Business ownership and divorce
When two people decide a relationship has reached its end and it’s time to separate or divorce, they’re both keen to achieve a clean break. Unfortunately, unpicking the ties of a relationship can be a complicated and time-consuming process, particularly where a business owned and run by either one or both parties to the former […]
What you need to know about binding financial agreements
The final breakdown of a marriage or a de facto relationship is a sad, stressful and all-too-common event in modern Australia. The consequences of a relationship ending are traumatic for most people, impacting them emotionally, physically and financially. One way to potentially mitigate the effects of a relationship break-up is to enter into a Binding […]
The role of mediation in family law matters
Mediation has become an increasingly popular way to resolve disputes in family matters for some very good reasons. Going to court for decisions about parenting, custody, maintenance and the splitting of financial assets might at first appear an easy course, but usually involves lengthy delay, high financial costs, and stress. By contrast, mediation provides a […]
What if a party dies before property settlement is finalised
When a couple separates for good, it’s not uncommon for legal and financial professionals to encourage both parties to formalise the split sooner rather than later… and there are good reasons for this. One of those reasons is the situation where one half of the ex-couple dies before a property settlement can be reached. If […]
My ex won’t disclose their financial position for property settlement
It’s a sad fact that once a relationship ends, it’s quite common for one party to hide or misstate their true financial details so that certain assets don’t become part of a property settlement made to finalise the split. But what the party who does this sometimes fails to realise, or chooses to ignore, is […]
What can I do if my ex does not comply with parenting orders
Unlike parenting plans where two people whose relationship has ended decide between themselves the best way to raise their children, parenting orders are handed down by a court and have an altogether difference consequence if they are not complied with. For a start, parenting orders create legal obligations and are legally binding. If either parent […]
What rights do grandparents have for seeing grandchildren?
Perhaps one of the saddest consequences of family breakdown is when relations between parents become so strained that grandparents on either side are excluded from seeing their grandchildren. Either or both parents may ‘forbid’ their parents-in-law from interacting with the children for any of a multitude of reasons. Under the Family Law Act 1975, grandparents […]
What if you’re scared to leave domestic violence situation
The horrendous murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children by her former partner in Brisbane in February 2020 has focused attention yet again on the terrible toll domestic violence takes in Australia. While men are also the victims of domestic violence, Australian women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience violence […]
What is a property settlement?
Working out how to divide property and assets when a relationship ends can be a very difficult time. Emotions are high and yet a sober, clear-minded approach is required in order to formalise an agreement between yourself and your ex to ensure each of you achieves the best outcome for your situation. A property settlement […]