Separating is rarely easy, but with the right advice and assistance from a family lawyer it can be a lot simpler than otherwise. Listed below are five of the most important things to do or consider after separation:
- If you had completely joint finances with your ex make sure you set up your own bank accounts.
- If your ex had access to your online banking, emails and social media make sure you change your passwords.
- If you have concerns for your safety, or the safety of your children, speak to the police about your concerns and the possibility of an ADVO (Apprehended Domestic Violence Order).
- Make arrangements for the children which are in their best interests and support their needs, including arrangements regarding who they will live with and what time they will spend with the other parent.
- Make arrangements for the division of the joint assets, which are just fair and equitable, including determining how real estate will be divided and if (and how) superannuation will be split.
Whilst numbers 1, 2 and 3 are things you can generally do without assistance, numbers 4 and 5 are more complicated, and involve a number of different issues, factors and complexities. Therefore it is really important that before you start on numbers 4 and 5, you seek legal advice.
A family lawyer can help you with the separation process, including assisting you with arrangements for your children, and property division. If you and your ex-partner have reached agreements about these things a family lawyer can draft Consent Orders to formalise the agreement. If you don’t have an agreement, a family lawyer will assist you by negotiating one, representing you at a mediation, or if necessary commencing Court proceedings and representing you at Court.
If you, or someone you know, is in need of family law assistance, contact Emily Ostler at The Law Office of Conrad Curry today, on 4050 0330 or book an appointment online and let Emily help you. Family law – Emily hears you, and she’s here to help you.
