We get it. Sometimes you and your former partner are getting along okay. Maybe you’ve agreed on the big things, like who’s keeping the house or where the kids will live. It feels easier – and cheaper – to just write something down and move on.
But here’s the thing: even with the best intentions, informal agreements can go wrong. And when they do, the fallout is often expensive, emotionally draining, and difficult to unwind.
At O’Loan Family Law, we’ve seen first-hand what happens when people skip legal advice. So, here’s what we want you to know.
A handshake deal or an email about who gets what won’t hold up in court. If one party changes their mind – or circumstances change – there’s not much you can do unless your agreement is legally binding.
You could end up:
If you’ve already divorced, you only have 12 months to start property or spousal maintenance proceedings. Miss that deadline and you could lose your right to claim – even if you’re entitled to something.
The same goes for parenting agreements. Without legal advice, you might miss red flags or changes in circumstances that need to be formalised.
Legal advice helps you spot the hidden traps: like forgetting to value superannuation properly, assuming everything is split 50/50, or not understanding capital gains tax implications. These things matter, and they can affect your future.
Many people come to us after their informal agreement falls apart. One party might stop following it. New partners get involved. Someone moves away. And suddenly the deal that once seemed simple is a source of stress and conflict.
By the time they get legal advice, emotions are high and positions are entrenched. A simple agreement could have saved thousands in legal fees and years of anxiety.
Getting legal advice doesn’t have to mean going to court. We focus on amicable solutions and practical planning. Whether you’re still working things out with your ex or you’ve already separated, we can help you turn your agreement into something solid and safe.
You don’t need all the answers – you just need a place to start. Let’s talk about your situation and what’s next. Because when it comes to separation, the cost of getting it wrong is too high.
About The Author - Bron O'Loan
Bron O’Loan is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and Principal Director of O’Loan Family Law in Sydney. Admitted to practise in 2015, she has over 12 years of exclusive family law experience advising on separation, parenting disputes and complex property settlements. Bron holds a Master of Applied Law (Family Law) and is admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia, providing strategic, commercially aware advice tailored to each family’s circumstances. |
*This post is an overview only and should not be considered as legal advice. If there are any matters that you would like us to advise you on, then please contact us.
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