Ending a relationship is usually challenging and emotionally charged with many decisions to be made. We sometimes engage in actions that we later regret or that become costly for all involved. For that reason, New South Lawyers’ Family Lawyers believe these practical tips for separating couples can help.
Managing your mental health
Your mental health (as well as your legal expenses!) can spiral out of control if you:
Let your emotions control your actions;
Leave the relationship without a plan;
Obtain legal advice but ignore the advice provided;
Discard or delete important documents, emails, messages, receipts and paperwork, with the intention of starting afresh;
Think a lawyer can reconcile you and your spouse, where you and other family members have failed;
Attempt to or engage in acts that interfere with the children’s relationship with your ex-spouse;
Do not prioritise the children’s needs above your needs and rights;
Decide to go to Court when your dispute can be resolved out of court;
Unreasonably object to participate in a mediation-style conference with your ex-spouse and/or;
Adopt an uncompromising position on everything and anything.
The importance of organising your information
To save on cost, our Family Lawyers suggest you start by organising your important documents and storing them in a safe place. These documents may include but are not limited to:
(a) Your bank account and credit card records;
(b) You and the children’s passports, birth certificates, Medicare cards and other important personal documents;
(c) Wills, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship, if any;
(d) Lease agreements and mortgage contract (s);
(e) Land title, share certificate;
(f) Personal loans, car and other loan agreements;
(g) Your most recent tax returns and payslips;
(h) Binding Financial Agreements (pre-nuptial agreement), if any and;
(i) Receipts and invoices for utilities.
Other money saving suggestions and tips for separating couples
List all your monthly expenses, liabilities and payment received by you or paid by you on behalf of someone, to determine your financial position;
Keep and maintain a record of all important dates, key events, and notable incidents during your relationship, so that your story to your lawyer is clear;
Budget for legal fees and/ or any other essential services you may require;
Seek self-care and support from family, friends, and appropriate professionals such as a therapist, counsellors, and psychologist;
Before speaking to a lawyer, compose yourself, prepare the legal questions you want answered and remember your lawyer is for legal advice and not counselling;
Ask your lawyer about costs, and how much of the negotiations and paperwork you can do yourself;
If it is safe to do so, engage in private and practical discussions with your former spouse about next steps.
The above tips will save you costs and your lawyers time. If you are ready to talk to a lawyer, please contact us via [email protected] or 02 9891 6388 for a free, confidential, and no-obligation 10 minute chat.
New South Lawyers’ communications are intended to provide commentary and general information. To that end, people should not rely on this communication as legal advice. Accordingly, they should seek formal legal advice for matters of interest arising from this communication.
To find out more, chat with a member of the New South Lawyers Family Law Team today.
