Glossary

A lawyer who holds a current practising certificate issued by the Victorian Legal Services Boardand has been admitted to the Bar. A barrister’s main role is to represent clients in court. They usually workclosely with a solicitor and have limited contact with a client. A barrister can provide advice on strategy andcomplex legal issues, if requested by the solicitor and client. Also referred to as “Counsel”.

the place where the judge, registrar or magistrate sit. Can be used to describe the judicial officer,for example, “a decision by the Bench”.

Commonly referred to as a binding financial agreement, sometimes referred to as a pre-nup or cohabitation agreement, but correctly called a Financial Agreement, sets out the way some or all of a couple’s assets will be divided in the event of separation. These agreements can also deal with spousal maintenance.