Thinking of separating? Think about the following…

Having been in Family Law for 35+ years, you could say Lawyers 4 Mums Partner Paul Sant has seen it all and then some.

When asked about common mistakes people make, or things that should be avoided, he raised several suggestions that may seem simple, yet in his experience are often overlooked:

1. Where possible, you should obtain legal advice before separating.
2. Don’t take advice from non-professionals. One experience is not identical to another – every relationship has many variables. The outcome a friend or family member had cannot be used as the foundation for expectation in your own matter which will have different circumstances.
3. Be sure to access reasonable funds you may need for immediate expenses related to temporary relocation, as well as near future expenses like legal representation. You should also try to freeze any joint accounts where this is an option.
4. Before separating and vacating, you should try to identify assets and liabilities owned jointly with the other party or solely by the other party. Try to locate and make copies of important documents about assets and liabilities such as:
   1. Bank statements
   2. Superannuation statements
   3. Wages and income
   4. Mortgage statements.
5. Avoid at all costs any threats of violence, or actual violence, against a person or property (whether the property is yours or not). Any behaviour that can trigger AVO proceedings will not be helpful in family law proceedings.

If you are thinking of separating from your partner, feel free to call us and schedule a complimentary initial consult over the phone or in our office with our family law team.