By Danielle Sturgeon – Senior Associate
Family law matters can be complex and emotionally charged, so it’s important to take the right steps to achieve the best outcome. Here are some tips to help you get the best outcome in your family law matter:
- Seek legal advice – Family law is complex and ever-changing, so it’s important to seek advice from an experienced family lawyer who can guide you through the process and give you the best legal advice.
- Be open to negotiation – Try to reach a settlement through negotiation, rather than going to court. This can be a quicker and less costly way to resolve your matter. It can also help you maintain better ongoing relationships, which is particularly important when you will still be parenting with your ex-partner after your legal issues are resolved.
- Be honest – It’s important to be open and honest about your financial situation and any other relevant matters. This will help your lawyer to present your case in the best possible way and achieve the best outcome. It can be tempting to not mention something relevant, through embarrassment or because you think it will not help your case. Knowing about awkward issues helps your lawyer deal with those issues in the best possible way.
- Gather documents – In financial matters it helps to have documents that can identify contributions made by you at the start of and during the relationship, and the current assets, liabilities and superannuation. Documents that show what happened some years ago can be harder to get, but are invaluable if there is a dispute, for example, about what you had at the start of the relationship.
- Focus on the children’s best interests – If there are children involved, it’s important to focus on their best interests. That includes taking into account the importance to your child of a relationship with both parents. Children’s time with each parent needs to take place safely and in accordance with your child’s particular needs. It can be a difficult adjustment when arrangements that are best for your children may be different from your own wishes.
- Follow court orders – If a court makes an order, it is important to follow it. Not complying with court orders can have serious consequences, and may also harm your case.
- Stay calm and composed – Family law matters can be emotional, but it’s important to stay calm and composed. This will help you to understand the advice you are given, make rational decisions and ultimately achieve the best outcome. Separation is a difficult time. Professional support from a psychologist or counsellor can help you deal with the emotional aspects.
Remember, every family law matter is unique, so it’s important to seek personalised advice from an experienced family lawyer. Our experienced family lawyers can assist you with parenting, property settlement, child support and divorce.
Please call us on 03 8672 5222 to speak to a lawyer and make an appointment to help you achieve the best outcome for your situation.
