3 things to do before you leave

Deciding to separate is a hard-enough decision in itself but it also comes with having to make significant life changing decisions that you probably never thought you would have to face.

So, what sorts of things should you think about before you leave?

1.         Make sure that you have all of your legal, financial and personal documents together.  This will include documents such as your birth certificate, passport, bank statements, tax documents and then personal documents such as photographs, awards and the like.  If the separation turns acrimonious, it can be extremely difficult and expensive to get these documents back from your former partner.

2.         Talk with your banker about steps that can be taken in relation to joint bank accounts.  Things such as limiting the other party’s access to the joint account or asking the bank to freeze the account for both account holders are two options available.  You should then establish your own bank account into which your own money goes into.  This will also tie into having a conversation about who is then going to be paying the bills.

3.         Consider what parenting arrangements will need to be put in place.  If an agreement can be reached then we recommend that parties enter into a Parenting Plan or ideally have a Consent Order approved by the Court.  If no agreement can be reached, then mediation should be arranged with a family dispute resolution practitioner as soon as possible.

We can assist clients to navigate their way through one of the most stressful times of their lives and provide advice specific to them and their circumstances.