Minimise stress, delay and legal fees.
Stage 1
Understanding
A Real World Framework
Before you start trying to negotiate a settlement, get some clarity about how the financial settlement “system” really works in Australia. These Guides give you a “framework” so you can see “the big picture”.
That’s really important, because (as you will discover), the “system” is pretty vague. And that affects just about all the dynamics in settlement negotiations.
So it’s best you take in these learnings early on – it’ll prevent you wasting time and emotions and stress (and legal fees) later.
How Settlements Really Work
Let’s start off optimistically and explore the theoretical way that separated couples are meant to work our their financial settlements. (Yes, we’ll explain reality next.)
Read this Guide12 minute read
If only it was easy. Get acquainted with the various obstacles that trip up most people. If you know in advance, you’ll know how to deal with them.
Read this Guide12 minute read
Crazy, right? But that’s the way it is. This may be the most important thing you need to understand about financial settlements.
Read this Guide12 minute read
Most people are simply not told this frustrating reality at all. It’s fortunate that you’re learning it now, before it’s too late.
Read this Guide20 minute read
Let’s learn the 4 myths about this – the ones you really don’t want to fall for. Then we can focus on the practical reality of how settlements are decided.
Read this Guide8 minute read
Some pretty serious implications arise from the law being so vague. This Guide explains what the weaknesses in the law are and how they will impact you.
Read this Guide8 minute read
6 minute read
Let’s summarise the hard-core truths about settlements that will help you avoid wasting huge amounts of time, money and emotion.
Read this Guide10 minute read
Need some personal guidance?
If you feel the need for a chat as you read these Guides, you’re welcome to book a free call here.
Some Other Basics To Know
When you separate, you’ll need to (1) divide your assets and liabilities, (2) if you have kids, work out how the costs of bringing them up will be paid for and (3) decide if there’s any on-going dependency between you.
Read this Guide6 minute read
If you don’t sort out a formal financial settlement with your ex, well, the longer you wait, the messier it gets. You’ll jam up your own financial independence. And just imagine how any new partner will react when they learn you’re still financially shackled to your ex…
Read this Guide3 minute read
8 minute read
Plenty of people get this wrong (including some lawyers who will mislead you on this). No, there is no time limit at all. But, there IS a time limit on using the Court system and you need to understand how this can affect your negotiation.
Read this Guide5 minute read
The way de facto couples negotiate and settle financially is almost the same as for married couples. There is one key difference in the negotiation process and a minor difference in the documentation process.
Read this Guide4 minute read
Final Thoughts Before You Start Preparing
Yes, Australian divorce law is vague and confusing. So before you jump in and start messing things up, take a little while to learn how things really work. And think carefully about where you’re getting info from…
Read this Guide6 minute read
Cheer up. You probably have more negotiation strength and strategic options than you realise.
Read this Guide3 minute read
Support for this Stage
Clarity Call
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Find the answers you're looking for?
There are plenty more Guides in our other Stages: Preparing, Negotiating and Finalising.
We’re also continuously adding more Guides. If you didn’t find the info or understanding you need, ask us what you want to know.
We’ll create a Guide on the subject (usually within 48 hours). And we’ll email a copy to you personally.
Insights and Strategies You Won't Find Anywhere Else
We help separating people negotiate and formalise financial settlements.
Unlike law firms, we focus on practical, real-world methods and strategies.
Our Roadmap Guides provide crucial insights into how settlements really work, not in naive and fantasy-laden ways you might read about elsewhere.
Our Services provide unique, highly effective help to get you to a fair outcome – at minimal expense.
And our Community offers you shared insights and support from over 7,000 other Members.