Separation can feel uncomfortable (circa 1941)
What is separation?
Separation occurs when you and your spouse or partner stop living together as a couple. You don’t need any official document to say that you have separated. Either or both of you may make the decision to separate, and tell the other person of that decision. One of you may then decide to move out of the home.
It is possible to be separated but still live in the same house.
This is actually called being separated “under the one roof”. Being separated this way will mean that, for example, you no longer sleep in the same bed and no longer have sex together. Additionally, it means you cook and eat separately and clean up after yourself. In essence, the two of you lead completely separate lives.
So, if you have this sort of separation where you are still sharing the same house, don’t be tempted to start doing your partner’s washing and ironing; or making them meals; or having an occasional ‘sexcapade’, because all these things are clearly NOT in the eyes of the court, what separated couples do. Got it?
I don’t think so (circa 1922)
The law is clear that a divorce order shall be made, if, and only if, the court is satisfied that the two of you separated and thereafter lived separately and apart (even if under the same roof) for a continuous period of not less than 12 months immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application for the divorce order.
However, the law states that if you were to separate and then restart your relationship for a few months and then separate again, the period you got back together won’t count towards the 12 month separation period. So you will have to stay separated for an additional few months to meet the 12 month requirement to get your divorce.
Who to advise when separating
You may need to tell others that you and your spouse or partner have separated.
For example, Centrelink, if you receive benefits already or if you need financial assistance. You might also need to talk to the Child Support Agency if you have children living with you, as you might be entitled to child support from your husband, wife or partner.
You may also wish to consider notifying someone at your children’s school about the separation. Schools can often provide additional support to your kids if they understand there’s a change in your relationship.
Although you may want to have as little to do with your spouse or partner at the time of separating, it is important you both organise a few things. Try and sit down and as calmly as possible, work out what to do with the children; your shared financial commitments; and your living arrangements.
For example, with the kids:
♥ How and when will you talk to your kids about the separation?
♥ Who will the kids live with and how will they be cared for and supported, both financially and emotionally? It’s on this point you both should get advice from the Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321 on drawing up a parenting plan.
The above two questions are really important because kids are so sensitive about separation and divorce and they often endure much sadness in silence. Let them know what is happening, encourage their feedback and respect and act on it where it is possible. If you both can work out arrangements that don’t upset your children’s home environment and regular routines you will be going a long way to helping them cope.
And in 95% of cases they love both of you, so don’t make each other out to be the devil.
♥ Does one of you move out, or do you try the separated “under one roof” scenario? Here, you should assess whether either of you can afford to move to another place.
♥ How are the various ongoing bills such as the mortgage, home maintenance, food, utilities and school related expenses going to be paid?
♥ Do you really want a bill in both your names if only one of you is using a service? (eg. phone)
♥ What happens to joint accounts you and your spouse or partner have? If wages are being paid into them, is it wise to allow this to continue? Talk to your bank about rearranging this. And don’t forget any jointly held credit and store cards.
♥ What happens to things you might share like cars and household items?
♥ If you’re joint tenants of your property you may want to think about getting a simple caveat (in this case, a legal order lodged on the title which stops the property being sold or further mortgaged) to insure that no sneaky additional mortgages/loans are taken on the property by your spouse or partner.
♥ Should either of your names on any insurance policies be changed? And don’t forget policies where your spouse/partner is the beneficiary, you may not want that anymore.
Working these things out and getting a temporary agreement can create some certainty and relieve much stress over the course of your separation period. And if you believe you’re going to need some help in organising this, whether it’s because your spouse or partner is going to be difficult or because you just want to work with a neutral third party, then the skilled staff at the Family Relationship Centres can help. They’re really good at helping people move forward towards not just an agreement, but your lives.
Call them on 1800 050 321 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 10am-4pm)
or visit Family Relationships Online
Other things to consider…
♦ Make sure you have (and will continue to have) access to any funds in joint accounts – and if you’re worried about this, consider withdrawing funds and setting them aside in an account which only you can access. You may even want to discuss closing the accounts and splitting the proceeds.
♦ If you’re the one moving out, take your personal documents (passport/identification documents and your personal financial records etc).
♦ And don’t forget your personal effects (clothes, sentimental items, photos, and personal devices like laptops and phones etc). There might be a lot of stuff involved, so be organised in gathering your things. It is not wise to leave things behind believing that it will be easy to retrieve them later.
♦ If you’re the one staying, and you would like to keep the property as part of your future settlement, make sure the property and grounds are well maintained.
♦ Changing your will. You always need to do this when you divorce as a Certificate of Divorce invalidates any Will you made during your marriage. However, as you’re now separating…Do you really want your not so loved one getting everything if you get hit by a bus before the divorce is finalised?
♦ Redirecting your mail.
♦ Does your partner know your PIN numbers of anything? Then it’s time to change them.
Get me out of here (Circa 1988)
Here’s a helpful brochure written by the Family Court that includes information about:
◊ The social and legal effects of separation.
◊ The services provided to families by the Family Court and the Federal Circuit Court
and also by government, community and other agencies.
◊ The steps involved in court proceedings.
You’re not alone… there are people ready to listen to you and help.
Counselling and support services
| Name | Phone number | What they’re all about |
|---|---|---|
| 1800 RESPECT | 1800 737 732 | National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling service |
| beyondblue | 1300 224 636 | Provides information on depression, anxiety and related alcohol and drug problems, available treatment and where to get help |
| Child Abuse Prevention Service | 1800 688 009 | Friendly telephone support workers offer information, referral and ongoing support to those affected by child abuse, concerned about the welfare of a child, or needing family or parenting support |
| Family Relationships | 1800 050 321 | Provides all families, whether together or separated with access to information about family relationship issues, ranging from building better relationships to dispute resolution |
| Financial Counselling Australia | 1800 007 007 | An organisation that can help with the organising of budgeting and financial things relating to separation |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800 | Professional counsellors provide free and confidential counselling for young people aged between 5 and 25 dealing with separation and divorce |
| Lifeline | 131 114 | Trained volunteers provide free telephone counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Mensline Australia | 1300 789 978 | Provides a free, 24 hour phone support service for men with relationship and family concerns |
State Legal Aid offices
If you need legal assistance but have limited means, give Legal Aid a call:
ACT 1300 654 314
New South Wales 1300 888 529
Northern Territory 1800 019 343
Queensland 1300 651 188
South Australia 1300 366 424
Tasmania 1300 366 611
Victoria 1300 792 387
Western Australia 1300 650 579
