FAQs
Understanding the Process
Separation is a period of living apart while still legally married. Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage.
A lawyer isn't always necessary during separation. However, we strongly recommend consulting a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options, especially if you have children or complex assets and do not have an amicable separation.
Yes, there are Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options such as Collaborative law for separating couples. This is a more cost effective process where both partners and their collaboratively trained lawyers work together outside of court to find solutions that meet everyone's needs. A negotiation mindset is critical, and there are clauses with this option. Additionally, parents can seek child-inclusive or child-focused mediation to help with the separation. These forms of mediation help parents to focus on the needs of their children.
There is no set timeframe for separation. It can be a temporary period of reflection or a stepping stone towards financial settlement and divorce.
A DIY legal separation is a process by which a couple navigates the legal dissolution of their marriage without hiring a lawyer. We recommend separating couples seek qualified financial and legal advice before taking this approach. Simplify can support your through your DIY legal separation process.
Co-parenting and Children
Prioritising your children's well-being is critical. It is important to foster open communication, mutual respect, and cooperation with your co-parent. Strategies such as a co-parenting plan and attending co-parenting counselling ensures your children are a priority.
Children of parents who are separating or divorcing report that they do not feel heard, are not asked for input into their needs and wants, and often feel excluded from decision-making. Watch for signs of distress in your children. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in a child's mental health and overall well-being. There are many options available.
We acknowledge the difficulty of talking to children about separation. It is important to provide loving reassurance, address their emotional needs, and keep age-appropriate communication open and honest. There are many effective strategies which include using clear, simple language they can understand, lovingly reassure them that it's not their fault, and maintain regular routines and schedules as much as possible to provide stability.
Financial Concerns
It is important to create a realistic budget that outlines your income and expenses for both you and your ex-partner, understand your financial obligations, and explore options for dividing assets. Simplify can provide you with the right support so you feel financially empowered.
Consider consulting a qualified and experienced financial advisor specialising in separation and divorce to assist with asset valuation, division, and creating a pre and post-separation financial plan.
Collect bank and superannuation statements, tax returns, and investment records to gain a clear picture of your overall financial situation. If you do not have access to online banking, you can attend your bank in person to ask for statements of accounts in your name.
Emotional Wellbeing
Separation can be emotionally draining and overwhelming. It is important to identify and validate your feelings in a healthy way. Techniques like journalling, relaxation exercises, and talking to trusted friends or family can help you navigate this challenging time.
Self-care is crucial for staying resilient, and to heal. Prioritise activities you enjoy, like spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or simply getting enough sleep. Ensure you visit your GP who can support your physical, emotional, and mental health.
While acknowledging the challenges, there are opportunities for growth and self-discovery that can emerge from separation. These silver linings include building resilience, self-reflection, and the chance to reimagine your future with optimism.
It is critical to have a strong support network where possible. This can be many or a select few. We suggest reaching out to loved ones, joining support groups (online or in-person), or seeking professional support from your GP, a Psychologist, Counsellor and/or Divorce Coach / Separation Specialist.
Simplify's Approach
We offer a non-legal holistic, practical, and strategic approach which encompasses support for the above FAQ’s. We provide emotional support, coaching, and logistical guidance, all tailored to your unique needs. We are excited to be a part of the changing face of family law where kindness and collaboration is encouraged.
Yes, we offer a variety of tailored packages to fit your needs, budget, and situation.
Contact us today via the Simplify website (www.simplifyseparationdivorce.com.au), any of our social media pages, or email directly, andrea@simplifyseparationdivorce.com.au to schedule a no-cost strategy call and discuss your specific situation. We're here to help you navigate separation with clarity, kindness, confidence, and support.
The benefits of working with a divorce coach and separation specialist include gaining clarity on your goals, developing coping and communication strategies, advocacy at lawyer and accountant meetings, support at mediation and court, and navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of separation.
This includes but is certainly not limited to guidance to source accommodation and re-location logistics, budgeting support, childcare, and responding to legal correspondence, and how to communicate with your ex and their extended family, and your mutual friends. Our services are tailored to your exact needs, with no stone unturned ensuring you are empowered and confident to plan and move towards your bright future.
Yes, our services are available nationally and internationally. At Simplify Separation & Divorce, we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture and passionately support the LGBTQA+ community, CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities, people with disabilities, and any associated organisations. We are committed to providing accessible and compassionate support to all individuals, regardless of their background or location. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the resources and guidance they need to navigate their separation and divorce journey with confidence and care.