Property Settlements

• Asset Pools

  When a relationship breaks down, the assets and property of a couple need to be sorted out. In most cases, partners find mutual ground in an amicable manner, but is often difficult, especially given the emotion resulting from the breakdown of the relationship and the need to establish two separate households. Sometimes, professional assistance is required to reach a satisfactory agreement. Taylor & Scott Family Law specialists will help you negotiate the right settlement

  The asset pool needs to be carefully identified and, if necessary, valued so that there is a comprehensive list to form the basis for negotiation and distribution. Apart from that, the law requires an examination of the contributions of the parties towards the acquisition, development and maintenance of the property. Those contributions can be financial, non-financial, homemaking and parenting.

  Property is given a very wide definition under the Family Law Act and can include real estate, shares, bank accounts, superannuation, businesses, trusts and companies.

• What is considered property?

  Property includes all real estate and other assets of value a person owns or has a legal or equitable interest. Unlike real estate, personal property is movable, although in marriages and de facto relationships personal property becomes a shared asset between partners, just as real estate does. In other words, property settlements are a big deal for everyone concerned and emotions will run high at times.

  Your property includes real estate holdings, vehicles, boats, furniture, bank accounts, collectibles and more, both in Australia and overseas.

  Australian family law legislation aims for fair outcomes, so you will need to disclose accurate financial and ownership records prior to mediation or adjudication. Non-disclosure can lead to serious consequences, including the other party being awarded a greater percentage in a property settlement and, if the non-disclosure is discovered later on, then the court can reopen the matter and impose penalties at that point including the award of significant legal costs.

  

• How is property divided?

  There are several steps required when dividing property between married or de facto partners. Some of the major considerations include:

  • Valuing the assets (property) of each party if they cannot agree
  • Assessing contributions made by each party
  • Considering arrangements for children or other dependents
  • Determining the income of each party
  • Determining whether the proposal is just and equitable
• How long after divorce can you do property settlement?

  Even people who aren’t divorced can commence finalising the division of assets and liabilities so long as they are at least separated, as with de facto couples. In many circumstances, parties reach an agreement about the division of property formalised by filing an Application for Consent Orders with the Family Court of Australia. The consent orders are binding and enforceable as part of the Family Law Act.

  Advantages of consent orders include stamp duty exemptions for property and motor vehicle transfers, plus capital gains tax roll over relief for other shared investments. If your property settlement isn’t going smoothly and you require legal support, contact Taylor & Scott to guide you during negotiations and/or court proceedings.

• Are there time limits to property settlements?

  If you are divorced there are strict time limits in place, with property settlement proceedings needing to be commenced within one year of the divorce order taking effect.

  De facto property settlement proceedings must be commenced within two years after final separation. With so much going on, it can be difficult to know exactly what move to make next for best possible property settlement outcomes. This is where Taylor & Scott Family Law professionals can shine a light on your settlement potential. We assist in ways that include:

  • Understanding the law related to your individual circumstances
  • Guiding you through the settlement process steps
  • Undertaking an objective analysis of the expected split of assets (property)
  • Using your information to deliver optimum settlement outcomes
  • Analyse your liabilities and the effect they may have on settlement
  • Recommend the next steps to take in achieving a just and equitable outcome

  Taylor & Scott Lawyers have been assisting clients to find solutions to their legal problems for over 120 years.

  If your situation can’t be resolved through negotiation and mediation, we will prepare your case for court and vigorously pursue your rights.

• How can Taylor & Scott help?

  Taylor & Scott Lawyers are experienced in investigating and compiling the necessary information in order to identify and quantify the asset pool, including obtaining valuations from highly experienced and respected experts.

  After the property is identified and valued and the contributions of the parties are assessed, regard must then be had to the respective financial viability and circumstances of the parties in light of their future needs, and finally any adjustment made to ensure a fair outcome, or what the court deems to be a ‘just and equitable’ result.

  Taylor & Scott Lawyers encourage private settlement, through the use of alternative dispute resolution processes, if necessary. If an agreement is reached then this can be reflected in terms of either Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement, both of which give finality to the process.

  If agreement cannot be reached, then our skilled litigators will see your case through the court system to a successful conclusion. We relish vigorously fighting for our clients and ensuring they receive their entitlements. We can advise you on the best form of agreement in your circumstances and draft the appropriate documents.

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