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Going through a separation from your partner or spouse is often the most stressful and difficult time in a person’s life. We are here to make it as easy as possible by helping you along the way to ensure that the arrangements for your children are appropriate and your financial future is secure. In most cases “separation” occurs when one person moves out of the family home. But what if that person wants to come back just one last time?

It is not uncommon that following a separation one party remains in the family home and pays the mortgage repayments and the other party leaves and accommodates themselves elsewhere, usually paying rent. It may be some time before they achieve property settlement (i.e. divide their assets), and even longer if they have to go to a Court hearing about that. In the meantime, one is paying off the house and the other isn’t.

Going through a separation from your partner or spouse can be the most stressful and difficult time in a person's life. We are here to make it as easy as possible by helping you along the way and ensuring that the arrangements for your children are appropriate and your financial future is secure.

Read these 7 key points from a family lawyer about what to do before you leave.

While lawyers’ fees typically make up the majority of the costs incurred in a family law matter, other fees and expenses may also apply, depending on your individual circumstances. The longer your matter takes, particularly if you are in court, the more your matter is likely to cost. It is important that you are aware of what those fees might involve so you can be prepared.

Separation is one of the most significant decisions a person can make. It’s emotional, complex, and often overwhelming. Whether you’re at the early stages or more seriously contemplating separation, taking careful, considered and practical steps early can make a meaningful difference, both legally and personally.

A gift of money from a family member or friend can help you realise your financial goals. But, if these monetary gifts are received during a relationship that later breaks down, how are these kinds of gifts treated?

Separating from a partner can be overwhelming. The change is significant and it can feel like free falling into an unknown future. There are many things to consider and initially, the questions outweigh the answers. This decision may be contemplated for weeks, months, years before actions is taken.

It is hard to believe how quickly Easter comes around each year. It is not uncommon for disputes to arise between separated parents when trying to work out parenting arrangements and time to spend with other family members for special family occasions such as Easter.

If you are a single parent who is co-parenting with your ex, particularly if this is the first school term after a separation, getting everyone (including yourselves) prepared for the first day of school can be a little stressful. There are some considerations for your child that you may not have had to face before. Common questions that arise around this time of year from our clients include:

We are all familiar with New Year Resolutions. They mark the end of the year that has been and are a good opportunity to reflect and evaluate. They also time stamp the start of something new and prompt us to identify what is important to us in life and what we wish to focus on in the coming year.

The Christmas season is said to be one of the most joyful times of the year, however any good family lawyer will likely report otherwise. With immense pressure on families both socially and financially, it is unsurprising that this season is one of the busiest times of the year for the family law sector. Without wanting to sound like ‘The Grinch who stole Christmas’, the end of year holiday period has proven to be the catalyst of many relationship breakdowns. The most common of those being partner/spouse relationships.