GENDER ISSUES IN FAMILY LAW

Family mediation has been the target of criticism from feminists, the legal profession, and mental health professionals. Although this article will primarily address the concerns of feminists, it will, to a limited extent, address some of the concerns put forth by the other groups because of the similarities in their perspectives. Many of the concerns and issues expressed by feminists are valid on one hand, yet contradictory on the other. By exploring the gains made by women and how these gains were incorporated in the Ontario Family Law Act, the contradictions inherent in their arguments will be revisited and discussed in relation to a feminist-informed mediation process. This article will explore seven aspects of the feminist critique of family mediation: protection of women and children's rights, spousal and child support, equal distribution of marital property, negotiations, empowerment, custody, and spousal abuse. Many of these issues are intertwined and therefore will occasionally be discussed in relation to other issues.     

NEW ZEALAND FAMILY LAW REPORT

The New Zealand family law system underwent an extensive review of the whole process in 1992. This report contains the recommendations resulting from that review. Among the recommendations is the establishment of a Family Conciliation Service attached to the court but separate in function to mediate the family law dispute. Judges need to take a much stronger hand in managing the cases when they come before the court.     

OREGON TASK FORCE ON FAMILY LAW

Outlined in this article are the proposals of the oregon Task Force on Family Law. This interdisciplinary task force recommends early education in conflict resolution and preparation for marriage. Also recommended is a change of the language of divorce and a more streamlined, less adversarial system.