Are you in the process of getting divorced and need to find the right lawyer for your case? Choosing the right legal representation can be daunting, especially during an emotionally charged time. In this episode, Laura and Lynette dive into the ten essential steps and questions you need to consider when selecting a lawyer. They discuss the importance of finding a lawyer whose experience, ability, and personality align with your needs, and they offer practical advice on navigating this crucial decision.

Listen to This Episode If You:

- 🌟 Are beginning the process of divorce and need to find a lawyer.

- ❓ Want to know the key questions to ask a prospective lawyer.

- 💡 Seek understanding of the importance of lawyer-client compatibility.

- 🛡 Are dealing with the stress and confusion of legal proceedings.

- 📚 Need strategies for ensuring your lawyer can meet your specific needs.

Key Ideas Discussed in This Episode:

- Finding the Right Lawyer: Tips on what to look for in terms of experience, ability, and personality.

- Asking the Right Questions: Essential questions to ask during initial consultations to ensure a good fit.

- Understanding Costs: The importance of discussing billing practices, hourly rates, and getting itemised accounts.

- Legal Updates: Ensuring your lawyer is knowledgeable about recent changes in the Family Law Act and other relevant legislation.

- Step In, Step Out Services: Understanding flexible legal services and how they can save you money.

- Importance of Compatibility: Why it’s crucial to find a lawyer you can trust and communicate with effectively.

- Handling Legal Fees: Strategies for managing costs and budgeting for your legal expenses.

- Role of Communication The significance of clear and consistent communication between you and your lawyer.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

Choosing a Family Lawyer & the Red Flags not to ignore

Three ways to choose and use your family lawyer (that you probably haven’t heard of for your divorce.

Divorce Budgeting 101: Understanding Legal Fees & Six Simple Saving Strategies

Emergency Contacts:

• WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE

• LEGAL AID

• Lifeline 13 11 14

• Mensline Australia 1300 789 978

• Kids Help Line 1800 551 800

• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123

• Relationships Australia

• Police on 000

• DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill

• DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636

• National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on our upcoming practical steps and guidance for your divorce or de facto separation. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a rating and a review to help others. Thank you.

Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different.

Are you struggling with understanding parental responsibility after a divorce or separation? Need strategies for handling parenting disagreements about major or minor decisions for your children? In Australia, who makes decisions for the children before there is a parenting plan or court order? What happens if you and your ex can't agree on a school, medical, or other major issue?

In this episode, Laura and an Australian Family Law Specialist Lynette break down the complexities of these often-confusing topics.

They discuss what parental responsibility entails, how recent changes in the family law impact it, and what it means for parents trying to make decisions for their children.

Whether you're dealing with a high-conflict ex or just trying to navigate the legal jargon, this episode offers essential insights and practical advice to help you understand and manage parental responsibility effectively.

Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different.

🌟 Want to understand the concept of parental responsibility and how it impacts your legal rights as a parent.

❓ Are confused about the difference between joint, sole, and equal shared parental responsibility.

💡 Seek clarity on how recent family law act legal changes affect parental decision-making.

🛡 Are dealing with a manipulative, controlling, or high-conflict or narcissistic type co-parent.

📚 Need strategies for handling disagreements about major decisions for your children.

📝 Want to learn how to navigate court orders and legal terminology related to parenting.

• Definition and Importance of Parental Responsibility: What it is and why it matters in the eyes of the court.

• Changes in Legislation: How the new laws in the Family Law Act of Australia as of May 2024 impact parental responsibility.

• Joint vs. Sole Parental Responsibility: Understanding the differences and implications.

• Decision-Making: Which parent makes decisions about major long-term issues versus day-to-day matters.

• Court Orders and Parental Responsibility: How to handle existing orders and apply for new ones.

• Section 61DAB: Understanding the provision that outlines day-to-day decision-making without the need for consultation on minor issues.

• Real-Life Examples: Cases of disputes over education, medical decisions, and other critical areas.

• Co-Parenting Challenges: Tips for dealing with uncooperative or high-conflict ex-partners.

• Post-Separation Abuse: Recognizing and addressing coercive control in parenting situations.

• For Full Show Notes & downloadable checklist for witness box tips, go to www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog

• For more support, visit www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

• Episodes to Help with Communication Boundaries:

• • Bombarded with Legal Letters

  • Do I Really Need to Respond to That?

  • How to Respond to a Word Salad Letter

• Episodes on Managing Emotions and Self-Affirmation:

• • Things the Court Doesn't Care About

  • Disclosure Episode

  • Red Flags Lawyers

  • How to Choose and Use Your Lawyer

• Parenting Apps for Communication:

• • Our Children CoParenting Platform

  • My Family Wizard

Section 61DAB of the Family Law Act