During times of crisis we see an increase in Family Law enquiries, and the past month with the Covid-19 pandemic has been no different, but WHY?
There are several reasons for this, including increased stress on households and concerns in relation to the health and safety of children and families.
Health and Safety of Children and Families
Whilst it is important during this crisis to follow existing arrangements in relation to children spending time with their parents to maintain the children’s relationship with each parent, it is also important to ensure the health and safety of the children, parents and other family members by observing social distancing rules. The primary focus should always be on the safety and well being of children.
Please find here a link to a message from the Family Court of Australia providing guidance to parents about how to navigate existing parenting arrangements whilst also ensuring the safety and well being of children and families during this health crisis.
We are able to answer your questions in relation to balancing existing parenting arrangements whilst ensuring the health and safety of your children and family during this current health crisis.
Domestic violence
In times of stress we see a correlation with increased domestic violence, and given the “lockdown” nature of Covid-19, we expect that this will be the case during this health crisis. If you consider that a child, yourself or someone else is in immediate danger for their physical safety, it is important that you immediately contact your local police and seek medical advice if required.
Who is making your important decisions if you become infected?
If the worst happens, and a person becomes seriously ill, their next of kin will be called upon to make both financial and medical decisions on their behalf, which in many cases is a former partner.
Not updating these documents can lead to former partners receiving entitlements or having the power to do things which the deceased/ incapacitated person would never have wished, or property being disposed of before death defeating the intention of a person for that property to pass to a particular person. Significant legal fees costs can be incurred unnecessarily in rectifying these issues.
As a result, it is important to consider updating your Will and Enduring Power of Attorney. We are able to answer your questions and assist you with updating these important documents.
If this resonates with you or you believe someone you know may need assistance, we encourage you to get in touch.
More information is available here.
