Family law

In Australia as a general rule each of you and your spousem or partner are responsible to pay your own legal costs and expenses.

If you are in a married relationship and have a valid Will leaving some or all of your estate to your spouse, then even if you are separated at the time of your death, the contents of your Will would still be valid and your spouse would receive their entitlement pursuant to the Will.

The legal jargon used by lawyers and judges can be confusing so here is a list of expressions used and our explanation of what they mean.