What You Can Do

One of the major concerns voiced by clients is the cost of litigation. We are often asked by our clients what they can do themselves to keep costs down.

If you are considering making an appointment with a lawyer, there are a number of things you can prepare that can save us time and you money.

If you become involved in Court proceedings, you will be required to do certain things and provide certain information at various stages of the proceedings.  If you are able to do a little work yourself before presenting the information to your solicitor, you will reduce the costs you would otherwise incur if we did the work for you.

For The First Appointment...

Set out on paper, or preferably in electronic format, your details and those of your children, spouse, former partner or other party, such as -

• Full name, address and date(s) of birth
• Date of cohabitation
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage
• Date of separation
• The living arrangements of your children
• A list of your assets and liabilities (owned solely and jointly)
• Details of how you and your spouse contributed financially and non-financially to your property and welfare of the family

You should also try to bring the following documents with you -

• Your marriage certificate
• Birth certificates for the children (if relevant)
• Any previous court documentation, especially court orders
• Any letters or documents from your former partner or their solicitor
• All documents evidencing your financial circumstances, such as bank statements, taxation returns and assessments, superannuation statements, loan documents, Centrelink details, child support assessments.

Don't worry if you can't provide this information or you don't have access to these documents.  We will be able to help you obtain these details and get the documents we need so we can properly advise you.