SEPARATION ADVICE
Separation is a difficult and tumultuous time in anyone’s life.
There are lots of decisions that need to be made – some short-term and some long-term – and emotions will be running high.
It’s important to obtain separation advice as soon as possible following – or even prior to – separation to ensure that you are informed about what you can and can’t expect and as to what your rights and obligations are with respect to children and property.
In addition to a general understanding of your matter and what your overall entitlements might be, separation advice may include:
- Whether you need to communicate separation in writing
- Who should remain in the property
- Short-term arrangements for children
- Advice regarding chattels (usually items within the home) and who is entitled to keep those
- Safety or privacy concerns such as changing locks and access to property
- The use of funds held in joint bank accounts and any protection of those funds
- Obligations about ongoing payment of household expenses
- Entitlement to child support and/or spousal maintenance
- Family violence orders (also see our family violence and intervention orders page)
- Referrals for any services required for yourself or your children, such as counselling
- Access to and retention of your financial documents or important personal documents such as passports
- Timeframes for family law processes and your general obligations
Separation relates only to the breakdown of your relationship and does not require physical separation from your partner. It is not uncommon that you may be separated but still living under the same roof. In those circumstances, it is still important to obtain advice as some time limitations may apply from the date of separation.
You may or may not require ongoing assistance immediately following separation advice. In some instances, it can be some time before further legal assistance is required. Contact us at Starling Family Law for an appointment to receive critical separation advice.