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Top tips for when you first separate

March 15, 2012 in Amicable Divorce, Divorce Process with Comments Off

Catherine here – Following is a guest blog from Samantha Baily, who joined my law firm Leach Legal recently. I hope to share her thoughts with you from time to time…..

 

When a couple decide to separate it can be a very stressful and emotional time, and sometimes it is hard to see through the clouds and think clearly.

I know this is just going to sound like I’m drumming up business, but I believe it is always wise to get good legal advice straight away so that you know what your legal rights are in relation to your children and finances. When you think about it, we’re talking about spending less than $400 so you can understand the process and the legal parameters which you have found yourself in. It’s certainly not going to make Catherine or I rich, but could save you thousands down the line.

If you and your partner can come to an agreement early on, it can greatly reduce your legal costs and any costs associated with the separation that arise from conflict or a lack of understanding of the legal process. Continue Reading…

Documents are King in Property Settlement Negotiations

February 6, 2012 in Amicable Divorce, Divorce Process, Property Settlement with Comments Off

If you are anything like me, and like most people, your memory is not perfect.  You may remember birthdays but forget how much you paid for a couch, or you may be really good with remembering when you moved into your first house, but you can’t remember which bank you got the loan from.

That’s why documents are KING!  It is very difficult to argue with a document.

To make sure you have the best chance of reaching an amicable agreement for your property settlement I always tell my clients to get together as many documents as possible.   Some people don’t like to hear this, as they don’t like to provide this information, they think it could make their case worse or it’s just too much hard work trying to track it all down. But in my experience the earlier you provide as many documents as possible, the more likely you will avoid going to Court.

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I had an enjoyable chat with Nic Hayes from Undercurrent TV about some of the myths around the divorce process. Seeing a lawyer for your divorce is not about ending up in court, it’s about understanding the life changing process you’re about to go through and heading off in the right direction.

 

My only advice… get legal advice… don’t rely on half truths and myths from friends, family and google!

Catherine Leach, Leach Legal

 

 

Talking Marriage, Divorce and Myths with Undercurrent

link January 24, 2012 in Amicable Divorce, Collaborative Practice, Defacto, Divorce Process with Comments Off

Seven things to get from your first family lawyer meeting

November 14, 2011 in Divorce Process with Comments Off

I always like my clients to have a sense of value out of any meeting we have together, so I’ve prepared this outline of what your first meeting is all about so that you can be adequately prepared and clear on your expectations, regardless of which Perth family law firm you have chosen to use.

You first meeting with a lawyer is very important.  You need to come away from your meeting with a clear idea of what the different processes are for your separation or divorce, what you need to do from that point and with clear advice about what you are entitled to.

At your first meeting the 7 things that you should get from your appointment are:

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Infidelity. Does it change things?

October 18, 2011 in Divorce Process with Comments Off

My clients often tell me why their marriage or relationship broke down.  Frequently it is because they “grew apart” and hadn’t been happy for some time.  Often it is because of clashes with family members, particularly the mother-in-laws (on both sides).   Occasionally it is because one or both partners have been unfaithful.

I have had clients who have told me that they were unfaithful and they feel so guilty that they are willing to agree to anything by way of property settlement.  They tell me that they feel like the whole thing is their fault and so they should be the ones to suffer financially, so as to not cause any more pain to their former partner.  I am no psychologist, but I can’t imagine making such an emotionally fueled decision will reduce the guilt of the perpetrator or the hurt of the recipient.

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