After 20 years I think am ready for Divorce – But what do I do?
‘Divorce’ and ‘separation’. They are scary words for anyone at any stage of life. But after perhaps 20 years or more of marriage, it can be entirely daunting. Maybe you have decided you’ve done the hard yards, your kids have flown the nest and you’re ready to spread your wings rather than bunker down with a grumpy old man or wife for the next 20 years. Divorce is probably a word scaring you, but the team at Lagom Family Law are here to tell you how to soar like an eagle into your next stage of life.
If you are considering a divorce, consider getting advice early. Knowledge is power and at Lagom Family Law, empowerment of our clients is important to us. It is easy to talk to your friends and get their advice, but you will be surprised at how much they don’t know. For example, did you know that an actual divorce is not the biggest step in your legal separation?
Divorce is the legal dissolution of your marriage. Nothing more, nothing less. It just means one day you are married, and then once a Divorce Order is made and becomes effective, you are not. Usually, the biggest step in legally separating is actually the division of your property, what we call a ‘property settlement’.
Every case is different, but often we will tackle your property settlement and then your divorce once that part is finalised, or well on its way to being finalised. This is for a number of reasons, but chief among them is that you may not eligible to get a divorce until you have been separated for a period of not less than 12 months. This means that you and your husband need to have decided that you are separated and not in a relationship and remain separated for not less than 12 months before you can even seek a Divorce Order.
However it is important that you plan early and know where you would stand post separation.
The team at Lagom Family Law are here to answer all of your questions about divorce and separation, with no pressure to proceed.
We have a long history of experience with clients who are ready to flee their own nest and create a new one. We have just as many who through the process of working with an experienced lawyer and network of mediators and counsellors can end up repairing a relationship that has come off track.
Our excellent and experienced team has availability to see you as soon as possible and can usually see you within a day or so of booking. You can book a free discovery call here or contact us at the office on (02) 8379 1835.
Remember, information is empowering and can assist you to make whatever decision is right for you. Our discussions with you are completely confidential which means that you are able to discuss potential outcomes and the process, so you are informed without your partner knowing.
We look forward to helping you.
Author: Kalisha Martin, Senior Lawyer at Lagom Family Law
Lagom is Swedish and means not too little, not too much, just right. This is our philosophy of practice as we aim to provide tailored advice specific for your individual needs - that’s just right for you!
Lagom Family Law is a boutique legal practice lead by Principal Lichee Hogland who strives to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients whilst being approachable and respectful.