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Protecting a $750,000 Inheritance After a 30-Year Marriage

Lawyer-in-charge: Luisa Gaetani

After more than three decades of marriage, our client sought legal advice to ensure a fair and secure property settlement following separation. With a substantial inheritance received shortly before the separation, protecting these assets became a critical priority. Through strategic negotiation and expert family law advice, Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers achieved an outstanding outcome, preserving the client’s inheritance in full and securing a clean, equitable division of joint assets.


Client

Our client was involved in a long-term marriage spanning over 30 years. Following separation, she engaged our Family Law team for assistance with property settlement negotiations, with a strong focus on safeguarding her financial future and achieving a fair division of assets.


Situation

Approximately 12 months prior to separation, our client received an inheritance of around $750,000 from her late parents’ estate. Understandably, she was concerned about whether this inheritance would form part of the divisible asset pool.

At the same time, the other party held a one-fifth interest in a family property, which was intended to form part of his future inheritance. The matter required careful consideration of contributions, asset characterisation, and future entitlements; particularly given the length of the marriage and the complexity of the asset structure.


Our Strategy

Led by Luisa Gaetani, Partner and Accredited Family Law Specialist, our team undertook intensive negotiations to clearly establish the inheritance as a separate, quarantined asset.

Luisa strategically:

  • Demonstrated the inheritance’s distinct nature and timing

  • Prevented its inclusion in the divisible matrimonial pool

  • Negotiated a fair 50/50 division of joint relationship assets

  • Ensured the outcome reflected both legal principles and the client’s long-term financial security


The Result

✔️ 100% of the $750,000 inheritance protected
✔️ Equal division of joint assets
✔️ No portion of the inheritance awarded to the other party
✔️ Client able to confidently move forward with her next chapter

Our client was thrilled with the outcome and went on to purchase a beautiful apartment near the beach, marking a fresh start and financial independence.


Client Feedback

“You were amazing to deal with. Your dedication, time keeping and swiftness are admirable. You remained professional while also becoming a trusted ally.
I’ve purchased a beautiful apartment, one street back from the beach… my new beginning. Thank you again.”

Contact Luisa Gaetani
Lusia Gaetanit

Contact Luisa today to chat about your Criminal and Family Law matters.