I have been following this dialogue quite closely and now reluctantly accept that I will be joining those whose relationships have broken down due to the impact of UM. Living in Victoria I feel quite isolated to those most affected in NNSW so this forum has been of some comfort as I know that I am not alone. I am experiencing all of the symptoms of this disease. My partner has now fully committed to the doctrine of this group, only listening to their music, reading their texts, following the recommended diet, weird shapes around the house, eye pillows etc...Most disturbing we now have separate sleeping quarters and she seems to be in almost a comatose state, I am unable to communicate with this person. Certainly not the person I first met. In accepting a separating is imminent I now need to consider the logistics of her departure whereby we have a 6 year old girl who loves listening to Chris James music (which is a permanent fixture in our car CD player) and how I will retain access to her based on the fact that I have a drinking problem...apparently. 4-5 glasses of wine per week is unacceptable in my partners view. I also own a property outright which I owned before meeting my partner. A friend who directed me to this forum also experienced a separation due to UM a couple of years ago has already forfeited half of his assets to his ex partner and believes that the money has been in part donated to the group. In saying all this I am not looking for advice as to how I can save my relationship but more to understand what anyone can recommend with respect to my daughters welfare, combating claims that I have a drinking problem, how that may affect the court proceeding in terms of access to my daughter and any way that I can protect my assets from this group....all advice welcome.

Dear Thomas, do not communicate on any venue or blog where there is the slightest risk that you could be recognized.

Your top priority should be to find a solicitor/barrister who understands spousal estrangement situations brought about by high demand groups or fanatical churches.

Do NOT under any circumstances allow anyone to persuade you to become a public presence in the media until you get advice from an attorney.

A lot of people are quite angry at UM for the wreckage it has brought to their relationships and friendships; but you have to keep a cool head to do well in court and especially to protect your daughter.

Dont become human cannon fodder in a public campaign against UM. Get counsel from a legal advisor before doing anything else.

Blogs are an iffy matter because its hard to know whether the owner of a blog has legal resources to protect user confidentiality in case UM takes them to court.

Privacy is valuable and cannot be appreciated until it is lost. Again, find a legal advisor and do not let anyone pressurize or guilt trip you into going public.

Keep your dignity in all circumstances so you can do your best in court.

I am an Australian resident.

Quote:

"I also own a property outright which I owned before meeting my partner."

"A friend who directed me to this forum also experienced a separation due to UM a couple of years ago has already forfeited half of his assets to his ex partner and believes that the money has been in part donated to the group."

The division of assets are determined by The Family Court of Australia under Family Law legislation. Each case is determined on its merits and circumstances. To claim a portion of the assets both partners have to legally prove their contribution to the property and ongoing maintenance.

The Family Court of Australia:

[www.familycourt.gov.au]

The Family Court of Australia, through its specialist judges and staff, assists Australians to resolve their most complex legal family disputes. The Family Court is a superior court of record established by Parliament in 1975 under Chapter 3 of the Constitution. It commenced operations on 5 January 1976 and consists of a Chief Justice, a Deputy Chief Justice and other judges. The Court maintains registries in all Australian states and territories except Western Australia. The Court’s goal is to deliver excellence in service for children, families and parties through effective judicial and non-judicial processes and high-quality and timely judgments while respecting the needs of separating families.

Log onto the site, download a copy of the legislation and court rulings.

Family Law is complex. Seek professional legal advice from a solicitor that is proficient in the Family Law Legislation and practices as a family law solicitor.

DO NOT use the services of a general solicitor, they DO NOT possess the knowledge or skills.

DO NOT discuss your personal circumstances on any forum.

DO NOT walk into a solicitor's office without carrying out any research. It will cost you between $1000 and $2000 for basic legal advice that you can easily obtain from The Family Court of Australia web site.