If you are going through a separation, it is essential to secure specialised family law advice. It will help you reach a fair outcome for your situation.
De facto couples in South Australia have to deal with many legal considerations when their relationships end. It includes property settlements and child custody. The best family lawyers in Adelaide can assist you in these matters. For more information about the separation agreement family lawyer in Adelaide, click here.
Property settlements
Property settlements are an essential part of Family Law and are a legal process that involves the division of assets and debts. Different factors determine how this is done, including the duration of the relationship, contributions made by each party, and future needs. It is highly advisable to seek independent advice from an Adelaide Family Lawyer before making any property decisions.
Regardless of whether you are separated or divorced, it is essential to formalise your division of assets as soon as possible. It will protect you against any future claims and possibly save you stamp duty. It is particularly important if you have investments, business interests or self-managed superannuation funds.
Child custody
When a relationship breaks down, deciding where and with whom children should live is likely one of the most pressing concerns for both parties. Couples must seek efficient, empathetic family law advice to ensure that they are fully protected.
While the term ‘custody’ has mainly been dropped, it remains important to note that the Court will only make arrangements that are in the best interests of the child. The Court will consider a variety of factors, including parental responsibility, past behaviour, the relationship between the parents, and the child’s history with grandparents and other significant persons.
Our team of experienced and empathetic family lawyers are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal advice and support during this difficult time. They have extensive experience in handling child custody matters, and their depth of knowledge and expertise allows them to anticipate challenges and provide practical solutions. Their client-centric approach ensures that clients are informed and updated at every stage of the process.
Child support
Parents are legally responsible for their children, regardless of whether they’re together or separated. They must provide financial support to help them maintain their children’s health, education, and well-being. It is typically done through a child support assessment by the Department of Human Services or through a binding agreement between the parties.
A qualified family law solicitor can help you negotiate and prepare a parenting or consent order documenting your arrangement. They can also advise you about spousal maintenance, which involves regular payments to help pay your former partner’s living expenses. It can be temporary or permanent, depending on your situation. They can also assist with the splitting of superannuation between separating married, de facto, or same-sex couples as part of property settlement. It can avoid costly tax consequences in the future. For more information about the separation agreement family lawyer in Adelaide, click here.
Alimony
Spousal maintenance (ongoing financial support) is not a part of the property settlement process but can be negotiated between spouses. It is intended to reimburse a spouse for sacrifices that they made during the marriage or de facto relationship, such as not seeking advanced qualifications or career opportunities. It will allow them to maintain their standard of living after separation.
It is an important issue and should be carefully considered to ensure that a former partner’s needs are met. It should also be noted that a spousal maintenance agreement is not permanent and can be altered if circumstances change for either party.
When it comes to family law, you need experienced lawyers who will listen to your concerns and guide you through the process. Boylan Lawyers can help you prepare legal documents, attend court proceedings and represent you in a range of family law matters. For more information, contact us or request a free consultation.