Project Description
Divorce & Separations
Separating and getting divorced can be a very stressful and difficult experience. Even if you’re just contemplating separation and perhaps going through counselling, there are still many things to consider. Even with the best intentions, some problems just cannot be resolved or improved.
If you do decide that you want to get divorced it’s important to have someone on your side to make the process go smoothly and protect your interests. Our experienced divorce lawyers are led by John Odisho Putrus who is an Accredited Family Law Specialist in both Parramatta and Fairfield.
Parramatta & Fairfield Family Law Accredited Specialist
As the only Accredited Specialist in Family Law in Fairfield, John has passed a series of detailed tests and assessments that confirm his knowledge of family law and how it applies in practice. Every year, he must also update his skills and knowledge in family law. He also has a Masters degree in Family Law. This means you can be assured that he is always capable and prepared to provide you with the best quality advice on family law in Western Sydney.
John and our local family lawyers can help you:
- Understand what is involved when you separate or divorce.
- Make sure that your separation is legal.
- Understand what rights you have regarding your children, maintenance and property.
- Negotiate a maintenance and financial settlement.
- Negotiate custody and child support payments.
- Determine if you can oppose a divorce application.
Separation
In Australia, you can only get divorced if there is an irretrievable breakdown of marriage. This means that there’s no reasonable chance of your marriage continuing. Before you can get divorced you and your partner must live separately for at least one year. This can add extra stress to your situation, particularly if financial reasons make it difficult for you to live separately.
If you can’t afford to live in separate homes, it is possible to live under the same roof while being legally separated but it can be complicated. You’ll need to be able to show that you are living separately and apart while still living under the same roof. You may need someone who knows both you and your partner to provide evidence in Court that you have lived separate lives while living in the same house. Before you separate, it’s a good idea to speak to a divorce lawyer so that your separation is legal.
Divorce
Often when two people divorce there are finances and assets that need to be divided. This can include the family home, superannuation, bank accounts, shares and other investments. Depending on how many assets you have this can be quite complicated. If one of you is unable to support themselves after separation, the other may be required to make maintenance payments. This can be a complicated and emotional area, which is why it’s important to get advice from an Accredited Family Law Specialist so you understand what your legal rights are.
Once you have agreed the financial settlement, the process of divorcing is relatively simple if you don’t have children.
It can be difficult to oppose a divorce application but it is possible if you have not been separated for 12 months. Our experienced family lawyers can guide you through this process.
When children are involved
If you have children under 18 years of age, you’ll need to decide who will have custody of the children and how they’ll be supported financially and emotionally during the separation and divorce, and once it is finalised.
If you and your partner can’t agree on who will have custody of your children or the amount of child support that’s to be paid, it’s important to speak to an Accredited Family Law Specialist. This is because a Court may not approve your divorce unless it believes that proper arrangements have been made for the children.
Both parents have responsibility for financially supporting their children until each of them turns 18. The parents can either agree on the amount of child support to be paid between them or the Child Support Agency can make an independent assessment.
“I would just like to thank you for your hard work and understanding during a very stressful time for myself.I cannot thank you enough for the work and advice you provided.My assault and stalking and intimidation charges were heard by the Magistrate at Liverpool Court yesterday, Tuesday 16th. I pleaded guilty to the assault with the stalking being dropped prior by way of representations made by you. The Magistrate seen through the bullshit supplied by the Police facts sheet and I am happy to say no conviction was recorded. He stated it was “a molehill turned into a mountain by police”.John I would just like to say your professionalism on both of my criminal and family law matters was outstanding. I would go so far as to say its the best service I have ever had. Keep up the good work!!!”
“I found John & Co lawyers to be there when I needed them. They were very quick to return my calls and emails which came about at random times. The team were very experienced and had high technical knowledge in family law that was required throughout the process. John will defend you and give you that encouragement to fight for your rights when you have lost all will power to defend yourself. John was very tough to stand up to the other side whilst achieving great results for my daughter and I. I highly recommend their services.”
“Highly recommend this law firm to anyone injured! John is the best personal injury lawyer. He is exceptionally knowledgeable in the law. He always kept me well informed and was readily available to answer all of my questions. John represented me for my workplace injury. From the very beginning I felt his genuine concern for my wellbeing and it showed throughout the case as he always returned my calls and explained the process step by step. My case settled in November 2018 for $690,000 clear in my hand. John & Co Lawyers gave me my life back, and for that I am forever grateful. John & his team are great lawyers, very professional and, made the process seamless for me.”
“I was absolutely astounded by the service provided by John and co lawers.
John went above and beyond to extend additional help with my case. Johns experience is second to none, His professionalism and sound advice was just what was needed. I would highly recommend his services to anyone with pressing family law matters. His warm personality made me feel like part of the family, as I could easily dissus any finer details with my case and he would take into consideration. If I have any cases in future he will be my first choice. Thanks again John your service is Highly appreciated. God bless you. 5 stars.”