Start with the essential dates
- Record the relationship or marriage date, separation date and any periods of reconciliation.
- List upcoming court dates, mediation dates, school events, settlement deadlines or travel dates.
- Note when any current parenting, family violence or financial orders were made.
Parenting matters
- Prepare the children's full names, dates of birth, schools, health needs and current care arrangements.
- Bring current and previous parenting orders, parenting plans, family violence orders and relevant court documents.
- Write down the arrangements you say are workable and the specific issues that remain disputed.
- Identify urgent safety, recovery, relocation, passport or communication concerns immediately.
Property and financial matters
- Prepare an initial list of property, bank accounts, vehicles, investments, businesses, trusts, superannuation and debts.
- Gather recent bank statements, payslips, tax returns, superannuation statements and available company or trust records.
- List significant contributions, inheritances, gifts, loans and major transactions before and after separation.
- Do not hide, destroy or alter relevant financial records. Family law parties may have ongoing disclosure obligations.
Make the conference useful
- Prepare a short chronology rather than a long narrative.
- Separate confirmed facts from assumptions or concerns.
- List the three most important outcomes you want to discuss.
- Tell the solicitor about safety concerns or deadlines at the beginning of the appointment.
Before the appointment
Keep original documents safe, preserve electronic records and bring a short list of the questions and outcomes you want to discuss. Tell the solicitor about urgent deadlines at the beginning of the conference.