After over 30 years as a family lawyer representing clients in family breakdowns and disputes, I’ve heard and continue to hear many reasons for divorce. “We grew apart”, “We fell out of love”, “The spark is gone”, or “He/she cheated on me”. My role and obligation as a family lawyer are to assist my clients in making the best decisions for their happiness and well-being. This often includes the careful consideration of divorce and whether there are alternative routes available such as … [Read more...] about What are the most common reasons for divorce?
separation
Six Ways to Reclaim Your Marriage and Avoid Divorce?
If spring is the season to wed, research suggests summer is the season to separate. But does it need to be? A US study found that the national divorce-filing rate goes up in March and August of each year. In Australia, the peak period for separation is in February and March. And according to the researchers, this is no coincidence. They found a seasonal pattern for divorce and separation follows the summer and winter holidays. And as a trusted family lawyer practising for over 30 … [Read more...] about Six Ways to Reclaim Your Marriage and Avoid Divorce?
Marriage Preparation: Before You Take The Big Step
Marriage preparation or beginning a new defacto relationship can be a wonderful and exciting time, with much to plan and prepare. But there are important things to consider. There are bound to be new financial responsibilities and obligations, particularly if you are bringing substantial assets into the relationship or have responsibilities for children of prior relationships. If you don’t think about these issues, they may come back to haunt you. Four things to consider before you take the … [Read more...] about Marriage Preparation: Before You Take The Big Step
Shared parenting isn’t for everyone
Following a separation, should there be shared parenting with children spending equal time with both parents? Until quite recently, shared parenting was uncommon. Up ‘til 2006, only about four percent of parents got equal time with their children. But following 2006 Family Law amendments, when courts were required to consider equal time in most cases, the percentage of equal time arrangements shot up to 35 percent. Not everyone was happy about this: some critics argued that where one parent … [Read more...] about Shared parenting isn’t for everyone
Family Law: Impact of Separation on Children
Many parents involved in a family dispute worry about the impact of separation on their children. Have they done the right thing? How can they best help their children? In most cases, they need not worry so much. In fact, experts tend to agree it's a myth that children are better off when their unhappy parents stay together. Although divorce and separation are stressful, research indicates the great majority of children from divorced families are emotionally healthy and well-adjusted. And … [Read more...] about Family Law: Impact of Separation on Children
Family Law In a Multicultural Context
No doubt about it, we’re a multicultural nation. To prove the point, Australia was recently ranked as the second most multicultural nation in the world, after Luxembourg. Almost 50% of Australia’s population was either born overseas or has a parent who was born abroad. But how has this cultural diversity affected marriage, separation and divorce in Australia? It is a question that affects many Australians. Almost half of Australian marriages involve at least one spouse born overseas. And … [Read more...] about Family Law In a Multicultural Context
