Tom FitzGerald Social Worker

About Us

Tom FitzGerald is a qualified social worker with 30 years of experience working with children and families.

In private practice since 2009, Tom is a well-known Brisbane- based family report writer and single expert witness in family law proceedings. He is an appointed Regulation 7 Family Consultant for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Divisions 1 and 2.

In addition to preparing family reports, Tom works alongside mediators as a child consultant in family dispute resolution, with a focus on the needs of the child.

Family Reports

A Family Report is a document prepared to assist the Court in determining arrangements for children after separation. A report will summarise information and provide a thoughtful, evidence-based analysis of children’s short and long-term needs.

Family Report Assessments

A family report assessment involves separate interviews with children, their parents/carers and usually other household members.

Children are commonly observed interacting with their family.

If the children are old enough, the assessment provides an opportunity for them to express their thoughts and feelings about their family situation.

Family Report Writer

A Family Report Writer is a social worker or psychologist. The report writer is independent of the parties, whose role is to assess the child in the context of their family and, where possible, provide enduring recommendations.

A Family Report Writer can be jointly appointed by the parties or directly by the Court.

Child Inclusive Dispute Resolution

This is a carefully-paced, methodical process that allows children a safe and meaningful inclusion in the parents’ mediation. Following intake sessions with each party, the child consultant will meet with the children separately and then provides feedback to the parents on the day of their mediation.