Inheritances can be a bone of contention after a relationship breakdown. So, how are they dealt with? Inheritances are always viewed in the context of the case as a whole, so we also look at things like the length of the relationship, what other financial and non-financial contributions has each party made and if there [...]

There are lots of rules about how Lawyers charge but there are also grey areas. Where we find grey area, we opt for common sense to ensure you are not overcharged, instead of applying an extra fee just because we could. We always provide a written quote or fee estimate at the beginning. We don't [...]

If you and your ex agree on the house value, then you don't need to have it professionally valued. If you don't agree, you could start with free appraisals from real estate agents. These appraisals are useful indications which might help you agree on a value but they are not necessarily accurate and are not [...]

Legally, "separation" starts when one person tells the other the relationship has finished. Realistically, it takes time, effort and money before a person can move out. This leaves people living "separately but under one roof". It can be painful, feeling stuck in a house with someone you no longer want to live with. Thankfully, there [...]

The first Court hearing for a parenting or property case is very procedural. The purpose is to ensure that both parties are doing what they need to do to keep the case running smoothly and setup a timetable of how the case will move forward. The Court isn't yet making any decisions about your entitlements [...]

Some people are surprised to find that superannuation is often ‘on the table’ in a property settlement. Why? They ask. Australia’s legal system recognises that often, one person in a relationship is more able to undertake paid work (earning income and superannuation) because the other person has supported them in doing that by taking on [...]

Your asset pool includes items owned by you and your ex - like your house, mortgage, cars, bank accounts, shares, loans and superannuation. Basically, anything which is understood to be ‘yours’, even if it has someone else’s name on it. It can also include: - a family business, including business cars and bank accounts. - [...]

When can my child decide which parent they want to live with? There’s no fixed age - not anymore anyway. Decades ago, it used to be 14 years old but locking in one age was too rigid and didn’t cater for each individual child and their many differences. These days, the weight which a Court [...]

There’s a wide range of people who come past my desk. Some have already agreed on an outcome and just want me to ‘lock it in’ legally-speaking. Other people have come out of high-conflict relationships and are likely to need professional assistance working towards a resolution. For the middle ground of people who are close [...]

Breadwinner v homemaker contributions In relationships where one person is the main breadwinner and the other is looking after the household and children, there is no automatic presumption that these two roles are legally equal. However, in most cases, both roles are essential for the relationship to work and both people are doing the best [...]