Is access to justice just about access to lawyers and courts? No, and especially not for family law matters. For people going through separation and divorce, one of the first barriers to confront is the misguided perception that court is where they need to go, or where they have to go. Popular media would have us believe that lawyers arguing before a judge is somehow the proper way to settle relationship breakdowns. That's wrong. The fact is, unless family violence is a factor or urgent intervention is needed to protect children, people, or property, most families don't need the court's help to fairly resolve their separation.

''JP Boyd on Family Law'' is filled with chapters designed to dismantle the barrier to justice that arises from our perception that court is the only valid option: