So if you have decided to separate you will probably need to engage a divorce lawyer to assist you. For many people, apart from buying a house you may never have dealt with a lawyer.

So, here are our top 10 tips:#1

So, here are our top 10 tips:#2

Don’t take the recommendation of your neighbour over the back fence whose friend met someone in the pub…- you get what we mean! Do your own research.

So, here are our top 10 tips:#3

Just because they cost a lot or have fancy letters after their name doesn’t mean they are right for you.

So, here are our top 10 tips:#4

Make sure you know who actually is doing your work. It’s ok to have a team, but the person who is doing the work is the person you want to mostly be speaking to

So, here are our top 10 tips:#5

Gather as much information as you can before you meet- especially about your assets and debts (aka your shared marital assets)

So, here are our top 10 tips:#6

Understand what the lawyer will cost- usually it is per hour and understand exactly what they will charge you for.

So, here are our top 10 tips:#7

On that note your lawyer is not your new best friend and if you text, phone or email him or her you will likely be  charged EVERY SINGLE TIME you text, email or call!

So, here are our top 10 tips:#8

Most lawyers charge in 6 minute units. The minimum charge will be one unit. So if you send a text and they charge $350 per hour that will cost you $35.

So, here are our top 10 tips:#9

If you can, send one email communication with all your queries in it – save the questions up.

So, here are our top 10 tips:#10

If you are sending letters back and forwards for more than six months STOP! You need to consider going to court, at the very least to have the time pressure of the court process focus everyone’s minds. Equal Exes can assist you with referring you to another lawyer if you are not getting the material and results you need!

Some of the legal process you can DIY (Do-It-Yourself). Some you can’t. We can help you decide what you may or may not be able to do. Regardless of how you want to navigate the legal process, D.I.Y, half and half or everything in the hands of your lawyer, we have a lot of information in our community site that will help you both understand the process and optimise your case and your legal budget.