The Backyard Barrister, Bad Decisions and Arnold

One of the most difficult times in a person’s life can be when their marriage or relationship breaks down ending in separation or divorce, or when they are facing a Court for a Family Law, Criminal Law, Traffic Law or a Domestic Violence Law matter. The necessity for support during these periods can be at an all time high.

There is no doubt that we have never lived in a more connected world. Social media and online news sources are a thing of abundance where we are exposed to “news” and information in almost real time. We can also interact with people at the click of a button. While such a connected world has its positives, it also has the downside of adding stress to people’s day to day lives where they may already be suffering significant stress as a result of the divorce, separation or pending Court case, particularly where these reports/interactions are not always positive.

Negativity and these added stressors are not confined to the online realm. Client’s embroiled in legal disputes can sometimes become susceptible to advice from “backyard barristers” alongside their qualified legal adviser. This is a term which was used by a colleague of mine many years ago and generally refers to people who are not solicitors, not lawyers, have no formal legal training and are usually family and friends of the parties giving them unhelpful, negative and often counter productive advice.

Experience tells me that if these non lawyers or unqualified solicitors are not silenced quickly or ignored, bad decisions or instructions can often follow. Freedom and peace are then often delayed. I have followed Arnold Schwarzenegger for many years after watching the original Terminator as a kid. He recently put up a great post about how he deals with negative influences and how one can remove negativity from their life. This immediately got me thinking about the benefits which parties going through divorce, separation or a family law, criminal law, traffic law or domestic violence proceeding might experience when they remove negative external influences, allowing them to then really focus on resolving the conflict or dispute.

Trying to stay outcome focused during divorce, separation or a family law, criminal law, traffic law or domestic violence proceeding in Court can be difficult but cutting out any negative or unhelpful noises and seeking support from only professional, positive environments can go a long way towards reaching an outcome and moving on with one’s life. If you are going through divorce or separation and need assistance with a Family Law, Domestic Violence application or are facing Court for a Criminal Law or Traffic Offence, in Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gympie or Bundaberg, please do not hesitate to reach out us to see if we have capacity to help.