Opinion

Separation and relationship breakdown can be one of the most painful processes you will ever have to go through.  However, negotiating the care of your children and your relationship with them after your relationship ends with your partner or spouse can be even more challenging and emotionally charged.  At these times you may need to make critical decisions which have the potential for long ranging effect and you are often not in a particularly good mental space yourself. These circumstances can make for a stressful cocktail with results that are often not easily digested, particularly without the assistance of effective legal advice.  Litigating your private family affairs and your future role as a parent can be a daunting prospect.

Engaging the assistance of a skilled Family Court lawyer at these times is not only worthwhile but an essential part of any survival kit for the recently separated.  Expectations need to be reality checked and understanding your child’s needs not only physically but mentally and emotionally is also important if you wish to frame your case for care or contact effectively.  Not doing so at an earlier stage of separation with the thought of saving money, can be a misguided notion if you are dealing with a high conflict situation where there is no meaningful communication happening to resolve   issues privately.

At Billings we have an excellent family law team with a broad range of experience working alongside clients who are experiencing relationship separation and structuring the future care of their children. Four of our lawyers are appointed as child advocates through the Family Court and both partners have considerable experience in this area.  Rest assured, finding yourself the right legal ally at these times will often be the best investment decision you ever make.