While some family law matters resolve relatively quickly with only the assistance of a family lawyer, if your matter is more complex you may find that a team of different specialists and individuals is required to help you achieve the best outcome. In those more complex matters, it is important that you have the right team by your side, as it is crucial that these different individuals work together and towards the same goal.
The first person on your team is your family lawyer. It is important that you feel confident and comfortable with your lawyer because in addition to the vital role they play in managing your case and advising you, they are also the person who will help you pick the other players, and help you identify when another player is necessary. If complexity or the volume of work requires it, more than one family lawyer may be working on your case to ensure that work is done efficiently and effectively.
If your matter progresses to Court or is particularly complex, the next person on your team may be a family law barrister. Barristers are specialist advocates whose bread and butter is courtroom advocacy, and they will usually be retained to argue your case in Court or at an earlier stage to assist with strategy. Your family lawyer will help you choose the right barrister for you, and will work closely with them to provide them with the information they need to represent you in Court.
Other than your legal team, you may also need to engage with other professionals such as forensic and clinical psychologists, accountants, property valuers, business valuers, taxation specialists, mortgage brokers, and conveyancers. These individuals must be instructed appropriately, provided with the relevant information, and the information they provide either shared or not shared with their former partner as is appropriate in the circumstances. In some situations, these individuals are engaged jointly with your former partner, and in other situations, they are engaged by you alone.
If this feels a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. It is your family lawyer’s job to help you navigate this process and to explain when and why you might need some additional support.
If you would like to discuss how we can assist you, contact us today at (02) 6225 7040 or by email at info@rmfamilylaw.com.au or get started now online.