A divorce or child custody matter can be one of your life’s most stressful and complicated events. If you’re going through one, you may feel overwhelmed and not know where to turn.
Fortunately, family lawyers can help you make sense of your situation and guide you to the right decision. Here are 10 reasons why you should talk to a Family Lawyers Melbourne before making any major life decisions, and how they can help you with all aspects of your case.
How parents can help their children
Having kids can be one of life’s biggest challenges. As a parent, you want to do whatever it takes for your children. One of those things may mean talking with a family lawyer in Melbourne. While there are no set parenting rules, sometimes legal advice is necessary.
Be clear about your separation agreements
Don’t rush into making any kind of decision, no matter how big or small. Most importantly, you and your spouse are on the same page about what you’d like regarding property division, child custody, and spousal support. Whether your marriage has lasted 20 years or just two, you must communicate with each other about what you want out of separation before taking any legal action.
Spouses who don’t fully understand their splitting up are more likely to make rash decisions they’ll regret later. If possible, schedule a time when both parties can meet with an experienced family lawyer separately before sitting down as one unified unit. In addition, never sign divorce papers without reading them through at least once thoroughly.
Think twice about moving in together
Many people dream of marrying their partners, but waiting a few years after you’ve started living together can save your relationship from ending in divorce. On average, couples who move in together before marriage have a much higher divorce rate than those who don’t.
Couples with no prior cohabitation experience have roughly a 5% chance of divorce within five years. If you already live together and are contemplating moving up to something more serious, talk with your partner about how you both feel about being married; it could save your relationship from getting off the wrong foot.
Know that conjugal rights are not the same as parenting time
Many people are under the impression that once they’ve legally separated or divorced, they have no right to make decisions regarding their children’s education and other major life decisions.
This is simply not true. If your partner makes a decision that you think is detrimental, you should talk with family lawyers Melbourne can provide before making major life decisions like cutting ties with your ex or moving out of state. These decisions could significantly affect your parental rights, so you must seek legal counsel before taking drastic measures.
The importance of collaborating with an attorney
Some may assume that hiring a family law attorney is strictly for those facing divorce proceedings. But in reality, working with an experienced attorney can help you with more than just divorce: Your lawyer can provide you with valuable legal advice and guidance throughout your life.
A lawyer will help you make important decisions and stay out of trouble when buying real estate, opening a business, or filing for bankruptcy. By acting as an extra set of eyes and ears for your case, an attorney can ensure that what you’re doing is above board and on firm ground from both a legal standpoint and otherwise.
Without the right advice, things can get complicated quickly
The traditional family of husband, wife, and kids is no longer as typical as it once was. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your right to decide your children’s future.
There are several types of child custody arrangements that can help your case, and one of them might be just right for you. It all depends on what type of parental involvement in your child’s life is most suitable for everyone involved.
Understand what non-parental custody means
One alternative to traditional child custody is non-parental custody. Non-parental custody allows someone other than your spouse or partner to have physical and legal custody of your children.
In most cases, grandparents will receive non-parental custody rights for their grandchildren can maintain a relationship with their parents. Make sure that you understand what non-parental custody means before agreeing to it; if something happens, you want your rights spelled out clearly so that there is no misunderstanding about how much time your children will spend with their grandparents.
Negotiate an agreement if at all possible
It might be tempting to run headlong into family court and demand that your husband or wife pay you whatever you want but before you do, get some legal advice. A family lawyer can help steer you toward fair outcomes and direct you through strategies for reaching an agreement with your spouse.
The more time and effort you put into resolving issues privately, without using expensive lawyers, judges, or third parties such as mediators, psychologists, or financial experts, the less money will wind up in everyone’s pockets in one way or another either in court costs or fees to lawyers. If possible, negotiate an agreement with your spouse rather than sue them.
Start planning early if there is no agreement in place
As time goes on and you make more financial decisions, it will become more complicated to change things later. You’ve lived together for ten years and married without a prenuptial agreement. It could complicate matters if you receive an inheritance from your grandmother that you haven’t disclosed in divorce proceedings.
These are just a few examples. You know what’s best for your situation better than anyone else does. If something unexpected arises during or after your divorce or separation, having an attorney’s help can save you months or even years of litigation and hard feelings between family members who once loved each other dearly.
Don’t feel like you have to go it alone
Whether you’re just starting a family or want to protect the one already created, consulting with an experienced family lawyer can help you plan for life’s unexpected turns. While people often turn to lawyers after an event has occurred, it’s best to keep their information on hand so they can offer advice during times when making choices that could have a long-lasting impact.
Preparing yourself and your children will lead to happier, healthier outcomes. If any legal matters are looming on your horizon, don’t be afraid to seek professional counsel before you take any significant steps.
Conclusion
It’s easy to get caught up in making big life decisions, whether trying to find a new career path, change your finances, or even go through a big life transition like moving, getting married, or having children. But all these significant events can have major impacts on your family law, and if you don’t plan by speaking with an attorney, it could lead to problems down the road. Family Lawyers Melbourne will help you navigate any legal hurdles associated with your decision and ensure that you’re prepared for what might lie ahead.
