Lawyer’s insight to help you stay out of trouble: Pippa Colman

In my more than 40 years in law, I have dealt with people who have not followed my advice and lost their wealth, their spouse, their reputation and worse, writes Pippa Colman

Sometimes losing your fortune is just bad luck, eg your house burns down.

You can insure against bad luck, but make sure that you insure for the right amount.

If you underinsure, you will not be paid out the full value if you lose your house or car.

Act quickly.

If you and your spouse separate and have an informal property settlement, i.e. a handshake, please see your solicitor to get an enforceable agreement for the house, the business, the car, the super and the dog, transferred to the right person.

Do not wait 10 years and do nothing!

If your spouse comes back for a second bite of the cherry because you did not get around to doing a Consent Order and divorce, you are in for a nasty shock.

Yes, your spouse is likely to get that second bite, especially if they have had a bit of bad luck and you have done well in those 10 years.

Pippa Colman is the founding director of Pippa Colman and Associates Law Practice

Use a solicitor if you have a legal problem.

Even though I am a solicitor, I employ a solicitor from another firm when I am buying or selling a home, involved in a business transaction, updating my Will or Enduring Power of Attorney.

Why?

I know that solicitor will work hard for the fee I pay them, and I will get the result I want.

A qualified outsider sees the problem more clearly than I do, and of course, they can see solutions that I cannot.

It also takes the load off my shoulders; I have other people’s problems to worry about.

Don’t drink and drive.

Don’t do drugs and drive.

You will get caught, fined, appear in Court and you may even get your name in the paper.

Medical cannabis is still cannabis; if you are caught drug driving, the fact that you were prescribed medical cannabis is not a defence.

Don’t write Facebook posts when you are angry or affected by drugs or alcohol.

Defaming your ex is never a good idea; your words may be used against you.

And, if you get into trouble, see your solicitor as soon as possible.