Your first meeting with a Family Lawyer

Often, people feel a sense of confusion and become overwhelmed in making future decisions in parenting and/or property matters after separation. Whether it's formalising an amicable agreement between you and your former spouse or a more complex matter that requires assistance, seeking advice from an experienced Family Law Practitioner is paramount to achieving a practical, timely, and informed resolution.

When making the call to speak with one of our experienced legal practitioners, we will arrange an appointment with you to discuss your matter in further detail. This meeting can be in person or we can arrange an online call if that better suits your circumstances. We understand that the information to be unpacked at the time of your first appointment can be difficult to recall on the spot when you are feeling overwhelmed and emotional. So to make your appointment as comfortable, efficient, and productive as possible, we recommend that you take some time before your appointment to consider and note the following:

  • A brief history of your relationship and circumstances;

  • Your immediate concerns in being able to resolve the matter;

  • Your long and short-term goals; and

  • A list of questions you may wish to ask.

During your initial consultation with us, we will take some time to discuss these matters and other important aspects of your circumstances. It's important to be as open and honest as possible. We can help you if you are upfront and honest about your situation including your finances, property, and parenting. You have complete confidentiality to tell us everything.

The types of questions we may ask you:

  • Do you have any property in your name or held jointly?

  • Has this property been recently valued?

  • Do you have a mortgage on this property?

  • Do you have any credit cards or other loans in your name or jointly?

  • Do you have an interest in a business, trust or partnership?

  • If you have a child/ren in your relationship?

  • How old is the child/ren?

  • Are you currently receiving any child support?

  • Do you have a parenting plan currently in place?

  • Are there any medical reports or considerations in relation to your child/ren?

  • Do you have a list of expenses relating to the child/ren?

We will also ask the following in relation to your finances:

  • If one partner made any initial financial contributions in the relationship?

  • If there has been any purchase or sale of property in the 12 months before and since separation?

  • If there has been any increase or reduction of liabilities since separation; and

  • If there has been any gifts, inheritances, or windfalls received during the relationship or post-separation?

We ask that you keep an open mind in your initial meeting. We will provide you with a range of options and solutions available to you and an estimate of costs for each option. Our team will always represent your best interests and advocate for you.

At the conclusion of your appointment, you will be asked to provide further documentation and/or information regarding your matter which forms the basis of written advice to you about your matter and the next steps should you wish to proceed. The advice we provide will focus on helping you achieve the best possible outcome in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The types of documents we will ask for include:

  • A copy of your Driver’s licence

  • A copy of your marriage certificate

  • If have an international marriage certificate, a version in English will be helpful

  • Your Child/rens Birth Certificate(s)

  • Three most recent taxation returns and assessments

  • Current superannuation statements for each superannuation fund you belong to

  • Bank statements including savings accounts, credit cards and mortgages

  • Values of any vehicles held in his/her name,

  • Market appraisals of any item of property in which he/she has an interest, including real property;

a) If you have an interest in a corporation, business, trust or partnership, we will require Financial statements including balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, depreciation schedules and taxation returns, for the three last financial years;

b) For any trust, the trust deed; and

c) For any partnership, the partnership agreement;

At Orman Solicitors, we’re committed to delivering the highest quality legal advice and services. We pride ourselves on providing reliable, trustworthy services, unmatched legal experience, and compassion and empathy in everything we do. No matter what your circumstances, our team always has the best interests of our clients in mind, and we’ll strive to be an advocate for you and your rights.

If you are ready to sit down with our solicitors to discuss your matter, give us a call to book your complimentary 15 minute consultation to determine the best course of action you should take.

Disclaimer: The content presented in this article is offered for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for professional guidance. If you have questions or require legal assistance, we strongly recommend consulting with a Solicitor to address your individual circumstances.

Separation, Divorce, Mediation, Family LawTanya HeslehurstDivorce, Separation