A dozen things to do if you have just separated
- Contact your bank or financial institution by facsimile or email to stop joint funds from being removed or liabilities increased.
- Check your Will to see if it is still appropriate. If you do not have a Will consider having one drafted.
- Ensure any Powers of Attorney are revoked and have appropriate ones drafted.
- Consider whether your nominated death beneficiary for your superannuation entitlements is appropriate.
- Photocopy all of your and your ex’s financial documents and put them in a secure location (this should not be in your home or motor vehicle).
- Contact the Child Support Agency and find out how much is to be paid or is payable.
- Do title searches on your properties. If your home is in your ex’s name or it is held as tenants in common ensure that you place caveats over the properties. If your property is held jointly consider severing the joint tenancy.
- If there has been family violence in the relationship seek an Intervention Order.
- Start a diary which keeps track of time with the children and any adverse behaviour of your ex.
- Don’t get angry enough to send nasty SMS or emails to your spouse. They are the first documents the Judge will see.
- Consider what to do with any credit card with a secondary card held by your spouse. It is often better to let them know before you cancel their card.
- Most importantly, seek advice from an experienced Family Lawyer.
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