Rate Professor Belinda Fehlberg

Professional Summary: Professor Belinda Fehlberg

Professor Belinda Fehlberg is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a notable career in family law and legal research. Her work has significantly contributed to the understanding of family law issues, particularly in the areas of divorce, property division, and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown. Below is a detailed overview of her academic and professional journey based on publicly available information.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Fehlberg holds advanced qualifications in law, reflecting her deep expertise in the field. While specific details of her degrees (e.g., institutions and years) are not fully disclosed in accessible public records, her standing as a professor and her extensive publication record indicate a robust academic foundation in law, likely including a doctoral degree or equivalent research training.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Fehlberg specializes in family law, with a focus on the legal and financial implications of relationship breakdown. Her research interests include:

• Property and financial disputes following divorce or separation
• Spousal maintenance and support arrangements
• The intersection of family law with social and economic policy
• Empirical studies on the outcomes of family law processes

Her work often combines legal analysis with empirical research to inform policy and practice in Australia and beyond.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Fehlberg has had a longstanding association with the University of Melbourne, where she holds a senior academic position at the Melbourne Law School. Her career trajectory includes:

• Professor of Law at the University of Melbourne, with a focus on family law teaching and research
• Previous academic roles or affiliations are not widely detailed in public sources, but her current position reflects a culmination of significant experience in legal education and scholarship

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards or fellowships for Professor Fehlberg are not extensively documented in publicly accessible sources, her prominence in family law research suggests recognition within academic and legal communities. Her contributions are acknowledged through her publications and influence on policy discussions in Australia.

Key Publications

Professor Fehlberg has authored and co-authored numerous influential works in the field of family law. Some of her notable publications include:

• 'Australian Family Law: The Contemporary Context' (with Juliet Behrens and Rae Kaspiew, 2008) - A comprehensive textbook widely used in legal education
• 'Sexually Transmitted Debt: Surety Experience and English Law' (1997) - An early work examining financial liabilities in relationships
• Various journal articles and book chapters on property division, spousal support, and family law reform, published in leading legal journals such as the Family Law Quarterly and Child and Family Law Quarterly

Her publications are frequently cited in academic and policy contexts, underscoring her role as a thought leader in family law.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Fehlberg’s research has had a profound impact on the study and practice of family law in Australia. Her empirical studies on the financial outcomes of divorce and separation have informed legal reforms and policy debates, particularly concerning fairness and equity in property settlements. Her work bridges academic research with practical application, influencing both legal education and legislative frameworks.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

While specific details of public lectures or committee roles are not widely available in public records, Professor Fehlberg’s expertise likely positions her as a contributor to academic conferences, seminars, and policy discussions on family law. Additionally, her involvement in editorial roles or peer review for legal journals is probable given her scholarly output, though specific positions are not documented in accessible sources.