Elizabeth Hall outlines key issues to consider first!

The end of the summer holidays is a common time for parties to separate and it’s useful to give consideration to the checklist below if you are contemplating ending a marriage or a defacto relationship.

LIZ HALL’S PRACTICAL PRE-SEPARATION CHECKLIST

1. Secure funds in joint bank accounts and any mortgage offset account
2. Secure key financial documents including passport (both yours and your children’s), marriage and birth certificates, title deeds and wills.
3. Secure any valuable items of furniture and prepare a furniture inventory. Photograph key items.
4. Cancel any credit cards that the other party has access to and redirect your salary into a separate bank account held solely in your name.
5. Obtain important computer records and make a copy of any important files such as information in respect of the assets of the relationship.
6. Change all your passwords including PIN numbers, banking and email passwords.
7. Arrange a new mailing address such as a post-office box.
8. Review any safety deposit box items at your bank.
9. Review any powers of attorney that apply to you.
10. Update your will, your superannuation and your life insurance beneficiary nominations.
11. Keep a separate diary to record any domestic violence or threats from your spouse.
12. Obtain specialist family law advice.

Elizabeth Hall
Accredited Family Law Specialist and Principal at Hall Family Lawyers

Elizabeth can be contacted for legal advice on 9607 8247.

Visit www.hallfamilylawyers.melbourne for further information.