Solicitor Conference Assessment Sheet

CONFIDENTIAL - SOLICITOR CONFERENCE ASSESSMENT SHEET

IMPORTANT:  Conferences are limited to 4 hours duration and will not be extended beyond that time.  This Assessment sheet must be returned as soon as possible, not less than 2 days prior to the conference date. This is a requirement of the FDR1/FDR2 grant of aid.  Please complete this form in accordance with your client’s instructions and return it to your conference organiser.

Client Name: File Reference:

Please provide the names of all other person(s) involved

Name: ……………………………………………….. Name: ………………………………………………….

Children of current and previous relationships

Name Date of Birth With whom do they Reside

Supply further details on additional Solicitor’s Recommendation sheets if necessary.

1. Does your client have any special needs? Yes No If yes, give details:

2. Will your client be able to effectively participate in the mediation process? Yes No

3. Does the matter fall within the exceptions to compulsory family dispute resolution as provided in S60I(9) of the FLAct. Yes No

I have provided my client with reconciliation material, if relevant. Yes No

I have provided my client with prescribed information under S12E of the FLA. Yes No

I wish to receive a copy of my client’s assessment sheet? Yes No

I have fully explained the conference process to my client? Yes No

I have discussed with my client the relevant principles of the legislation? Yes No

My client understands that the conference is a facilitated child focused process? Yes No

Firm Name:

Name of Solicitor completing form:

Signed: Date:

Name of Solicitor attending the conference (if different from above):

1 Legal Proceedings

4. Are there any current orders/parenting plans/written agreements/ Yes No verbal agreements between the parties? Copies of any current orders/parenting plans are attached Yes No

5. Have legal proceedings been initiated about this present dispute? Yes No If yes, type of application, Court and next court date.

6. Is there/has there been an Independent Children’s Lawyer involved in this matter? Yes No If yes, what is their name?

7. Has an Independent Children’s Lawyer obtained a family report? Yes No Report attached Yes No

8. Is there any current involvement with a child welfare authority? Yes No If yes, give details: (Include details of area office, case worker and outcome if known)

9. Are there any current Department of Child Safety orders in place? Yes No A copy of any current Child Protection order is attached. Yes No

10. Are there any criminal convictions or charges relevant to the dispute? Yes No If yes, give details:

11. Are there any outstanding financial issues? Yes No If yes, give details:

Domestic and Family Violence

12. Does your client have a current Protection Order? Yes No Current Domestic Violence Order is attached Yes No Domestic Violence Consent Form signed by my client is attached Yes No or NA

13. Have there been any formal breaches of a Protection order? Yes No If yes, give details:

14. Is your client currently fearful of their former partner? Yes No If yes, give details:

Issues for discussion at the conference

15. As far as possible please define the issues raised by your client that your clients wishes to discuss at the conference. For example:

Parental responsibility: Equal Shared Sole

Exchange of Information: Yes No

Living Arrangements for the Children: with Mother with Father

Time spent and communication: with Mother with Father

Collection and Delivery: Yes No

Specific Issues: Yes No

Details the issues:

Property Settlement Yes No

Note: Property settlement must be in conjunction with children’s issues and the Property Preparation forms must be exchanged between solicitors no later than 2 full days before the conference

16. Please document briefly possible initial proposals that your client may wish to put to the other party at the conference.

17. Is the other party aware of these issues? Yes No If not, why not? ......

......

Please supply any additional information you feel is relevant to your client’s case, their safety and any other issue you feel is relevant:

 If you have any questions please contact your conference organiser or attend at any office of Legal Aid Queensland.

 It is important to return this form as soon as possible but not less than 2 clear days before the scheduled start of your client’s conference.