focusbusiness. with the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce
Fiction and Fact Children have to live an equal time with each parent - FICTION FACT - Parents generally have EQUAL shared parental responsibility for their children. That does not mean they should spend EQUAL time with them. It means they should consult with each other and make a real effort to make joint decisions about major issues. There are times when a child spending equal time with each parent is an appropriate arrangement, but it is not compulsory. It must be considered by a court after certain criteria has been considered, but every case is determined by ‘the best interest of the children’. The ages of the children, how practical it is, and the children’s wishes can be relevant factors. Children can choose who they live with after age 12 – FICTION FACT - Children’s wishes can be taken into account when decisions are being made about who they live with. How much ‘weight’ the child’s wishes are given depends on a lot of factors. There is no particular age at which children are given input into a major decision as to where they should live. Their age, maturity, where siblings live, and how suitably each parent or carer can look after the child are all considered. The primary carer can always move away from where the other parent (carer) lives – FICTION FACT - There are many reasons why one parent will want to move away from where the other parent lives – studying, employment opportunities, family support, new partner employment. Making a parent stay where they don’t want to, where they are worse off, no family support etc. can effect a parent’s happiness and may affect their parenting. There are times when a parent is permitted to move away. The essential thing to consider is how the children will be able to spend some reasonable time with the other parent. This may mean increased travel costs, less time during school terms and maybe more holiday time with one parent.
clive greenway.
A parent who pays child support is entitled to spend time with the children - FICTION FACT - Child support and spending time with the child(ren) are completely separate issues. There are plenty of parents who pay child support and don’t see their children and plenty of parents who pay no child support and spend lots of time with their children. One has nothing to do with the other, as far as what is ‘in the best interests of the children’. Property that is brought into a relationship stays with the person who owned it – FICTION Property that is owned by one person at the beginning of a relationship is considered a contribution of that person. It may not remain with that person after a property settlement. If I put $100,000 into the relationship, I will get that back and more – FICTION FACT - Assets can increase in value or reduce over time. It is the value at the time the settlement is finalised that is considered. There are other factors that can increase or reduce a person’s entitlement at the time of settlement. A house in my name means that I own it, and nobody can change that – FICTION FACT - Any asset bought during a relationship like a house, or saved money in the bank, is actually an asset of the relationship. It does not matter whose name it is in. If I sell off the assets to my friends/ family/ anybody for less than they are worth, I can keep my partner from getting what they are really entitled to – FICTION FACT - If assets are sold off cheaper than they are actually worth, the person who sold them can be made liable for the difference between the sale price and the real value, so the only person that loses is the person who sold things cheap and the other person will get more of the other assets.
Greetings to all the FOCUS readers from the businesses and traders in Sawtell. Well, here we are in the second last month of the year, with Christmas just around the corner. How quickly the year has passed and what significant changes we have experienced. The most significant this year is, of course, the change of government and the promises and forecasts of a healthier economy.
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eports on consumer We expect to see this trend continue, with confidence suggest a slight tourist numbers already up at this time of the dip in October, but it remains year and obvious increases expected during at a three year high following the Christmas/January holiday period. Whilst the post election bounce. consumer confidence is key to good trading, This increase in financial self assurance and proactive business promotion is essential. consumer spending needs to continue for The Sawtell Chamber of Commerce our economy to recover fully, and this is continues to work tirelessly to promote the predominantly determined by our state of village via constant strategic advertising mind. Around thirty or so years ago, a great campaigns and local events. Australian sporting victory changed the This summer we are very proud to host the mindset of the Australian people from ‘we’re ‘Sawtell Summer Sessions’ every second not sure’ to ‘we can do anything’. The Thursday of the month. The dates for America’s Cup victory succeeded these events are November 14, in changing attitudes December 12, January 9, nationally, and from that February 13 and March es day on our country Confidence com s, 13. First Avenue will be ce from many sour moved forward. closed from 4.30pm
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day this might be
and to Confidence comes to 8pm and feature wering of linked to the lo w political from many sources, local buskers, ne interest rates, a d a clarity and today this musicians and an party in charge or y lic po might be linked entertainers under ic on econom e of nc ge er em l ua to the lowering the iconic fig trees. the grad s out of ie om on ec as se of interest rates, a over The atmosphere will recession. ” new political party be family friendly and in charge and a clarity you can dine alfresco at on economic policy or the one of the many restaurants gradual emergence of overseas or browse the eclectic mix of economies out of recession. These shops in the cool of the evening. factors alone will have a flow through Sawtell is equally as beautiful during the effect to all sectors, including the retail evening as it is during the day, so come and sector. visit us during our Summer Sessions. We I believe that consumer confidence will return and maintaining a considered and patient approach to the future will be the best way forward. The businesses in Sawtell have witnessed a change in consumer certainty, particularly during this spring season. Visitor numbers in the September/October holidays were high, with accommodation providers at capacity and businesses reporting above average trading.
78 coffs coast focus.
take pride in our village, in its reputation, on the variety and quality of the goods and services that we have on offer and our focus to achieve a superior visitor and customer experience. The Sawtell Chamber of Commerce is run by a committed group of volunteers, and all support is encouraged and welcomed. More information can always be found on our website at www. sawtellnsw.com.au