Following your separation, there are steps you should take to secure your financial position and personal circumstances.
You will need to sort out accommodation and personal finances. But there are other important things to consider:
- Income – has a plan been made for ongoing financial support, including child support?
- Are joint bank accounts secure?
- Is your property safe?
- Update your security settings and reset passwords – social media, email accounts and/or physical locks.
- Is your investment/business safe? Speak with your accountant for what control or responsibilities each party has, particularly with a business, company or trust.
- Are your documents safe? Do you have copies of passports, birth and/or marriage certificates?
- Are your legal interests secure?
- How are expenses going to be handled in the interim?
Additional measures may be necessary if domestic violence has occurred. You should also review your Will and/or Powers of Attorney and update any beneficiate nomination on your superannuation.
Property settlements can take time but you can still secure your property and/or financial position in the short term.
Nicole Dawson, Senior Associate, Catton & Tondelstrand Lawyers, Kon-Tiki Business Centre Tower 1, Level 3, Suite 315, 55 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore, 5609 4933, ctlawyers.com.au
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