The vote is a YES … so what happens now? Our Principal Solicitor and Director Antonella Sanderson shares what the yes vote means for Family Law cases. a. Legislation will need to be enacted to allow same-sex couples to register their marriage. This legislation will need to include a … [Read more...] about The vote is a YES… what this means for Family Law cases
assets
TEN STEPS TO GETTING THE RIGHT SEPARATION ADVICE
If you are having thoughts about leaving your relationship, our first suggestion is that you obtain some professional support – these are big decisions, not to be made without appropriate guidance and serious introspection. To begin any journey, one must start by taking the first step. When … [Read more...] about TEN STEPS TO GETTING THE RIGHT SEPARATION ADVICE
CASE STUDY: Living under the one roof after separation
Mike and Melissa separated after a relationship of 15 years. They had two children aged 9 and 6. Despite their separation they remained living under the one roof to avoid any change in the living arrangements for the children. After a period of 6 months Melissa became uncomfortable sharing the one … [Read more...] about CASE STUDY: Living under the one roof after separation
Beware Informal Agreements
Don’t be caught out by an informal ‘deal’ or agreement on property settlement, make sure you seek advice and protect yourself from future claims. Paula and Peter were married for 7 years. They had two young children. Paula had given up her career as an Accountant to stay home and raise the … [Read more...] about Beware Informal Agreements
Forget the house, who gets the dog?
For many people today, pets are more than just animals, they are members of the family. Here at Family Law Matters, our four legged family members include dogs Honeybear, Billie, Daisy, Alaska, Lucky, Cooper and Angus; and cats, Magnus, Jimmy, Charlie and Alice. Despite the important role pets play … [Read more...] about Forget the house, who gets the dog?
INFOGRAPHIC: Property Settlements – Factors to consider
Please click the infographic to view in full size. When your relationship breaks down, the emotional journey is a difficult one. All too often we see important financial and property settlement related aspects put to one side while the pain of separation is addressed. This sometimes means … [Read more...] about INFOGRAPHIC: Property Settlements – Factors to consider
Protection of Assets
When one party has been the financially dependent partner during a relationship, the breakdown of that relationship creates significant insecurity for the dependent party. It is not unusual for assets to be in the name of one party. Both parties feel financially secure during the relationship. … [Read more...] about Protection of Assets
Do you need a ‘Pre-Nup’?
Sam and Sally have been in a relationship for three years and have recently moved in together. They both have their own home, some savings, shares and superannuation funds. They have adult children from previous relationships who now live independently, and Sam and Sally have decided that they … [Read more...] about Do you need a ‘Pre-Nup’?
Failure to disclose in Family Law
The very first task in any Family Law property dispute is to establish what is the pool of assets available for division. A fear is often expressed by one party to a marriage that the other will not make a full disclosure of the assets. That party will be assured that their spouse has an obligation … [Read more...] about Failure to disclose in Family Law
Behaviour & Property
Our system of Family Law is based on a “non fault” foundation. The Court is not generally concerned with why the relationship broke down but only that it has broken down. There are exceptions to this rule and in these instances the Court will look at bad behaviour. The Family Court often hears … [Read more...] about Behaviour & Property