Springer Online Family Dispute Resolution: Evidence for Creating the Ideal People and Technology Interface: 45 (Law, Governance and Technology Series, 45)

This book brings together the expertise of two authors involved in initiating the development of Online Family Dispute Resolution (OFDR), while also examining the unique Australian system. The family arena generally comprises property or child-related disputes arising between parents, whether married or not, and whether the parties have lived together or not. A special feature of Australia’s OFDR system is that it deals with children’s issues rather than focusing on property distribution. The book first discusses how technological innovations have transformed dispute resolution services to families. It explores the need for OFDR and how such systems can potentially be implemented. In turn, the coverage shifts to screening tools used prior to a Family Dispute Resolution session to ensure that online systems are appropriate for the case under dispute and the people involved. Readers will then learn about the necessary training required – for administrators, practitioners and clients alike - for OFDR to be successful. In addition, the book offers a comprehensive evaluation of the system and reflects on the lessons learned to date. In closing, it suggests ways in which OFDR could be further developed and applied to family disputes around the world.  From the Back Cover This book brings together the expertise of two authors involved in initiating the development of Online Family Dispute Resolution (OFDR), while also examining the unique Australian system. The family arena generally comprises property or child-related disputes arising between parents, whether married or not, and whether the parties have lived together or not. A special feature of Australia’s OFDR system is that it deals with children’s issues rather than focusing on property distribution. The book first discusses how technological innovations have transformed dispute resolution services to families. It explores the need for OFDR and how such systems can potentially be implemented. In turn, the coverage shifts to screening tools used prior to a Family Dispute Resolution session to ensure that online systems are appropriate for the case under dispute and the people involved. Readers will then learn about the necessary training required – for administrators, practitioners and clients alike - for OFDR to be successful. In addition, the book offers a comprehensive evaluation of the system and reflects on the lessons learned to date. In closing, it suggests ways in which OFDR could be further developed and applied to family disputes around the world.  About the Author Elisabeth Wilson-Evered is an accomplished researcher, educator, project manager, clinician and consultant in psychology, leadership, change management and innovation. She is currently Professor in the Institute of Health and Sport and has key roles advising and leading research transformation and organizational improvement initiatives. She has led many research and development projects in health including implementing new technologies and managing mergers. She is involved in large scale sophisticated research projects to improve health and wellbeing. She has a substantial publication record and is recognized for her strong engagement and collaboration skills as well as supporting others to grow and develop. John Zeleznikow is a Professor of Law and Technology at La Trobe University. Previously he was the Director of the Joseph Bell Centre for Forensic Statistics and Legal Reasoning at University of Edinburgh Law School. He pioneered the use of machine learning in Law and Online Dispute Resolution. He has conducted research and taught in Australian, US, French, Dutch, Israeli, Belgian, German, UK and Polish universities for forty-eight years. He is the author of four research monographs and ninety-five refereed journal articles.