Financial & Property Mediation Services
Property agreements and making decisions about financial arrangements following a divorce or separation can feel overwhelming. Separation may have been coming for a while or it may come as a total shock. There seem to be so many different things to think of and take into account.
Resolving your new living arrangements is a vital first step. There are no rules about who should move out. Consider factors such as who will have primary care of children in the short term and your individual financial circumstances. It is also important to consider the effect any move may have on children, and what will work best for them.
Once this is sorted, you can start thinking about your property and finances. We believe that negotiating your own mutually acceptable Property Agreement is the best way to finalise your financial relationship.
What our clients say
‘Thank you Monica for all you have done to make a very sad and painful process somewhat less painful! I was endlessly impressed by your ability to guide, negotiate and come up with ideas and suggestions to help us reach a mutually acceptable conclusion.’
‘This is the only civilized way to sort our money out. I have been selling mediation to all my friends.’
(names withheld for confidentiality)
What is a Property Agreement?
A property agreement is a document that sets out how you and your former partner will divide up your property. Property under the family law legislation includes all the assets and liabilities of the relationship. The advantages of a mediated property agreement are:
- It minimises the cost of lawyers and avoids an adversarial court process
- It allows you to be part of the process rather than having a decision imposed on you by a court
- It can provide a speedy resolution
- There is likely to be less emotional impact on children
How do we negotiate a property agreement?
A property agreement is best negotiated using family dispute resolution with advice from lawyers or financial planners as required. Family Matters WA can help you to reach a Property Agreement. You can mediate a property settlement at any time after separation, even before divorce has occurred. A mediated Property Agreement can be made into a legally binding Court Order by lodging it with the Family Court WA.
If you can’t agree at family mediation, there are other options for resolution. However these normally involve lawyers and may involve significantly more time and expense.
Financial Assistance
Contact the Family Assistance Office 13 61 50 if you think you may be eligible for assistance as a single parent at www.familyassist.gov.au
The Child Support Agency 13 12 72 can assist you in relation to your eligibility or liability for child support at www.csa.gov.au