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There is no need to go to Court. A legally binding agreement can be achieved without anyone going to Court. Such agreements are called Consent Orders and can be used for asset divisions and parenting arrangements.
It is vital that an agreement be correctly recorded in Consent Orders to protect against a future claim. An informal, "handshake" agreement, even if it's in writing, is no protection from a future claim. A poorly prepared agreement or one that doesn't cover all the issues can cause more problems that it fixes.
Who gets the house? What happens to the super? What if I leave? Does it matter if we are not married? Do I keep my inhertance? Who pays the debts?
Gordon Lawyers can answer your questions and let you know where you stand.
While there is no such thing as custody anymore. The best interests of the children remains the most important factor in working out who the children live with and how much time they spend with each parent.
An agreement reached through mediation or with the assistance of lawyers can be recorded in a parenting plan or consent orders.
A divorce is the formal dissolution of a marriage. The only requirement to get a divorce is 12 months of separation. Divorces are no-fault. The ex-spouse's consent is not needed.
A divorce is separate from property settlements and issues about children. There is no need to wait for a divorce to do a property settlement or work out other family law issues.
Spouse Maintenance is like alimony. It can be in addition to a property settlement and child support. It can be regular payments, lump sum or as part of a property settlement.
Sometimes urgent or interim spousal maintenance is needed
If not dealt with properly it could be claimed many years after a property settlement is finalised.
Child Support is usually worked out by the Child Support Agency. They have a formula and online calculator.
But parents can agree to alternative child support arrangements with a Child Support Agreement. Such agreements can give greater certainty and flexibility in payment.
