In my work with clients, one of the areas that people can find difficult to get their head around is the concept of being given a range of outcomes rather than a precise percentage when it comes to their property settlement entitlement. When we mention a range to our clients, for example, between 45% and […]
READ MOREGrace & Frankie: Who gets the holiday house?
If like me, you came across the Netflix television series Grace & Frankie over the holiday period, chances are you’ll know the point in the show where a decision needs to be made about living arrangements. While their circumstances are somewhat unique, the question ‘who gets the holiday house?’ is one that is brought up […]
READ MOREBinding financial agreements as an estate planning tool
I recently presented at the Law Australasia conference on the topic of Binding Financial Agreements (BFA’s) as an estate planning tool – to an audience of accountants, financial planners, commercial lawyers and business advisory professionals. In my presentation I detailed, in the context of estate planning, how they might utilize BFA’s in the protection of […]
READ MOREThrow down your guns – don’t be so reckless
Our duty as family lawyers is to take the heat out of matters, to hose them down, rather than adding fuel to the fire. If we take up our client’s cause, we lose our objectivity and impartiality. Our judgment becomes clouded. We are prevented not only from carrying out our duty to the Court and […]
READ MOREThinking of relocating with children after separation? Things to know before you start packing
Regardless of whether it’s you that is looking to relocate with your children or your former partner, you need to be aware of some important considerations. In my experience, the issue of relocating with children typically arises when someone needs to relocate to receive family support, is unable to find employment in their area or […]
READ MORECase in Point: Trusts – Financial resource or asset/property for division?
The case of Harris & Dewell and Anor (2018) is interesting for us as family lawyers and those of you who work in financial services or have a role within a trust, be it as a beneficiary, trustee or appointor. Determining whether a husband or wife’s interest in a trust will be considered by the […]
READ MOREFacing separation or divorce in your retirement years
Patricia and Martin had their retirement unfolding just as they had planned it. They had a unit in the city which was ideal for when they wanted to see their children and grandchildren and they had a beach house where they would spend a large part of their time. They had been travelling with other […]
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