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Quick tips – a Guide to Separation

10 October 2022

So, you and your spouse have decided to separate – what comes next?

The first thing you should do is make a plan, even if the split is amicable.

Here’s our “quick tips” on what to do if you have just separated.

  1. Start a diary. Take notes and keep everything that happens between the two of you written down.
  2. Change your passwords. For everything! Banking, social media, phones, online government services; you name it, change it. Right now.
  3. Take your valuable items and put them somewhere safe. Maybe a friend or family member could store them for you.
  4. Open a new, separate bank account.
  5. Consider if you should stop any automatic joint payments.
  6. Update your Will and revoke any power of attorney arrangements you have had in place.
  7. If it’s safe to do so, start negotiating with your ex-partner. Talk about where you and any children or pets are going to live, how you’re going to divide your finances. And don’t forget tip number one – take notes of all the negotiations.
  8. If the other party has moved out, consider changing the locks.
  9. If you’re the one who is moving out, consider removing your name from any utility accounts – electricity, water, internet, or council rates.
  10. Contact your child’s school and let them know what’s happening at home.
  11. If you have children, be aware that both parents must provide financially for your child.
  12. Contact Centrelink and let them know your change of circumstances.
  13. Domestic violence has a broad definition, it is much more than physical violence, it includes harassment, intimidation and emotional and financial abuse. Any form of domestic violence is unacceptable.
  14. Look after yourself; if you need emotional and mental health help, speak with a counsellor.
  15. Get your own specialist Family Law advice, don’t follow the experience of others. If you have an agreement, look at how that might be documented. At the least, develop a plan for moving forward.

Would you like more details? Contact Michael Lynch Family Lawyers on: (07) 3221 4300 or email: [email protected] Our team of family law experts are here to guide you through this time in your life.

Image of direction signs accompanying family law article "Quick tips – a Guide to Separation"
2022-10-12T14:47:24+10:00

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