Dooley Blog

We regularly hear from our clients that they are ‘getting ready to leave’. The decision hasn’t yet been definitely made, but ‘things just aren’t working out’.

So what do you need to consider if you are getting ready to leave your partner? There are many important considerations, some of which will have a lasting impact on your life.

In part 1 of this series, we look at whether the relationship can be salvaged and the impact it will have on your life and your loved ones.

Are you ready to leave?

Many of our clients are unaware of the impact that carrying through on their decision to break up with their partner will have.

Are you emotionally ready? It might be worthwhile speaking to close friends, a counselor or a trusted family member to discuss how you are feeling.

Are you financially ready? Before you take the leap, consider where you are going to stay (if you are the person leaving the home), what your income is going to be and what your new set of expenses might be.

Are you going to be safe? If you are leaving a violent situation, are you going to be in a safe place? Are the police aware of your safety concerns? Do you need to notify anybody to keep your new contact details private?

Is your partner ready for you to leave?

You may not be too concerned about how your partner feels in the heat of the moment, but it may be worthwhile considering.

Your relationship issues may be significant, but it might be worthwhile seeking counselling or mediation through a private counselor, Relationships Australia or Unifam. Although pursuing these avenues may not necessarily result in a mended relationship, it may assist you to develop some starting points for future negotiations, or to resolve parenting issues.

It’s worthwhile noting that if you have been married for less than 2 years, the Family Court requires that you seek counselling before allowing you to divorce.

Are your children ready for you to leave?

It is very important that if you have children you give careful consideration to what kind of information you give them, and how you show emotion around them. We regularly see instances where children are severely affected by their parent’s emotional issues associated with the breakdown of the relationship, more so than the actual breakdown of the relationship.

 
If you are ready to leave, and want to know more information about parenting and/or property related issues, please contact us.

If you are considering purchasing a property over the holiday season, here are our top 10 tips to consider prior to setting out to find your dream home.

1. DO get finance approval from your lending institution before you start negotiating on a property or bid at an auction

2. DO make sure that you ensure you have sufficient finance to cover additional items required to purchase a property such as stamp duty, legal’s, cost of reports moving costs and so on.

3. DO your Pest, Building and Strata Inspection reports.

4. DO make sure your solicitor is available during the vacation period or make sure that they are contactable.

5. DO get your solicitor to review any contract for any premises you are considering buying BEFORE you sign it or BEFORE cooling off expires.

6. DO NOT attend any Auction without a full loan approval.

7. DO NOT bid above your maximum available funds if attending an Auction.

8. DO NOT rely on word of mouth warranties on a property, from the Agent or the Vendor, make sure you undertake the necessary investigations and inspections.

9. DO NOT buy on impulse, make sure you do your research and know the property and the surrounding area you are looking at buying BEFORE you start negotiations.

10. DO NOT assume all service providers like removalists, local councils, utilities, banks and the like will be open or fully staffed during the holiday season – expect there to be delays.

Dooley and Associates have a team of legal staff specialising in Property Conveyancing and Residential and Commercial Leasing. Contact us to assist you with your sale, purchase or lease.