How we help
The biggest issues to plan for in the short-term are your living and financial arrangements moving forward. Should you leave the family home? Where will you live? Where will your children live? Can you take money from your joint bank accounts? How will your financial arrangements change moving forward?
You can learn more about these issues and what is involved in separating from your partner by reading our “Helpful Guide to Successfully Navigating Separation and Divorce”.
As everyone’s relationship and personal situation is different, the answers to these questions are different for everyone. That’s why you need legal advice that takes into account your specific situation.
Thinking about leaving your partner? Download our handy Pre-Separation Checklist to help you plan
1. Pre-separation advice – Fixed fee appointment
The best way to get the advice you need is to organise a pre-separation advice meeting with one of our Melbourne family lawyers.
At this meeting, we will talk with you about your current situation and relationship and help you develop a plan that protects you and your family and your entitlements. We will also help you understand your legal rights and obligations.
We need to understand the following, in order to provide advice that is best for you:
- Relationship – how long you have been together, when you started living together, if/when you were married and any relationship issues we need to consider (for example, if you are dealing with family violence).
- Children – their ages, schooling, health and your anticipated custody arrangements if you decide to separate. We also need to be aware of any concerns that you may have in relation to your children’s welfare or the other parent’s capacity to care for them.
- Assets – property, cash in the bank, business/company interests, superannuation, shares and other investments.
Our family lawyers will then be able to advise you on:
- What to propose in terms of living and financial arrangements if you do decide to separate from your partner
- How to commence discussions and negotiations with your partner regarding property and parenting issues
- Your likely entitlements and your obligations post-separation
- What to expect moving forward, from a legal and practical point of view.
This meeting will cost $450 (including GST) and takes approximately one hour. You will leave this meeting with a clear understanding of your options moving forward.
2. Negotiating separation and divorce
If you do decide to separate from your partner, you may need further legal support. Our team is here to help you:
- Negotiate agreements about child arrangements and child support, spousal maintenance payments and dividing your assets with your ex-partner and/or their lawyer
- If you are married, legally finalise your divorce
- Divide your joint property and assets and assist you to purchase a new home or re-establish yourself in a new property
- Prepare or update your Will and Powers of Attorney to reflect your new circumstances
- Plan your estate.
Our comprehensive, supportive and results-oriented approach is why our clients chose us for this important work.
