Tips for Giving and Gaining Respect During a Family Separation
Information kindly provided by experts and award-winning local law firm Our Lawyers.
Break-ups are never easy, and when it involves family separation, it’s even harder. You can find yourself on a real rollercoaster of emotions, sadness, disappointment, guilt and sometimes even relief, AND to top it off there’s a whole legal process you’re probs gonna have to go through, eeek!
Without the right support, dealing with family law stuff can be really challenging. Breakups, divorce, and all that comes with it can put a ton of pressure on people, families, and especially the kids.
We get that this is more on the serious side of things, but it’s a reality for some of us locals and it needs to be spoken about. So, if you’re going through a separation and need some advice, we’ve got you covered with some expert insights from Our Lawyers, a leading law firm in the Southern Highlands.
Our Lawyers have been serving our Highlands community for over 20 years, which means they have a wealth of knowledge to share and a ton of passion for supporting families through a time like this. Keep reading to discover some top tips for a successful separation.
1// Seek Advice ASAP
When it comes to family law, it’s super important to get advice as early as you can, it can make a world of difference for whatever you decide. Understanding your rights and what you’re entitled to in terms of property and parenting matters is major. Your best bet is to reach out to a legal expert who has experience in family law. Legal experts have all the tools to help you navigate these tricky waters and they’re there so that you don’t have to go it alone. Seeking advice early can save you loads of stress down the road. So, reach out and get informed and when it’s time to take those important first steps you’ll hopefully be feeling as prepared as you can be.
2// Consider Alternative Dispute Options
When it comes to the best ways to resolve any family separation disputes, there are a couple of options that should seriously be considered before even thinking about Family Law Court. Going to court can not only be slow and expensive, but it can also be majorly stressful. So, it’s best to think of it as a last resort. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Mediation- Mediation is a really helpful way to solve family issues. In mediation, both parties and their lawyers meet with a mediator. [A mediator is a third-party person whose job it is to help people in a disagreement talk it out and find solutions that work for everyone]. Make sure to do your prep work before the mediation to make the most of it
- Collaborative Law- Collaborative Law is another valuable way for families to sort through a separation without going to court. In this option both parties have more structured meetings with their lawyers to chat about what they want and need, focusing on finding solutions that work for the whole family. Everyone signs an agreement not to go to court so there’s never that looming threat of legal proceedings. Sometimes, they can even bring in experts like psychologists or financial planners to help make plans for the kids and sort out financial stuff for the future.
3// Keep the Kids Out of It
We know that a separation affects every member of the fam, but when it comes to all the legal stuff it’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid involving the kiddos as much as possible. Try not to talk to them about anything legal that’s happening and also be mindful of the convos you’re having with other grown-ups when they’re around. Little ears pick up more than we think. It can already be a confusing and stressful time for children without involving them in all the nitty-gritty details. Provide space for them to talk about their worries but try your best not to dump yours on them.
4// Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out
Going through a separation can be really isolating, not only are you parting from your significant other but sometimes half of your support system too. Now is not the time to shy away from any help that comes your way, in fact, you should be seeking it as much as you can. Whether it’s talking to a psychologist or family therapist to sort out feelings or getting advice from an accountant or financial planner for the money side of things, there are experts out there to lend a hand. Don’t go it alone- these guys are there for these exact moments and your family will be better off in the long run.
The main goal of these tips is to make your separation as smooth as possible and, if you can, avoid going to Family Law Court. Family Law Court is not the first answer and it’s often way better for everyone involved to figure things out without a stranger stepping in and making decisions for you. Not to mention all those extra-legal fees, that’s money that is much better spent on your future, your family and a nice cuppa or two at one of our local cafes.
Sometimes Family Law Court may be the solution, like in situations where there’s safety on the line or someone’s not cooperating. If that’s ever the case, it’s a wise choice to reach out to a legal team like the guys at Our Lawyers who will be able to walk you through the whole process.
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Thanks to the team at Our Lawyers for taking the time out today to give us such super-important tips. We Highlanders appreciate having such a solid resource like this, and we’re confident you’ll be there when we need it.
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At Our Lawyers, our experienced legal team offers a friendly and personalised service to all of our clients, with every effort taken to ensure that we deliver results in all areas of the law. We understand the important of individual attention, and so we are here to work with you every step of the way to ensure that your legal requirements are met. We strive to provide an approachable, client-centered, and successful service so that you can feel confident that you are receiving the best possible legal advice.
Our expertise covers a wide range of areas, including but not limited to family law, conveyancing, commercial law, wills and estates, and property law.
Our team of experienced lawyers will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you have the information necessary to make informed decisions. Our Lawyers have provided quality legal services to clients in the Southern Highlands for over 20 years. We are approachable, modern, and efficient.
