Ph: 1300 768 719 Email: reception@fedfamlaw.com.au
Understanding Your Financial Position

Understanding Your Financial Position: A Comprehensive Guide for Divorce Proceedings

Divorce is undoubtedly a challenging period, emotionally and financially. For many, the financial implications can be overwhelming and confusing. This is particularly true when you’re not just dissolving a marriage but also dividing the financial assets that you’ve accumulated together. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand your financial position during divorce proceedings.

What Does The Law Say?

Firstly, it’s essential to know that under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), the court doesn’t automatically split property equally between the two parties. The court considers multiple factors, such as each spouse’s contribution to the relationship (financial, homemaker, parent), each party’s future needs (age, health, earning capacity, care of children), and the fairness of the proposed split.

What Does ‘Property’ Actually Mean?

Property isn’t just the family home. Property is a broad term that includes all the assets owned by either or both parties, including real estate, vehicles, superannuation, businesses, investments, and even items found in your home. Jointly owned property, individually owned property, and even property owned before the marriage may be included in the pool for division. So, it’s vital to identify and value all property assets when you separate.

Elements That Make Up Your ‘Financial Position’

Debts are also important to consider. All shared debts and individual liabilities, such as mortgages, credit card debts, and personal loans, are factored into the settlement process. These debts are usually subtracted from the overall value of the assets to determine the net value of the property for division.

Spousal maintenance is another significant factor in your financial position. In some cases, one party might be required to provide financial assistance to the other to meet their reasonable expenses if they cannot do so themselves. Factors like earning capacity, age, health, and the standard of living during the relationship are considered when determining spousal maintenance.

Another crucial financial element in a divorce lawyer is child support. The primary carer of the children might be entitled to receive financial support from the other parent. A complex formula is used to calculate this, which considers both parents’ income, the number of children, the ages of the children, and the amount of time they spend with each parent to calculate child support.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the court’s preference is for parties to reach an agreement between themselves outside of court rather than litigate. Therefore, understanding your financial position and being well-prepared for negotiations can save you time, money, and stress.

In conclusion, the financial implications of divorce are far-reaching and intricate. It’s essential to seek legal advice to ensure you understand your financial position fully. With FEDEROV Family Lawyers you can safeguard your financial future. Our team will guide you through the complexities of divorce, providing clarity and understanding through a time of stress and confusion. Let us help you navigate your way to a secure financial future. Contact us today and regain peace of mind in this challenging time.