Today I spent the entire day at the Melbourne Family Court and Federal Court of Australia supporting a father during an emotionally exhausting and difficult process involving his child.
I’ve been working alongside him for quite some time, and today was an important day where it genuinely felt like progress may finally be made toward resolving matters and reducing the ongoing conflict.
Both the female Judge and female Senior Judicial Registrar had strong conversations throughout the day about the emotional and financial impact prolonged conflict can have on families — particularly when matters have the potential to resolve through a “Callover” hearing with cooperation, communication, and compromise instead of continuing for years.
What stood out to me most was that both the Senior Judicial Registrar and the Judge acknowledged the broader impact ongoing conflict has — not just on the parents involved, but most importantly on the child caught in the middle of it all. The court won’t make force you to a trial, they will make you realise the process, stress and emotional roller-coaster that you’ll be embarking on and do their best to talk you out of it.
The saddest part is that while adults remain stuck in conflict, children continue growing up in the middle of it all. By the time things are eventually resolved, years may have passed that can never be given back.
Unfortunately, this matter wasn’t able to be resolved today and due to confidentiality I am unable to state reason.
Moments like today are a reminder of just how emotionally draining separation and parenting disputes can be for parents — particularly those trying to navigate the process on their own.
Sometimes all someone needs is support, structure, and someone beside them who genuinely understands the road they’re walking.
Josh Zuker – 12 May 2026
