Family matters -
what is the law?
From the editor ELIZABETH CAMPBELL
t’s probably not surprising that when most people are confronted with the prospect of going to Family Court, they think of all the private and confidential matters that might be out in the open for everyone to know. Often, people’s first thought wanders to infidelities and other indiscretions. But one of the most common “secrets” Kristy-Lee Heard LLB that parties going through marriage Cassandra Pullos Lawyers breakdown worry about, particularly small business owners, are those secrets that they have kept from the Government. That is, that extra income earned and not declared, those “white lies” told to Centrelink to receive a benefit and sometimes, those exaggerations told to the Bank. Even if you have not been the one responsible, but your former partner has, you need to ensure you receive legal advice before you put pen to paper about those matters; or speak about them at Court. There are significant risks involved with providing information to the Family Court that could potentially lead to self-incrimination or self-exposure to monetary penalty which might be imposed by a court or a Government body, such as the Australian Taxation Office, Centrelink or the Office of State Revenue. If a person is concerned that information they provide in Family Court proceedings may tend to prove that a person has committed an offence under Australian law or may lead to a monetary penalty then it is crucial that this is appropriately addressed by the person’s legal representatives to safeguard from the Family Court referring the information to the ATO, Centrelink, the Office of State Revenue or any other relevant government department for investigation. In a recent case before the Family Court, the Judge reported a party in the Court proceedings to the Office of State Revenue; having lied about the value of a property for stamp duty purposes. Whilst that “lie” had helped the wife in the family law proceedings, it did nothing to help her with the debt she would have then incurred at the Office of State Revenue. If you require advice or representation in family law matters, KristyLee Heard, a family lawyer at Cassandra Pullos Lawyers, is able to assist you. Kristy-Lee has worked closely with Cassandra Pullos, the principal of the firm, since 2009. Kristy-Lee and the team at Cassandra Pullos Lawyers are committed pto+61 providing 7 5526focused 3646 and strategic solutions in family law matters, designed specifically for each client’s individual circumstances.
Can you smell it? In the air? The party season. Summer. The warm weather. The beach. Doesn’t it smell amazing? There is something about this time of year that just makes me feel so refreshed, reinvigorated and renewed, even though we’ve probably all had massive years already. I’m sure you know what I mean. I just love this time of year. And if you need a reason to turn over a new leaf, it’s this: There’s no better time! There’s also no better time than now to get a handle on your stress and start leading a positive life. These are two of the topics we are covering in this edition. Did you know we are in the midst of a stress epidemic? You can probably feel it in yourself and in the community. The Stress and Wellbeing Survey of Australians conducted by the Australian Psychology Society indicates an ongoing trend of significantly lower levels of wellbeing and significantly higher levels of stress and distress, and depressive and anxiety symptoms than in previous years. Sad, huh? While the World Health Organisation claims that globally more than 350 million people are affected by depression. Concerning. I don’t want to alarm you, but it doesn’t look good. In the next six to seven years the biggest cause of death will be stress, according to one Australian expert. On a happier note, there are many things you can do to reduce stress and make changes to lead the life you deserve, which ties in nicely with a story on leading a positive life and practicing gratitude. You’ll see the correlation between the two, but in essence when we can let go and embrace change in our lives, we will be more equipped to handle stress and anxiety. Doing things that make you happy like hanging out with your friends and family, walking on the beach, being out in the fresh air, shopping, (did I just write that?) and just simply looking after yourself will bring a sense of calm. The upside? Well, when you do you will be more joyful and healthier, and life will be like one big party … every … single … day! And who wouldn’t want that?
Liz x
PS would you like to escape with even more Get it? Head over to our website and sign up for our new Follo eMag, for regular updates on me onw: events, sales, travel, fashion and Twit get_it_m ter: much more. agaz What gets you going? liz@getit-magazine.com.au www.getitmagazine.com.au
P 07 5526 3646 PO Box 2141, Southport BC 4215 Southport Central , 27 Garden Street, Southport cassandrapulloslawyers.com.au
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November 2014