Articles

Why now is the right time to organise your Power of Attorney

The Covid-19 Pandemic and the ongoing fear of contracting the virus has caused us all to re-think our priorities and get our affairs in order. With Covid-19 restrictions easing, it is important to plan ahead and prepare your Power of Attorney now, so that you will have peace of mind knowing that you have someone […]

Binding Financial Agreement v Consent Orders

The process of separating from your partner can be a stressful, confusing, and emotional time, particularly when you are deciding how to divide your assets and become financially independent. If you and your partner are able to come to an agreement about property matters between yourselves, formalising your agreement through a Binding Financial Agreement or […]

“I want a divorce” – What Next?

The breakdown of a marriage can result in anxiety and uncertainty about the future. The decision to take the next step and apply for a divorce is one of the most difficult decisions individuals and couples are faced with in the separation process. We understand that the divorce process can be time consuming and difficult […]

Your pre-separation checklist

Going through family separation can be an overwhelming experience.  There are many things to consider which you are likely unaware of. If you have separated or are considering separation, we suggest you obtain legal advice to know your rights and obligations. You can book a free initial consultation with Hartleys Lawyers at an office near […]

Resolving your Intervention Order matter

The breakdown of a relationship between partners, family members, friends or neighbours can result in volatile and acrimonious disputes.  These disputes can sometimes lead to intimidation, or to the threat or actual use of violence to a person or a child.  Following an incident of this nature, one person may seek the help of Victoria […]

The process of obtaining probate

Probate is a grant made by a Court that ‘proves’ the Will of a deceased person and vests title to estate assets in the executor/s. This is the official process that allows the executor to deal with the deceased’s estate. As the legal personal representative of the estate, the executor must determine the assets and […]

Understanding the Partner VISA process

There are two types of visas which let the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia, either temporarily or on a permanent basis: The Subclass 820 – a temporary visa, and it is the first step towards a permanent visa, but […]

Parenting Arrangements during COVID-19

The ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for separated parents. What is even more challenging is the complexity of understanding and navigating the evolving COVID-19 restrictions, whilst at the same time trying to ensure that Court Orders are being adhered to. But what are you supposed to do? What happens if […]

Your pre-separation checklist

Going through family separation can be an overwhelming experience.  There are many things to consider which you are likely unaware of. If you have separated or are considering separation, we suggest you obtain legal advice to know your rights and obligations. You can book a free initial consultation with Hartleys Lawyers at an office near […]

COVID-19 and Stay at Home Directions

The Federal and State Governments are now imposing safety measures and Stay at Home Directions to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic (‘coronavirus’). To ensure the health and safety of our staff and clients, our solicitors will now be working from home, as will the majority of our support staff. As many of our clients would […]

Financial impacts of COVID-19 on family law property settlements

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has triggered a domino effect on the world as we knew it, causing many of us to reconsider current and future plans. For those involved in a family law property settlement, it presents issues that may now need to be considered or revisited. Whether you have just started negotiations, are in the […]

Family law and co-parenting in difficult times

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought additional stress and uncertainty to many families involved in co-parenting which, by its nature, can be stressful enough. School closures, state and territory border closures, additional pressure on healthcare workers and providers of essential services, job loss, and isolation all pose significant challenges to those families with shared parenting arrangements. […]