Author: Nadia MacLeod

Once you have completed your financial agreement, the next step is to obtain the Certificate of Legal Advice. Each party has to speak with an independent lawyer before signing their Financial agreement as a requirement under the Family Law Act. Your lawyer will explain your rights under the law, and how signing the agreement will […]

There are a bunch of grey areas when it comes to managing a separation from a long term partner who is also a parent of your child/ren. Thankfully taking care of child support payments is reasonably black and white. You can either apply to the Child Support Agency (CSA) so that they make an assessment […]

One of our customers contacted us this week, enquiring as to whether his long-term local lawyer, who had acted on behalf of himself and his wife for many years, could prepare and finalise his Financial Agreement. The difficulty with appointing your family’s long-standing lawyer to finalise your agreement is that the same lawyer cannot act […]

 Couples often wonder if it is possible to be legally separated but still living in the same house. It’s a common question and the Simple answer is yes – you can be legally separated, while still residing in the family home. In legal speak this is known as being “separated under the one roof”. […]

Living together is a milestone in any relationship. While it’s exciting to be thinking of a new life together, it’s normal to wonder how the move will affect your financial future. Legally, de facto couples have effectively the same rights and obligations as married couples. Essentially, any assets or debt brought into a relationship individually, […]

In some states in Australia, de facto couples can register their relationship with the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Once the application to register the relationship is approved, a relationship certificate is issued, which is similar in form to a marriage certificate. Registration is open to all couples, whether same sex or heterosexual. The […]