, mediator, researcher and teacher. She has been a specialist in Family Law (LIV) since 1990, and is very experienced in parenting and financial matters. As an ICL, Susan has also been a specialist in Mediation (LIV) since 1993 and a registered FDRP. She is a trainer, arbitrator and conflict coach, and provides mediation training, coaching and supervision. Susan undertakes private mediation, as well as FDR conferences through Victoria Legal Aid. She is also a lecturer for the College of Law, one of the principals of InTandem Legal Services and the principal of Creative Family Law Solutions.
