Cousins Family Law

15/02/2026

Many think a Will is only necessary later in life, but it's crucial at any age. Anyone who has been through the emotional and sometimes financial stress of losing a loved one and having to wade through the process of probate will tell you it's not a great experience.

Life is unpredictable. A Will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for. Whether you have few assets or many, it can ensure your property goes to the people you choose. You can also name guardians for your minor children to ensure they are cared for by trusted people who you would want to raise your child in your absence.

A Will also saves your family from legal complications and disputes during a difficult time.
You can specify your medical treatment preferences in case you can’t make decisions yourself with medical directives, meaning they are not expected to make that decision for you.

A Will is not about age but about being prepared. Contact Cousins Family Lawyers to create a Will that secures your future and protects your loved ones.

04/02/2026

This is a bit of a sensitive topic, for so many reasons. The process of grieving that happens after a divorce or separation is different for everyone, and some people take longer than others to "get back out there".

While, as lawyers, we don't offer dating advice as such, we can provide some insights into the dynamics of relationships post breakup.

𝟭. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲
Rushing into a new relationship immediately after a divorce can be tempting for some people, but it’s crucial to take the time to heal and reflect on your previous relationship. Use this time to understand what you truly want and need from a future partner. This self-awareness will help you make healthier choices and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Additionally, consider your children’s emotional state. They, too, need time to adjust to the changes in their family dynamic. Introducing a new partner too soon can create confusion and insecurity for them. Make sure you are emotionally ready to start dating before involving them in your new relationship.

𝟮. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
Honest and age-appropriate communication is key when you start dating after a divorce. Children can sense changes and may feel uncertain about what a new relationship means for them and their place in your life. Here are some tips for discussing your dating life with your children:

🧡 Be Honest: Explain that you are seeing someone new, but avoid overwhelming them with too many details.
🧡 Reassure Them: Emphasise that your love and commitment to them remain unchanged. Reassure them that they are your priority, not the new relationship.
🧡 Listen to Their Concerns: Allow your children to express their feelings and concerns and make sure you validate their emotions, as well as providing comfort and understanding.

Introducing a new partner should be a gradual process. Start with casual meetings and allow your children to get to know your new partner at their own pace. This will help build a positive and trusting relationship over time.

𝟯. 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Children may react differently to your new relationship depending on their age, personality, and the circumstances of the breakdown of the previous relationship. It’s essential to be patient and supportive during this transition. There may be:

☹️ Jealousy: Children might feel jealous of the attention your new partner receives. Reassure them of your love and spend quality, solo time with them to reinforce their importance in your life.
😡 Anger or Resentment: Some children may express anger or resentment towards your new partner. Allow them to voice their feelings and address their concerns empathetically.
🤔 Curiosity: Children may be curious about your new partner. Encourage open dialogue and answer their questions honestly while keeping explanations age-appropriate.

𝟰. 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗼-𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
Your new relationship is not between you, your new partner and your ex, and as such, co-parenting matters should remain off-limits to the new partner. You must maintain clear boundaries between your co-parenting relationship and your new romantic relationship.

If possible, inform your ex-partner about your new relationship before introducing your new partner to your children. This can help reduce potential conflicts and foster a cooperative co-parenting environment. Reassure them that your new relationship will not disrupt your children’s routines and the consistency they need.

While these are all great tips, the most important thing here is to be emotionally aware and sensitive to the needs of your children, and to be respectful of your ex-partner. Gloating, flaunting a new relationship, or making comparisons between your ex and your current partner is neither healthy or respectful, and will impact your relationships with them, your new partner, and your children.

03/02/2026

If you want to relocate after your divorce or separation, it's important to understand how this move might impact your custody arrangements. While you may feel like you need a fresh start, there are other considerations.

The court’s main concern will always be the best interests of your child. They’ll want to know how the move will affect your child’s relationship with both parents. If you and your ex-partner agree on the relocation, that’s great! You should put this agreement in writing, either through a parenting plan or a consent order. A parenting plan is flexible but not legally enforceable, while a consent order is court-approved and binding.

If you can't agree, you’ll need to apply to the court for permission. The court will consider why you want to move, how the move will benefit your child, and the impact on your child's relationship with the other parent. It can be a bit complex, but don’t worry, with the right support, your move may still be achievable.

08/12/2025

Celebrating my 2nd year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

07/12/2025

07/12/2025

A divorce or separation can have significant financial implications, and careful planning is essential to ensure long-term financial stability.

Firstly, it’s important to create a new budget that reflects your current financial situation. Consider all sources of income, expenses, and any changes in your financial responsibilities. This budget will serve as a roadmap to help you manage your finances effectively.

Seeking professional advice from financial planners or advisors can be beneficial. They can help you understand the financial implications of your property settlement and provide strategies to rebuild or adapt to your financial future.

By taking proactive steps and seeking the right support, you can navigate the financial challenges that arise and build a secure and stable future for yourself and your family.

04/08/2025