Starting Again

Don’t Let Starting Again Stop You

Choose to make the rest of your life the best of your life

Some things in life are not as straightforward as we hope; some circumstances more complex than we like. The need to organise your position after divorce or separation can arrive at a time when you can least expect it, or want to deal with it. Our mission is to ensure it is a seamless friendly experience with minimal disruption to your family and work commitments.

Despite there being far more marriages; there are less divorces today than there were a decade ago. The divorce rate has been declining for over 30 years, and currently sits at 30% lower than the rate a decade ago. Marriages ending in divorce are lasting 12 years, which is two years longer than they did 20 years ago.

This puts an end to the common belief today, that 1 in 2 marriages are ending in divorce. Facts are when comparing national marriage and divorce rates 1 in 3 couples will divorce.

Divorce & Separation

First steps when you separate, according to ASIC’s moneysmart.gov.au website is to focus on setting yourself up for the future. If your former partner was the one who took care of the money, you will need to find out how things were organised and decide how you want to manage your finances.

Here are some tips they mention that you can use to protect your finances:

Close off your joint accounts – Consider closing your joint account. Talk to your bank to establish your own account with your own pool of money, and make sure the other joint account holder can’t access it. Check that your pay is going into this account
Do a financial stocktake – List all your assets, and any debts or joint debts in your name with our asset stocktake calculator.
Record your turning points – Note down the dates of your separation in a diary or notepad. You can use this when you apply for a divorce as proof that you have been separated for at least 12 months.
Cancel your redraw facility – Talk to your bank to cancel any redraw facility on your home loan to make sure your debts don’t grow.
Update your rental agreement – If your name is on the lease then you are liable for any unpaid rent or damage caused by your partner.
Update your utility bills – If your name is on the account then you are liable for any unpaid bill.
Seek legal advice – Speak to a solicitor about separating property held in joint names, taking legal action, if property is held in your partner’s name, to prevent it being sold before the property settlement, and to update your will

When a couple separates or divorces it is important for both parties to understand the options when it comes to joint property. One party may choose to buy the other out or the property sold and proceeds divided between the parties after costs.

Butterflies are deep and powerful representations of life. Many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. Some religions view the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life.