Clarity on Asset Division
in a Long Marriage
The Situation.
After a long marriage of several decades, a client was facing separation while still living with their former partner. They
felt pressured to sell the family home and agree to a financial settlement, but were concerned they didn’t have a clear
picture of the shared assets, which included a family business, trusts, and a self-managed superannuation fund.
The client felt that their former partner, who had more control over the financial information, was rushing the process.
They were uncertain about what was fair and reasonable to accept, and whether their own long-term contributions to
the marriage and business would be properly recognised.
What We Did.
• Mapped out the key assets and complex financial structures involved in the relationship.
• Clarified the difference between informal discussions and legally binding agreements.
• Provided a framework for assessing what a fair and reasonable outcome could look like in a long marriage.
• Structured the client’s position on mediation, empowering them to pause until they felt properly prepared.
The Outcome.
clarity gave them the confidence to manage the process at their own pace, focusing on thorough preparation rather
than being rushed into a decision.