You may be thinking about the future, and protecting your family, property or assets. Or maybe you’re separating from your partner, and you need to arrange parenting orders or split assets. And unfortunately, sometimes assault and criminal charges are involved in your split. It’s hard to think clearly during this time. You need someone you can trust to help you navigate the process, protect your family, and start living the life you want. In this blog, we look at times in your life when you may need an experienced, trusted and accredited family lawyer on your side.
Separating from your spouse or partner
You’ve made the difficult decision to separate from your partner. Applying for divorce can be an emotional and stressful time. Now’s the time to call a family lawyer to guide you through and carry out the formal processes of bringing your marriage or de facto relationship to an end.
Once you’ve separated from your partner, you can make arrangements to divide your property and debts. Your family lawyer can draw up legal documents to finalise arrangements and get underway with the legal processes. It’s important to follow the correct legal process to ensure that the matter is finalised. This allows both parties to move on with a clean financial break from one another. It also ensures you are properly protected from future claims.
If you can’t reach an agreement about who gets what, there are other solutions that your family lawyer can suggest to help you move on.
Protecting your property
There are several scenarios where you need a family lawyer to help you protect your assets now, and into the future.
- Binding financial agreements – “prenups”
Many couples are now choosing to have a binding financial agreement – otherwise informally known as a prenup – drawn up to protect their property and assets. It gives you and your partner, and your families, peace of mind that your individual assets are protected in the hopefully unlikely event that you separate.
- Will planning
Whilst separating from your partner, if you choose to change the conditions in your will, you need to ensure your wishes are clear and stated in a new will that’s legally valid and binding. This is not the time to DIY – make sure you have a family lawyer on your side to avoid conflict or confusion amongst loved ones during a difficult time.
Co-parenting breakdowns and disputes
When you just want what’s best for your kids, you need to understand the legalities around shared care and co-parenting. Separating from the mother or father of your child, and arranging parenting orders can be messy. A good family lawyer can help you navigate the process, and can even offer family mediation if communication breaks down. Engaging your family lawyer early allows them to understand the complexities of your family and achieve the best outcome to protect you and your children.
Criminal and traffic matters
A family breakdown or separating from your partner can cause significant stress and difficulties in your life. You may find yourself caught up in other legal challenges that impact you and your family, involving criminal or traffic law. This is when you need to involve a lawyer who can assist you in navigating the legal process and help you get on with your life.
It’s never too late to call a family lawyer
If you want an accredited specialist and trusted family lawyer on your side, contact Seton Family Lawyers today to book an appointment and receive the help you need to protect you, your family, and your assets.
