The death of a family member is distressing. Dealing with a challenge to a Will, family contesting a Will, or uncertainty about what the Will means can compound that grief.

Our clients will often come in to see us not knowing what the Will says or what the previous Will says. I will invariably ask for a copy of previous Wills if we have questions about the validity of the last Will. Our clients will often say they do not have a copy and wonder aloud if they can ask for a copy.

It is not uncommon that following a separation one party remains in the family home and pays the mortgage repayments and the other party leaves and accommodates themselves elsewhere, usually paying rent. It may be some time before they achieve property settlement (i.e. divide their assets), and even longer if they have to go to a Court hearing about that. In the meantime, one is paying off the house and the other isn’t.

Going through a separation from your partner or spouse can be the most stressful and difficult time in a person’s life. We are here to make it as easy as possible by helping you along the way and ensuring that the arrangements for your children are appropriate and your financial future is secure.

Read these 7 key points from a family lawyer about what to do before you leave.