Introduction:

The Family Flyer is a free community service by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. The publication is designed to be informative and topical and to assist you in understanding the ever-changing field of Family Law.

This edition includes:

• Don’t Miss – Seminar Series
• What is a FRC?
• Need a Speaker – Conference or Professional day?
• “Close-up Edition”
• Who Should Reside in the Home?
• FREE Book!

Don’t Miss – Seminar Series

If you are considering separating or have already separated and you need easy-to-understand information, whether it’s general information (on shared parenting, property settlements, agreements, etc.) or specific information on how to protect your assets – don’t miss our October Seminar Series!

In our FINAL seminars for the year our Principal, Michael Lynch will be presenting 4 seminars across Brisbane.

There is also an added Special Offer for attendees – so don’t miss out!

“7 Secrets to Protecting your Assets”:

• Tuesday, 20 October 2009: 6pm – Michael’s Oriental Restaurant, 223 Padstow Road, Eight Mile Plains; and
• Tuesday, 27 October: 1pm – Chifley at Lennons Hotel, 66-76 Queen St, Brisbane City

“Surviving Separation”:

• Wednesday, 21 October 2009: 6.30pm – Riverglen Centre, 70 Kate St, Indooroopilly; and
• Wednesday, 28 October 2009: 6pm – Runcorn Tavern, 124 Gowan Rd, Calamvale.

Read comments from previous attendees. Book Now! Ph. 3221 4300. For more information visit www.mlfl.com.au/seminars.

What is a FRC?

With the introduction of “Shared Parenting” in 2006, the Government also launched Family Relationship Centres (FRC).

These community centres are a place where parents can go to obtain information and mediation. Information can be obtained on:

• Building and strengthening existing relationships;
• Early intervention and prevention services;
• Family dispute resolution services
• Parenting Plans; and
• Child-focussed and child-inclusive workshops.

FRCs offer up to 3 hours free mediation. We strongly recommend people obtain legal advice regarding their specific circumstances prior to starting mediation. For a fixed-cost initial consultation call u on 3221 4300.

There are 64 FRCs located across the country. For the nearest one to you, visit www.familyrelationships.gov.au.

Need a Speaker – Conference or Professional day?

If you are looking for a speaker on Family Law matters for your next Conference or Professional Development day, please give us a call!

Our Principal, Michael Lynch presents over 50 seminars a year to Accounting, Financial Planning and Legal firms, as well as other groups.

If you want your staff to be better equipped to serve clients (or you would like to offer your clients tips e.g. protecting assets in property settlement) – call us on (07) 3221 4300 to organise a FREE seminar for you.

The Seminars are usually for 1 hour and include a powerpoint presentation and additional handout material. For more information on possible seminar topics visit our “seminar series” webpage or phone Shontiele on 3221 4300.

“Close-up Edition”

One of the most common debates between separated couples is the value to be attributed to items of property. Our “Close-up” this week is entitled “What’s it Worth? – Determining Value”. You’ll get some interesting surprises!

Who Should Reside in the Home?

What does the Court do when both parents want to stay in the matrimonial home with the children? The Court recently had to consider such a case.

The Facts:

• The Mother was aged 46 years and the Father was aged 47 years. They had been married for 15 years and had 3 children, aged 12, 10 and 7.
• The Mother and children travelled to a town for a holiday, however the children had stayed in the town with the Mother, without the consent of the Father. The Mother had then proceeded to enrol the children in schools in the new area.

• The actions of the Mother were described by the Court as “not child-focussed” and “irresponsible”.
• The Father proposed that the children be returned to the family home and that he have sole parental responsibility for them. He proposed that they spend time with the Mother on alternate weekends and half the school holidays.
• The Mother wanted an Order for exclusive occupancy of the family home and for the children to live with her and spend time with the Father, each alternate weekend.
• The Mother said that her actions for moving were as a result of family violence by the Husband.

Court Order:

• The children live with the Mother and spend time with the Father on alternate weekends and 1 overnight stay during the other week.
• The Mother to have exclusive occupancy of the home and the Father to vacate 2 days after the Hearing.

FREE Book!

If you or your organisation would like copies of our FREE BOOK, “A Guide to Family Law – Everyday Answers” please call Shontiele on 3221 4300.

Over 60,000 copies of the book have been distributed over the last 15 years. It was most recently updated in May this year, and it continues to be a much sought-after resource for anyone going through separation.