Long Term Marriage and Family Law Proceedings
CHATSWOOD DISSOLUTION OF LONG-TERM MARRIAGE LAWYER
Our Chatswood Lawyers Can Help You Through Your Complex Family Law Matter
Divorce and separation is never easy, but when you and your spouse have been married for so long that other people thought that you two had “made it,” it becomes even more difficult. While this is in part due to the emotional aspect of divorce and family law proceedings, it is in large part due to the technicalities. When two people have built a life together, raised a family together, and acquired assets together over several decades, divorce can be overwhelming and scary. At Chatswood Family Lawyers, our family lawyers aim to help you through the emotional and technical aspects of the dissolution of your long-term marriage and to see you through it as efficiently and effectively as possible.
UNIQUE ISSUES PRESENTED BY THE DISSOLUTION OF A LONG-TERM MARRIAGE
The dissolution of a long-term marriage poses unique issues not otherwise found in your run-of-the-mill divorce.
COMPLEX PROPERTY DIVISION ISSUES
From hefty retirement funds to multiple properties, and family heirlooms to family photo albums, many assets that married people collect over the years either appreciate in value or cannot be valued. Assets that can be valued have likely appreciated in value over the years. This is especially true for land, houses, vehicles, stocks, and retirement savings funds. To ensure that each spouse receives their fair share of the marital property, all assets should be appraised by a professional to determine their current value.
Additionally, couples that are married for a great length of time generally have more diverse property holdings or interests that are difficult to value. This can include healthcare practices, employee stock options, real estate investments, and other investment portfolios.
For assets that cannot be valued – such as photo albums and family heirlooms – the couple should sit down and calmly discuss who should get what. If they cannot come to an agreement, mediation may be in order.
Asset division in a long-term marriage dissolution typically requires a Family Lawyer who is experienced in complex property matters. The divorce lawyers at Chatswood Family Lawyers utilise the help of other business professionals such as appraisers, financial planners, and accountants to assist with the process and ensure the fairest distribution possible.
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SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE
Additionally, a judge is more likely to award spousal maintenance or a disproportionate share of the assets to the lesser earning spouse of a long-term marriage. The judge will do this to ensure that the lesser earning spouse is able to enjoy the same standard of living they had become accustomed to during their marriage, post-divorce.
In addition to awarding a disproportionate share of assets to the lesser earning spouse, the breadwinner may have to pay spousal maintenance. To determine if and how much spousal maintenance should be awarded and for how long, the judge will consider the financial disparity between the two parties, the duration of the marriage, and each spouse’s contribution to the marriage.
CONSULT A CHATSWOOD FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE LAWYER
Chatswood Family Lawyers serves clients throughout the North Shore, greater Sydney and its environs. If you and your spouse have decided to part ways after a long-term marriage and need support and guidance throughout this difficult time in your life, you should retain the help of an experienced and compassionate family lawyer. Contact Chatswood Family Lawyers today online, by email at enquiries@chatswoodfamilylawyers.com.au or by phone on (02) 9412 4500 to set up your consultation.
We can meet with you at our office or discuss your case with you over the phone. We pride ourselves on being highly accessible and helping each and every client in a timely manner.