FAMILY MATTERS
BY JOANNE BOUGHTON, BOUGHTON LEGAL
Are you considering a separation?
YOUR FAMILY
matters!
It is not unusual to feel bewildered and uncertain as to how to proceed when a separation occurs or you are at the point of considering a separation. Here is a list of suggestions that will help you focus on the issues and will assist a lawyer in advising you: • Gather paperwork including bank account statements, income tax returns and notices of assessment, reports or other documents regarding medical issues, marriage certificate (if applicable), and superannuation benefit statements.
• Make a list of what you want to achieve in resolving the parenting or property settlement issues and what your ‘bottom line’ is - this may change as your matter progresses. • Make a list of important dates as applicable including date of commencement of cohabitation, date of marriage, date of separation, dates of birth of children and date of divorce. • Make a list of details of children including schools or other educational facilities attended by the children, the year they are enrolled in, any medical issues or disabilities suffered by the children, and any agreement as to initial living arrangements for children. • Make a list of property and debts including full address of all real property, make model and year of manufacture of any vehicle, details of superannuation, a list of all bank accounts and loan accounts including credit cards and the balance in each or owing on each. • Bring a notebook and make notes during consultations. • Engage the assistance of a group of professionals - financial advisor, accountant, health professional to work together with you and your lawyer. • Focus on the end result and prioritise your health both mental and physical.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joanne Boughton is a family lawyer with over 21 years of experience assisting clients in family law matters, she is passionate about assisting clients through the difficult process of separation so that they can move on with the rest of their life.
Boughton Legal provide expert advice in all Family Law matters including: • Divorce • Property Settlements • Binding Financial Agreements • Dispute Resolution • Parenting Arrangements • Powers of Attorney • Mediation Boughton Legal are offering a free initial (no obligation) consultation in all Family Law matters.
Phone: 5313 4999 Email: mail@boughtonlegal.com.au www.boughtonlegal.com.au LIFE MATTERS 61
M1, PO
