Deciding when it is the right time to call a family lawyer can be tricky. Very few people enjoy court proceedings and fighting for the best interests of your children can be draining both emotionally and financially.
Sometimes, when a relationship breaks down you are left with little option but to call in an expert. Putting it off won’t necessarily make the problem go away, it may even cause the tension to escalate.
Laws may vary from state to state so you can’t always rely on the internet for accurate advice. Family law specialists Sydney will be able to gently guide you through the process if you are based in NSW.
Each situation is different and may not always require a family lawyer, but if you can relate to any of the following scenarios, legal assistance may be a smart move:
Seek legal assistance if you are feeling intimidated
When you are feeling intimidated you may feel as though it would be easier to give the other party what they are asking for. However, your children should be able to have a consistent routine which is safe and structured. It may be up to you to make sure this happens.
If your ex-partner is harassing you, contact may need to be kept to a minimum and only used for essential matters. Keep records of the abuse, and any text messages as evidence. There are different kinds of abuse, and whether it be physical or emotional you should not have to put up with it.
It is very rare a court will deny access to a parent who wants to see their children, unless they are in danger. If this is the case, family law specialists Sydney can help with proceedings.
A restraining order may be required and if you are afraid you should contact your local police. It is essential you understand your rights to protect yourself and your children.
Seek legal assistance if you are being denied custody
If the other parent is refusing you access to your children, a lawyer can help you create a strategy to deal with this.
You may be asked to attend mediation, and your representative can be present during this process. If mediation is unsuccessful, your case may end up in court.
Your lawyer will be there to advocate for you, and give you realistic advice without any emotions clouding their judgement.
Seek legal assistance if you want a quick outcome
If you are having trouble agreeing, or are confused by your rights, a family lawyer can help to end any disputes quickly and easily. They will have experience with legal processes and writing any documentation.
Getting things right to begin with may save you heartache in the future. This is particularly useful if there are any complicated financial settlements to deal with.
Parenting Orders can be put through court and act as clear custody agreements which are legally binding. Once this is in place it provides security and structure for all parties involved.
Seek legal assistance if you want to move with your children
If you have a legal agreement in relation to the custody of any children, you may be required to seek permission from the other parent before relocating.
This is more likely to become an issue if you are moving interstate, and could potentially mean you are breaking the law.
If you cannot discuss this with the other party, it is a wise idea to see a family lawyer. If it goes to court, the decision will be based on a number of factors such as how old the children are, and how relocating them may affect their wellbeing. It is always better to approach things the right way, otherwise your future plans may be put in jeopardy.
Hiring an expert may seem like an extravagant expense, but if you can’t resolve the situation on your own it is a worthwhile investment.
A lawyer will help to create boundaries, ensure you are not breaking the law and get what you are entitled to. Once your issues have been resolved you will be able to move on with your life, and create a new beginning.
Find a lawyer you can trust so you can be honest about your situation, this will allow you to have frank and robust discussions.
The more information you can provide them, the better the outcome will be. If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to Legal Aid.
These are just some reasons why you might want to seek legal assistance, if you feel out of your depth then it is definitely something you should consider.
