Family Law: How to...minimise costs in a Family Law property settlement

Written by James Frank | 7/12/16 9:45 PM

If you are separating and looking to obtain legal advice for a family law property settlement, you may be a bit shocked at the costs. After all, no one budgets for family law.

There are many reasons why obtaining legal advice is your best option if you are separating or separated (For example see our blog posts “Bob the Builder can't fix this one: the perils of a DIY Family Law Property Settlement”) In saying that, you can significantly minimize your expenses by following these simple tips.

Have all your documents ready to go by:
1. collecting all your disclosure documents early,
2. labelling your documents clearly,
3. organising your documents in a way that is easy to understand, and
4. highlighting anything in particular you want to bring to your lawyer’s attention.

This helps minimise time spent simply organising and trying to figure out which document goes where. When it comes to lawyers, time really is money due to the way in which we are required to bill. In addition, having all your documents scanned and labelled on a USB saves a lot of time and money spent standing at the photocopier!

Reach an agreement with your former partner

If you have an agreement in principle with your former partner, it helps smooth over the negotiation process by removing the back and forth between lawyers. However, in some situations, it is not possible to have an amicable and fair arrangement between former partners, and in a situation like that, it is important that your lawyers negotiate the best possible outcome for you.

Read and review documents carefully and provide clear instructions

Every time we send a letter or a document, we need your approval. We cannot act without instructions. As such, read any document we send to you carefully. Provide clear instructions of what you want your lawyers to do to allow them to act quickly on your behalf. Doing so will prevent your lawyers coming back to you time and time again to ask you what your thoughts are and what you meant. Of course, if the lawyers disagree with your preferred course of action, they will need to get in touch with you. But usually, following this tip reduces time spent following up on you considerably.

If you have a family law matter, concerns about how to get a family law property settlement or questions about family law and separation in NSW and want to find out more please do not hesitate to contact us on 9688 6023 or email us at info@franklegal.com.au.

This article is provided to the reader for general information. It is not legal advice. It was written by Andrea Spencer & Emily Graham and edited by James Frank.