Demystifying what it means to be at final hearing and what to do as a witness on the stand
Telling people about your separation is difficult and yet, informing your child makes it very ‘real.’ Knowing what to say and when to say it has so many variables depending on ...
Writing your affidavit can be an overwhelming. Knowing what to include, what the right layout is and the pressure that you put on yourself to make it perfect can make it difficult ...
New love is exciting. So exciting that you want to share it with everyone! However, is it really the right decision to introduce ...
When I met with Ms Yolanda Regueira from Cling Long Woodbridge Lawyers, I learned so much about the psyche when selling and buying a property, particularly when it is a part of a divorce settlement ...
For some people at the end of a bad marriage or long-term relationship it is their wish to change their name or their child wishes to change their name. Divorce Answered.com.au's founder knows first-hand the desire, challenges and how to change a child’s name. Rachael was and still is ...
Do you have a monthly budget for legal fees? Do you know how many hours this offers you with your lawyer each month? Separating can be an expensive time and learning to be more conservative with your finances ....
Many families decide to move abroad and become expatriates for an amount of time, whether it is for one parent’s career, returning to a country of origin with ...
No one starts a relationship or marriage with the expectation of ending in divorce. Sometimes we can’t help the path that our marriage takes and can only ...
No one starts a relationship or marriage with the expectation of ending in divorce. Sometimes we can’t help the path that our marriage takes and can only ...
Many economists are predicting that the economic ‘bubble’ will burst (if not, saying that it has already burst) – What does this mean for relationships? When the economy experiences a downturn, it doesn’t only hurt our hip-pocket, it also affects ...
There is so much information readily available covering people’s opinions about parenting as a divorcee, but what about financials? Did you know that there is a difference between child support, child maintenance, spousal maintenance and financial settlements? ...
Mediation can be one of the best and most rewarding and one of the more cost-effective steps to reach resolution in your separation. Here are the top 10 tips on how to get the best outcome in mediation and family dispute resolution (FDR) and achieve a sense of success! ...
Having a healthy level of expectations and understanding when working with a lawyer is essential. If you expect your lawyer to answer all of the small questions, sort out every little issue or document every concern, you will ...
Let’s cover a morbid topic and clarify what happens to your assets when you die. Divorce Answered shares insights into your marital status, your Last Will and associated implications of...
There are more people than ever before using the Family Courts. The vast majority of the separating population are not able to afford unlimited legal representation. Equally, more and more people are self-representing and, understandably, they...
While divorce is devastating, it can be equally as liberating. Whether you made the decision or the decision to end the union was made for you, it is still a huge change. For many people, they...
Failing to follow the recommendations of any professional throughout the divorce process could have undesired consequences. Depending on your court case, your lawyer, appointed judge and other professionals, you may not like the outcomes that are either...
Many Baby Boomers (people born post World War II, between 1946 and 1964) often recouple when in a financially sound situation. They couple for many reasons, primarily for companionship. Rachael Scharrer, founder of online resource DivorceAnswered.com.au has exposed the lesser known truths about ...
All too often we hear couples in long term relationships say that “marriage is only a piece of paper” or “we didn’t get married because we don’t want to get divorced.” Unfortunately, these couples don’t realise that they are actually part...
It is stressful if you are on a budget and wondering how you will meet the costs of a lawyer. Retaining a family lawyer from start to finish may mean an overwhelming invoice at the end. Similarly, not hiring a lawyer could be a mistake...
Divorcing isn’t easy and there is a lot of sweat and tears wasted before you can experience the ‘silver lIf you asked me "should I represent myself in court" a couple of years ago, my answer would have been emphatically “YES!”. However, my answer today is “NO!” Some Judges are ...
Be as prepared as possible to make the most of your time with your lawyer - by improving the efficiency of the information transfer, you will have more time to get the answers you need...
Children do not grow on sunshine, fresh air and water alone. They cost money to raise and grow into amazing people. Child support is an entitlement for children aged 0 – 18 years and in a divorced/separated situation and calculated with considerations to the number of nights spent with each parent. In recent years, the …
Taking the time to consider what parenting plan or order you believe is appropriate for your family is helpful for a number of reasons – most importantly, because structure is essential for you to move on with life and for your children. When considering your parenting orders, three main rules must be applied; Be child-minded…
Rule number 1, Do not press send in anger. No matter how angry or frustrated you are by a comment, call, message or email from your ex-partner, do not retaliate. Do not enter into the depths of hate and payback. Be the bigger person and refrain from engaging further into a degrading situation. If you need …
In 2006, the Australian Government regulated an assumption that any two people that have a child automatically assume “Equal Shared Parenting Responsibility” (ESPR). This means that regardless of whether you and the other parent had a child from a one-night-stand or in a defacto/married relationship and regardless of whether you are now together, apart, separated…
“Possession is 9/10 of the law.” This common saying is largely true when it comes to property and divorce. First and foremost, do not succumb to pressures from your ex-partner to sell your home. It is really important that you consider the items below and consult your lawyer before putting your house on the market,…
Below are five easy and simple ways to keep your legal fees to a manageable standard Be self-represented – you become the recipient of all communications and pay for advice of a lawyer as needed. Representing yourself in court will save a lot of money in time “standing around” waiting for a mention. You might…
Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start and what to look for in the quest to find your lawyer. Below are a few ideas to help you along this path. In your quest to find a good lawyer; Ask friends and family for a referral for a family lawyer that they have…
When a judge makes a ruling or order. It can be on an interim (limited time period) basis or a final basis (which is permanent/indefinite). The interim orders stay in place until they are REPLACED by new orders (even when a time period was noted, say 6 months or 12 months). Say, the Judge ruled…
Lodging for your divorce is not a hard or complicated process. The Family Law Courts have the form available and a DIY kit which clearly explains how to fill out the form. Don’t be fooled by other online services charging good money for something that you can obtain for free. You can download an editable …
Below are a few items for consideration when collating your parenting plan – be it the Divorce Answered Parenting Plan, the Divorce Answered Separation Statement, something you are creating yourself or personal expectations that you need to manage. No plan, no divorce! Did you know that if you don’t have a parenting plan in place,…
The 2014 divorce statistics continue to be staggering according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It found that 46,498 individuals were granted divorce that year and divorces involving children represent a staggering 47% equating to 40,152 children affected (or 1.8 children per marriage). How many of these divorces went to court or were settled out…
In 2006, changes to the Family Law Act ensured that all parents default to SHARED EQUAL PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY for their children. Regardless of your marital situation (single, defacto, re-married, divorced or separated). If you are a parent to a child, you may assume Shared Equal Parenting Responsibility or come to an agreement offering Shared Parental …
The Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) is an independent, unbiased legal representation for the children of a divorce that acts in and has the best interests of its clients (the children). The ICL is generally appointed when coordinating parenting orders if the case involves mental health concerns, violence, abuse, high conflict, neither parent has legal representation …
Have you thought of bypassing a lawyer and starting with a barrister? It is possible. First and foremost, fill out the Divorce Answered Separation Statement. For a small fee, the form will save you hundreds of dollars in your first appointment (with your legal counsel) and assist in writing your affidavit submission. As you can…
