One of the most common mistakes I see is people make is they assume their property settlement is based on the assets they had *at the time they separated*. They assume that anything after that doesn’t count. Heads up – it counts – and you need to disclose it. Your settlement is based on the assets you have *at the time of your settlement*. That could include changes after separation to:

– wages and savings
– new car
– vehicle depreciation
– increased value of the family home
– increased value in a family business
– reduction to the mortgage
– inheritances
– fluctuation in share values
– Lotto and gambling wins
– superannuation

I am not against people negotiating between themselves without lawyers. Just be mindful that the longer that takes, the more your asset pool might change.