Separation Checklist

Much of the information on this page is supplied by moneysmart.gov.au

Surround yourself with support

• Check out our mums, dads and grandparents support and our (open everyday) helpline on 1300 853437

• Everything we do is FREE, confidential and parent friendly

• All of our team are lived experience peers meaning, we get it and know what you'll need

Organise Important Documentation

To understand what you own together, start by gathering and sorting all your documents. 

Include your:

• marriage certificate

• birth certificate

• passport

• bank and super statements

• insurance policies (health, home and contents, car, income protection and life)

• tax records (tax returns and tax file number)

• car registration

• bank account, credit card or store card statements

• loan statements

• utility bills (electricity, gas, water, phone and internet)

• property documents (lease, deeds, mortgage documents)

• superannuation account statements

• investment statements (for example, managed funds, share dividends)

• government benefit documents

Record the date you separated

• You need to have been separated for a year before you can apply for a divorce.

Create a family profile

• Put together notes for your lawyer about you, your ex and your family. Include full names, contact details, employers and salaries.

Make sure you're secure

• Change the password on your email account and set up two factor authentication.

• If you need a secure location for your mail, set up a PO Box.

Update your accounts, will and super

Once you have all your documents, start separating your money.

• Open a separate bank account in your name (for your income).

• Change your PIN and online banking passwords.

• Close joint bank accounts.

• Cancel joint credit cards.

• Cancel any overdraw facilities on accounts.

• Remove your name from agreements, loans and bills that aren't a joint responsibility.

• Update all your insurance policies.

• If you're renting, update your lease contract.

• Update your super and make sure the payout goes to who you want.

• Update your will and powers of attorney.

Sort out your mortgage

Work out how you'll make mortgage repayments until your property is settled.

• Notify your lender: Let your lender know that you've separated.

• Cancel redraw: Cancel your home loan redraw facility or ask the bank to get both signatures for a withdrawal.

• Plan your repayments: Work out a plan to cover mortgage repayments until you've finalised the property settlement.

• Legal protection: If your home is only in your ex's name, talk to your lawyer about whether you need to protect the property with a caveat

Manage your income and expenses

Separating can mean that your income changes considerably.

• Do a budget: Work out your income and expenses using the budget planner (include all debts you are responsible for).

• Government payments: Talk to Services Australia to find out whether you're entitled to government payments and services.

• Spousal maintenance: Ask your lawyer if your former partner should support you financially.

• Get help with debts: If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your loan repayments or bills, talk to a financial counsellor. It's a free and confidential service to help you get your money back on track.

Decide how to care for your children

Work out care arrangements for your children.

• Agree on how to pay for school expenses: Work out how education costs will be divided.

• Get advice on parenting arrangements: Call our helpline on 1300853437.

• Make a parenting plan: How to make a parenting plan.

• Notify your school: Update your contact details and give the school a copy of any parenting agreement or order.

• Child support: Contact Services Australia to find out about child support or try independent expert Negotiated Outcomes. 

• Government payments: Visit the Services Australia website to find out if you’re eligible for government payments for separated parents.