Property Settlement
You and your former partner have separated, and the time has come for you to divide the assets and liabilities that you have.
Separating? It’s Time to Sort Your Finances - With the Right Support
Dividing property after separation can feel overwhelming. You may be unsure where to start, what you’re entitled to, or how long the process will take. At Umbrella Family Law, our team guides you through the property settlement process with clarity, care and practical direction – so you can make informed decisions and secure your financial future.
Property settlement involves dividing the assets, liabilities and financial resources you and your former partner have accumulated. This includes, but is not limited to, the family home, investments, savings, businesses, superannuation, mortgages, credit card debts, loans and more.
It is separate from the divorce process and can be started before or after filing for divorce.
How We Help With Property Settlements
- 1
Clear Advice About Your Entitlements: We explain what a fair outcome looks like under the Family Law Act, so you know where you stand from day one.
- 2
Guidance Through Each Step of the Property Settlement Process: We help you negotiate, reach agreement and formalise your settlement legally and securely.
- 3
Support at Every Stage - Whether You’re Early in Negotiations or Already Stuck: We work with you through negotiation, mediation, collaborative practice, or court proceedings when needed.
- 4
Formalising Your Agreement: We prepare and finalise Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement, giving you a legally enforceable settlement so you can move forward with certainty.
Our family lawyers work with clients experiencing all types of financial separation - from simple asset pools to complex business structures, inheritance issues, farming properties, and high-net-worth matters.
Understanding the Property Settlement Process Family Lawyers Commonly Use to Consider How you Might Divide Your Assets
QIdentify and Value the Asset Pool
All assets, liabilities and financial resources are listed and valued.
This may include:
- family home
- investments
- superannuation
- business interests
- loans and credit cards
- cars, jewellery, furniture
- inheritances and gifts
- compensation payments
QAssess Contributions
We consider contributions made by each party, including:
- financial contributions (income, mortgage payments, savings)
- non-financial contributions (renovations, business support)
- parenting and homemaking contributions
QConsider Future Needs
We look at factors such as ages, health, earning capacity, care of children and financial resources.
QDetermine a Just and Equitable Division
A percentage split or division of specific assets is proposed based on all the above factors.
QTime Limits You Need to Know
You must apply for financial orders within:
- 12 months after a divorce becomes final (married couples)
- 2 years after separation (de facto couples)
If these deadlines pass, you may need special permission from the Court – so it’s important not to wait.
Next Steps
If you’re separated and ready to divide your property, we’re here to guide you.
Book an Initial Consultation – and let us help you understand your options and protect your financial future.
You’ll walk away with:
- clear advice on your likely entitlement
- an understanding of the property settlement process
- practical next steps tailored to your situation
You’re not alone.
Navigating family law can feel overwhelming. Over the years, we’ve discovered that one of the biggest things missing from the process is the reassurance others have been where you are.
