There is another push from Australia’s politicians to reform the family law system. As a family law solicitor with more than 15 years’ experience, how can you disagree with proposals to create a system that minimizes stress, trauma, costs and puts a focus on out-of-court settlement? Trouble is, the family law system attempts to do this already. Only a very small number of family law … [Read more...]
EARLY CHRISTMAS DEADLINE FOR SEPARATED PARENTS
To some, seeing Christmas decorations in the shops in October makes no sense … I completely agree. However, as a divorce lawyer it does serve as a reminder to advise clients to think ahead to Christmas day, and what plans will need to be made to ensure that the children are able to spend the day with both parents, irrespective of the current situation between their parents. If parents are … [Read more...]
Kids & Education Post-Separation
My ex and I have very different ideas about how we want our children educated. Even when we were together we couldn’t agree and it was one of the reasons why our marriage ended. With our eldest child starting school next year we need to make some important decisions. I really want both our children to attend the small Catholic school around the corner, but my ex was always adamant that the … [Read more...]
Separated Families: Special Occasions
When you separate, there are so many things to consider. Obviously if children are involved the primary focus is making sure that they feel loved by both parents. Initially, your immediate considerations revolve around their living arrangements. Will they live with mum, dad or a combination of both? Will they continue to live in the house that they know, or will circumstances necessitate a move … [Read more...]
Appreciating the Role of Professional Counselling in Family Law Proceedings
There are times in my job that I feel more like a relationship counsellor than a Lawyer. Family Law is one where these roles work hand in hand. It is to be expected. I work closely with people as they struggle through the life challenges that separation and divorce bring. I aim to make the transition for my clients, their children and at times extended families, as stress free as … [Read more...]
Who Gets the Fur Baby? Pets & Separation
In 2016 there were 24 million pets in Australia. In fact, last year 62% of Aussie households had at least one pet. One only needs to undertake a quick google search to realise that doggie and feline hotels, day care facilities and designer pet accessories are big business. Certainly, the booming pet care industry reflects a significant change in attitudes towards our furry friends. Indeed, … [Read more...]
E-Filing for Divorce Applications
We live in a world in which we are increasingly electing to do certain things using online platforms such as grocery shopping and paying bills. It is becoming a way of life; the new norm so to speak. While it is fair to say that law has been slow in the uptake, some legal processes are now occurring in cyberspace. From 1st March 2017 an Application for Divorce will no longer be able to be … [Read more...]
Parenting Solo After Separation: 5 Tips for Smoothing the Transition
Joanna Diamantopoulos has more than a decade's experience as a family lawyer. Today, she shares some wisdom for parents who are in the throes of a relationship breakdown, with advice for making this event a smooth transition for children. Separation and divorce is unquestionably one of the more stressful life events you can experience. It creates an emotional upheaval, not only for you but … [Read more...]
Delaying Property Settlement: Understanding the Risks
So you’ve been separated for a while and you haven’t yet managed to get around to sorting out the property settlement. Life gets busy. You might be operating in a ‘state of denial’ and emotionally unprepared to deal with it. Sometimes reluctance simply stems from the reality that things are so complicated that you ‘just know’ that you will need to pay a lawyer to sort it all out. Whatever your … [Read more...]
Court Orders in Family Law: A System that Favours the Mother?
I’m miserable and have been for a long time now. My wife and I have, for the past 12 months, lived more like housemates than spouses only speaking when necessary (mostly with regards to the three children we share). The marriage is over. I know that I should move on but the thought of hardly ever seeing our children is the only thing stopping me. The current legal system is one which mostly … [Read more...]
