Separation can be an emotionally challenging and difficult time for you and your children. Julia is passionate about providing clients with a safe space that allows for respectful discussions and empowering parents to work together to generate and explore options that reflect their respective interests in the matter.
Julia Penna is an Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). She has been navigating disputes in a commercial setting for many years and in recent years has worked for a government-funded organisation resolving family disputes. Her professional training as an FDRP is under-pinned by an Arts Degree majoring in Psychology from Monash University. Moreover, she is a busy Mum to her daughter and 2 adult stepsons.
“I am passionate about helping families navigate through the challenging time of separation with empathy, compassion, and a degree of pragmatism that will help keep discussions focussed on the issues in dispute. My role is that of a ‘neutral’ third party. I aim to bring a sense of calm and empathy into what can sometimes be an emotionally triggering time.
I am committed to ensuring that the children’s needs and best interests remain central to the discussions I mediate, as they can often become lost an adversarial process, especially if court litigation is initiated. I provide clients with a constructive opportunity to reach mutually acceptable outcomes that may allow them to break free from the constraints of legal positions, costs, delays and uncertainty that are so often associated with litigation.”
The overwhelming feedback from couples in dispute during the COVID19 lockdowns was that they preferred to engage in the process remotely via Zoom/Teams. Many clients commented that they felt emotionally safer participating in the process from their homes or offices and that it was logistically more convenient for them.
“I offer a unique remote service for clients, whereby, if preferred, the whole process can be conducted remotely via Zoom.”
The FDR process can be stressful for both parties and in some cases, seeing and/or being in the presence of or in same building as, the other party can add a layer of stress to an already challenging time.
“I am committed to ensuring my clients feels as safe and supported as possible and it is for this reason that a remote service remains available whenever it is desired.”
For clients who prefer to engage in the process face to face, I can also offer services in a warm, welcoming and professional office space in Surrey Hills, Melbourne.