At Michael Conley Lawyers, we understand that attending consultations with family law solicitors can be emotional and overwhelming. We also understand that your time is valuable and we want to ensure that you leave consultations feeling understood and heard. In order for our lawyers to maximise time with clients, especially at the initial conference, there are a few things to prepare prior to attending:
1. Preparation of a detailed Chronology:
A chronology provides a detailed picture for our lawyers to provide accurate advice and information based on your specific circumstances. No Family Law matter is the same and this document allows lawyers to assess your circumstances under a microscope to better provide you with information regarding your legal case. A chronology should include important events such as:
- Dates of cohabitation, marriage and separation;
- Dates of birth including any children;
- Dates of the purchase/selling of any property;
- Dates of the registration of any businesses or trusts;
- Dates of any received inheritance;
- Dates of any alleged violence; and
- Any other events during the relationship which you would to receive advice regarding their impact on your proceedings.
2. Preparation of a List of Assets and Liabilities:
In Family Law matters, an initial step in order to progress matters includes creating a Balance Sheet. This document lists all assets and liabilities including superannuation held jointly or solely by you or your former partner or an entity controlled by either of you. A balance sheet can assist our lawyers in understanding the total value of the matrimonial pool and is used in every step of your matter.
Assets can include the following:
- Real Property held by the parties, jointly and/or solely;
- Bank Accounts held by the parties, jointly and/or solely;
- Cars, Boats and any other vehicles;
- Share Portfolios including crypto-currency;
- Artwork, Furniture and Furnishings at any property;
- Any Jewellery including Watches, Engagement and Wedding Rings held by the parties;
- Any clothing or accessories which you would estimate to hold value;
- Value of any Company or Trust if known;
- Superannuation benefits including SMSFs; and
- Any other assets which you would estimate to hold value.
Liabilities can include the following:
- Any mortgages owed to any real property held by the parties, jointly and/or solely;
- Credit Card liabilities held by the parties, jointly and/or solely;
- Tax Liabilities held by the parties, jointly and/or solely;
- Loans or any monies owed to third parties include company loans; and
- Any other assets which you would estimate to decrease the value of the pool.
3. Short history of your contributions
In order for our lawyers to advise you on your entitlements pursuant to the Family Law Act, they should have a general understanding of the history of your relationship and what you provided. Your contributions to your relationship amongst other things may look like the following:
- Whether you or your partner paid any expenses on behalf of your family;
- Whether you or your partner purchased or sold property;
- Whether you or your partner renovated of property;
- Whether you or your partner received any inheritance throughout your relationship, and how that money was applied;
- Whether you or your partner had children;
- What care arrangements occurred throughout the relationship; or
- The existence of any family violence.
By creating these three documents prior or during your initial consultation, you are providing our lawyer with vital and extremely helpful information which can be referred to during the entirety of your matter. These documents assist our lawyers in providing detailed and tailored advice regarding percentage entitlements of property settlements.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how to prepare for your first consultation with a family lawyer, we would be happy to assist you. Contact us on (02) 9223 5299 or lawyers@michaelconley.com.au
This Blog was written by Lilliana Fante, Associate.