Gold Coast family lawyers say those looking to get a divorce should not delay

If you are thinking of splitting from your partner, now is the time to do it, say Gold Coast family lawyers. SUBSCRIBE TO FIND OUT WHY

IF you are thinking of splitting from your partner, now is the time to do it, say Gold Coast family lawyers.

Solicitors are reporting that many couples who had been considering divorce or separation had put proceedings on holding during the coronavirus lockdown.

But experts say that now the worst is over there has never been a better time to untie the knot.

Clarity Family Law Solutions principal Nicole Jevtovic said the dire economic climate put people in a better position to negotiate leases and reinvest in other ventures.

The pandemic has caused a number of people to put on hold their decision to break up with many putting a halt on proceedings, she said.

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Clarity Family Law Solutions principal Nicole Jevtovic. Picture: Supplied

“I think people are too scared to separate at the moment because they think it’s more beneficial for them to stay together,” Ms Jevtovic said.

She said couples who ran businesses together were holding on to ensure JobKeeper payments continued for staff or to delay moving out until they knew their job status.

As restrictions eased people had started to come back and begin divorce proceedings.

Moloney MacCallum Abdelshahied Lawyers principal and family lawyer Antonious Abdelshahied said his firm had continued to see a lot of people asking for help in dissolving a relationship.

“It is bringing to a head a lot of issues people may have had prior to the pandemic, particularly financial.

“It is better now from a family now perspective to settle financial affairs, given the unknown future impact on property prices and superannuation entitlements,” he said.

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Mr Abdelshahied said there had been an increase in seeking help due to financial issues during the pandemic as well as domestic violence.

“Our firm’s lawyers are reporting many clients express gratitude for support they are being given by police in domestic violence and family law matters,” he said.

Lawyers have told the Bulletin the early days of the pandemic caused plenty of problems in relation to access to children, but a majority of those issues had been resolved.

“There are several instances were parents have used the pandemic as an excuse to hinder time between the other parents,” Mr Abdelshahied said.

The Family Court and Federal Circuit Court has been holding urgent hearings via audio and visual link and adjourning those matters which could be delayed.