First Collaborative Divorce recorded in Malaysia this morning! 15.11.2022

It was a legally significant and historical day this morning!! I attended court this morning for a divorce by way of a Joint Petition. It was the first case in Malaysia using the Collaborative Law Process! A new form of Alternative Dispute Resolution introduced in November 2018.

Collaborative lawyers are different from mediation lawyers in that they are advocates, not neutrals. Lawyers learn constructive, family-friendly methods of helping clients advocate and prioritise their needs in a dignified and respectful manner. The Children are in the centre of the process.

Benefits of using this process include: A high level of control over the process by the parties, a high level of privacy and confidentiality, creative ideas for settlement, focus on children on post-divorce relationships and a richer mix of professional input and guidance.

It has been 4 years since the first batch of Collaborative professionals were trained. This is the third training where 22 more Collaborative professionals comprising lawyers (from West Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak), mental health professionals (from Klang valley and Penang) and 1 more financial professional will soon join our growing eco-system of peace-making professionals!

Malathi Das

I bid farewell to my friend Mal Das who lived a life full of service for others, a passionate advocate of women and child's rights. Mal was very much at the forefront of family law in Singapore and a former President of Lawasia.

She was larger than life, generous in sharing her knowledge, articulate, had great taste in food and I remember the little cafes we dined in and the bookstores we explored in Bangkok. She kindly invited me to be one of the speakers at the Lawasia Conference in Siem Riep, sharing the stage with the late Hon Anne-Marie Hutchinson OBE, QC. It was an unforgettable experience and I am grateful to her for opening that door.

I will always treasure our friendship. She was an unselfish mentor, Malathi guided me, provided a listening ear as I bounced off ideas and she shared resources when I was first appointed as a child advocate in a Malaysian Court. I will miss you my friend and cherish the memories.

Prayers and comfort to your family. RIP Ms Malathi Das, you are truly a Superpower, now and hereinafter.