When a couple decides they want to separate, many decisions need to be made.<\/p>\n
Some of the practical issues to be resolved as part of a separation include:<\/p>\n
Couples also have to deal with the responses that their children, parents, extended family and friends have to the separation.<\/p>\n
As separation involves making changes to many aspects of their lives, most people find the journey to a new life, home and relationship is hard, even if the parties have agreed on the need to separate and are being cooperative.<\/p>\n
You can get free information and advice from the following:<\/p>\n
The most common areas of difference and conflict following separation\u00a0 are disagreements about care of the children and sharing of property.<\/p>\n
Under current family law, there is a presumption of equal shared parental responsibility except in cases involving violence or child abuse.\u00a0 This does not necessarily mean a 50\/50 time split – arrangements will depend on what is practicable and in the best interests of the child.<\/p>\n
As an alternative to resolving parenting disputes via legal means, Relationships Australia offers a Family Dispute Resolution service (now compulsory in cases not involving violence or child abuse) for couples in conflict over issues such as child contact. \u00a0Family Dispute Resolution provides clients with a safe, supportive atmosphere and a method of talking to one another, to assist them to sort out the issues and come up with acceptable solutions.<\/p>\n
Relationships Australia has staff who have been trained to involve children in this process.\u00a0 Understanding how children feel and have been affected by separation often helps parents think and arrive at solutions that are in the best interests of the children.<\/p>\n
Relationships Australia staff are also able to assist couple to resolve their differences over sharing property. The more amicably and calmly this can be done, the more there is to share.<\/p>\n
Family dispute resolution is a voluntary process, and the decisions made are not legally binding. Everyone gets the opportunity to express his or her own point of view and is free to talk about issues of concern, with everyone present. Participants must be willing to listen to the other party and be genuinely willing to negotiate, compromise and commit to reaching a solution.<\/p>\n
If you are separated and want to apply to the Family Law Courts for a parenting order, you will need a certificate from a registered family dispute resolution practitioner to confirm that an attempt at family dispute resolution was made.<\/p>\n
To find your nearest Relationships Australia family dispute resolution service view our list of office locations<\/a> and Family Relationships Centres\u00a0or phone us on 1300 364 277.<\/p>\n There are some exceptions to the requirement for a certificate, including cases involving family violence or child abuse.\u00a0 For more information visit the Australian Government’s Family Relationships Online website at www.familyrelationships.gov.au<\/a> or call the Family Relationships Advice Line on 1800 050 321.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Family Relationship Centres<\/a> provide information and confidential assistance for families at all stages in their lives.<\/p>\n Centres have a focus on providing family dispute resolution (mediation) to enable separating families achieve workable parenting arrangements outside the Court system.<\/p>\n Counselling<\/a> can assist individuals, couples and families end relationships in a way that minimises hurt and allows for respectful ongoing communication.<\/p>\n Family Dispute Resolution<\/strong><\/a>: assists parents to resolve conflict that affects children and to help them make appropriate arrangements for the care of children after separation including parenting plans. Depending on their age and situation, children can be interviewed by specially-trained staff to find out how the separation process is affecting them and what their wishes are.<\/p>\n Children’s Contact Service<\/a> makes it possible for contact arrangements to take place with a minimum of stress both for children and their parents.\u00a0 Children’s Contact Services provides a safe child-focussed environment in which children can be handed from one parent to the other without the parents meeting.\u00a0 In some situations, under court orders or with the agreement of both parents, a parent can spend time with his\/her children under supervision at the service location.<\/p>\n Relationships Australia also offers Relationship Courses<\/a> and Family Skills Courses<\/a> that may be useful for parents at this time. These courses are available in each Australian state and territory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Relationships Australia has published free booklets to help men and women who are going through separation and divorce. The booklets have been written to:<\/p>\n You can download booklets and other resources now:<\/p>\n Share the Care<\/a><\/strong> (children)<\/p>\n A Fair Share<\/a><\/strong> (property)<\/p>\n Women and Separation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Men and Separation<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\nRelationships Australia offers various forms of support:<\/h2>\n
Family Relationships Centres<\/a><\/h3>\n
Counselling<\/a><\/h3>\n
Family Dispute Resolution<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Children’s Contact Service<\/a><\/h3>\n
\nUseful information to download<\/h3>\n
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