AREAS OF
PRACTICE
Family Law / Conveyancing /
Wills & Estates /
Divorce / Spousal Maintenance /
Property Settlements /
AREAS OF
PRACTISE
Family Law / Conveyancing /
Wills & Estates /
Divorce / Spousal Maintenance /
Property Settlements /
DIVORCE
DECEASED ESTATES
An application for divorce is quite separate to an application regarding property and/or parenting orders. Whilst applications for property and parenting can commence following separation, an application for divorce can only be made after you and your partner have been separated for a period of not less than twelve months.
During this twelve month period the parties must have lived separately and apart within the meaning of the Family Law Act. However, it is also possible for you to file an application if you and your partner have lived together but separated under the same roof so long as this satisfies the guidelines in this regard. Our solicitors can attend to this application on your behalf and appear before the Registrar when your Divorce is finalised.
PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS
Our solicitors provide advice in relation to your rights and entitlements when it comes to the division of property and superannuation after the breakdown of a relationship. Property is a term that goes beyond the matrimonial home and it is important that the total pool of assets and liabilities is identified at an early stage so that you are informed when making financial decisions.
There is a misconception that a property settlement means you must go to court. Whilst there are times that this is inevitable, our solicitors are not unnecessarily adversarial and try to negotiate with the other side before filing an application. Although obtaining a negotiated settlement is preferable, we do litigate on behalf of our clients and engage the services of experienced barristers to assist when required.
We maintain relationships with experienced accountants, real estate agents and other professionals that may need to be engaged in order to comprehensively litigate a matter.
CHILDREN'S MATTERS
At Purdie Legal we appreciate that all relationships and resulting situations are unique and with this in mind, we tailor our approach to each client.
Separation is most often a stressful and confusing time for both parents and their children. Our solicitors strive to provide clients with the support they need when faced with decisions regarding the most important people in their lives.
There are many things to consider when addressing future care of children including issues such as living arrangements, parental responsibility, shared care, spending time with the other parent or significant others and time spending during school holidays and other special occasions.
Long term care of a child also encompasses a financial element, our solicitors can provide advice on child support rights and obligations as well as assist with complex cases involving detailed assessments through the Child Support Agency.
The issue of relocation may arise in children’s matters even after a long term arrangement has been in place, for example a change of employment or move with a new partner. Relocation applications are usually complex and expensive. We arrange a professional opinion from an experienced barrister outlining the likelihood of success and the estimated costs of a relocation matter before filing in court. Our experienced solicitors will then guide the client through this process should they choose to proceed.
The structure of the family unit continues to evolve and increasingly our legal system is adapting to these changes. Our solicitors take part in professional development and keep abreast of changing legislation in this regard.
SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE
Spousal maintenance is an application made within the Family or Federal Circuit Court and is completely separate to Child Support. These applications are based on a party seeking financial support from their former partner in order to assist them financially after separation. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration when determining this type of application. These factors may include but are not limited to the income, earning capacity and financial resources of both parties, any care arrangements for the children and the standard of living enjoyed by the parties during the relationship.
BINDING FINANCIAL AGREEMENTS & CONSENT ORDERS
There are many alternatives to litigation and an instrument commonly referred to as a “BFA” can be utilised either after, during or before separation. Discussing with your spouse or de facto how you would go about things in the unfortunate event that the relationship broke down and obtaining a BFA that reflects those understanding can often mitigate the need for litigation.
At Purdie Legal we provide our clients with advice on a BFA or negotiate with the other side in order to prepare consent orders. Both options do not require attendances in court and are cost effective ways of settling your property affairs by agreement and without litigation.
CONVEYANCING
CONVEYANCING
We provide all usual conveyancing services and attend to settlements for clients referred to us by Real Estate Agents as well as property transactions that arise through matrimonial matters within our own firm. We offer fixed fee conveyancing rates for standard transactions and our solicitors can attend to all the requirements from the Land Title Office in relation to the Verification of Identity documents that must be completed by parties.
DECEASED ESTATES
We understand that engaging a solicitor to carry out tasks relating to deceased estates often coincides with a period of loss and mourning. We provide a sensitive and caring environment, aiming to minimise the need for loved ones to deal with the additional stress of obtaining Probate on the deceased estate.
Purdie Legal is registered with the Probate Registry and utilises their online system for the process of probate. We can take instructions from the executors of the estate to obtain a Grant of Probate and in the case where there is no valid Will, we can assist the Administrators to obtain Letters of Administration.
Grants of Probate and Grants of Letters of Administration are issued by the by the Probate Registry within the Supreme Court of South Australia. Once these grants are obtained the Executor or Administrator of an estate is able to deal with the estate and ultimately distribute the net assets. This can often be a complex process and involve engaging with third parties such as real estate agents, accountants, financial planners as well as various government agencies. We are able to assist our clients by attending to distribution of the estate after the Grant of Probate is obtained.
WILLS & ESTATES
Our solicitors understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to estate planning and that the very thought of preparing your Will may be quite confronting. At Purdie Legal, we provide a supportive environment and guide you through the process, ensuring that your Will is structured to reflect your wishes and circumstances.
We can also assist with creating a package that includes a Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive.
One Person $650.00
Two Persons $980.00
WILL & ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY & ADVANCED CARE DIRECTIVE
WILL
One Person $330.00
Two Persons $580.00
One Person $220.00
One Person $380.00
ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY
One Person $250.00
Two Persons $360.00
ADVANCED CARE DIRECTIVE
ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY & ADVANCED CARE DIRECTIVE
WILL & ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY
WILL & ADVANCED CARE DIRECTIVE
Two Persons $360.00
Two Persons $560.00
Two Persons $680.00
Two Persons $680.00
One Person $480.00
One Person $480.00
WILLS & ESTATES PROFESSIONAL FEES
Home Visits additional $150.00 within Metropolitan Adelaide.
Additional costs at an hourly rate may be applied for complicated Wills, Advanced Care Directives, Powers of Attorney and Testamentary Trusts.
PROBATE fixed fee $2,500. Distribution of the estate to beneficiaries charged at an hourly rate.