The decision to separate from a partner is understandably a very difficult decision. You may be in a situation where you feel confused and your life is out of control.
It is important to find confidence, gain clarity and take control of your decisions.
Although every relationship is unique, the one thing you should do is know your rights and entitlements particularly how it affects you, your children or your financial situation. We identify the top three things to do when considering a separation:
Seeking legal advice
Although you may know many who have been through a separation, each separation is different and knowing how to navigate your own separation is important.
Before you separate, you should obtain legal advice to understand your rights and entitlements in the event of any separation. This will empower you with the knowledge of what separation entails and give you the confidence to make the decision on whether or not you wish to separate.
Depending on your situation, your family lawyers may explain different ways of separating, such as physical separation and obtaining new accommodation or remaining at home and living under the one roof. Each situation involves different implications both financial and non-financial.
Expert Family Lawyers will guide you and tailor their expert advice to your unique situation.
Seeking help
“Help is always available, you just need to ask.” Although this may be true, many do not know where to seek help or what help is needed.
Expert Family lawyers will provide you the guidance to seek help where you may or may not realise it is needed. This could be anything from financial support, counselling support, safety and risk management, or referrals to other experts where needed.
Securing key information
If you are considering separation you may need to secure key information. This includes securing key documents such as passports, and identification documents. You may also need to protect assets such as ensuring bank accounts require two signatures to operate.
Your family lawyer would be able to advise you as to what other documents are relevant and how to obtain them, if they are not in your possession. This could include obtaining documents to gain understanding of your finances and financial situation, seeking documents regarding your interests in any properties or assets, or obtaining reports or assessments for the interests of the children.
If you are considering a separation, Dorter Family Lawyers and Mediators are expert Family Lawyers who specialise in all areas of family law and mediation and can assist you. We can be contacted on (02) 9929 8840.
Julie Cheung
Senior Associate
Rebekah Dorter
Principal