Judge Altobelli is a very experienced and engaging speaker and will bring some clarity to this ongoing dilemma constantly faced by parents going through separation.

The judge is brought to town by the Family Law Pathways Network, an initiative of the Attorney General's Department established in response to the need for improved co-ordination within the family law system.

He will speak at Manning Regional Art Gallery on Thursday, May 22, starting at 5.30pm with wine, canapes and networking.

Tom has authored four books on family law and dispute resolution as well as 50 articles in Australian and international journals.

Judge Altobelli is involved in a number of court committees dealing with judicial education and best practice in children's cases.

After 25 years in practice Dr Altobelli was appointed as a federal magistrate on November 13, 2006 and is currently sitting as the federal circuit court judge in Wollongong. He holds a Master of Laws and Doctorate in Juridical Science, and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Law, University of Western Sydney.

Before his appointment, Tom was accredited as a specialist in the areas of family law, children's law and mediation. He was, formerly, Special Counsel at Watts McCray Lawyers, an associate professor at the University of Western Sydney, and an experienced family mediator. He was also a member of the executive of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.

The Family Law Pathways Networks are coordinated through the Family Relationship Centre in Taree and managed by a local steering committee which draws expertise across government, non-government and legal organisations.