Separation Checklist

Separating and divorcing can feel daunting and overwhelming, but at Happily Divorced Family Law Mediation, we’re here to support you through every step of the separation process. While every separation is unique, there are a few important steps that everyone should consider.

To help you get started, we recommend reviewing our separation checklist. It offers a clear outline of the key matters to plan for and action thoughtfully as you move forward.

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Step One:
Immediate actions

When you’ve made the decision to separate, taking some practical steps early on can help create stability and clarity. Here are six important actions to consider:

Update your passwords and logins
Secure your personal accounts, including email, banking, and cloud storage.
Gather key documents
Collect and store copies of important financial, legal, and personal documents in one safe, accessible place.
Open your own bank account
Establish a separate account in your name to manage your finances independently.
Plan a post-separation budget
Start thinking about what your day-to-day expenses will look like moving forward, and plan accordingly.
Prioritise your wellbeing
Your physical and mental health are vital—don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals or trusted people in your life.
Maintain respectful communication
Staying as amicable and cooperative as possible will ease the process and benefit any children involved.

Step Two: Pre-Separation

Taking time to prepare before formally separating can help reduce stress, minimise conflict, and create a more thoughtful path forward. Here are key steps to consider during this early stage:

Educate Yourself

Before initiating separation, take time to understand the different pathways available—whether that’s mediation, collaborative separation, or court. How you approach separation can significantly influence outcomes for both you and your children. Write down your questions and consider booking a free consultation with Happily Divorced Family Law Mediation to explore your options.

Seek Emotional Support

Separation is an emotional process. Your wellbeing matters—consider talking to a psychologist, counsellor, or divorce coach to process your feelings and gain clarity. Once you and your partner have a clear plan, you can share the news with family and loved ones.

Clarify Your Goals

Before discussing separation with your partner, reflect on what’s important to you. What outcomes do you hope for? What arrangements would feel fair and sustainable? Knowing your goals will help guide more constructive conversations and prepare you for potential challenges.

Develop a Parenting Plan

If children are involved, sit down with your partner to draft a practical parenting plan. Include routines, school arrangements, healthcare needs, extracurricular activities, and emotional support. Notify your children’s school of any changes and ensure their contact details are up to date. Happily Divorced Family Law Mediation can assist you in creating a parenting plan.

Talk to Your Children

Children often sense changes before they are formally told. Keep the conversation age-appropriate, honest, and reassuring. Let them know both parents are there for them. If needed, seek guidance from a child psychologist to support them through the transition.

Discuss Living Arrangements

Consider where each of you will live during and after separation. Sharing the same home can increase stress and conflict, so explore alternatives if possible.

Consider Your Pets

Family pets are often deeply valued. Decide who will care for them now and into the future, taking into account routines, space, and emotional bonds.

Prioritise Your Mental Health

Plan for your own emotional recovery. Set aside time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Managing separation takes energy—being kind to yourself will help you move forward with strength and clarity.

Step Three: Financial Affairs

Separation brings with it important financial considerations. Taking practical steps early can help ensure a smooth and fair transition to financial independence. Here are key actions to support your financial wellbeing:

Identify and Divide Assets

Create a detailed list of all assets and liabilities—individually and jointly held. Be sure to include property, savings, superannuation, debts, and even non-financial contributions made throughout the relationship. Understanding your shared financial position is the first step toward a fair and balanced settlement.

Seek Pre-Finance Approval

If you’re hoping to retain a property or refinance post-separation, contact your bank or mortgage broker early. Many institutions, offer services specifically for separating couples to assess borrowing capacity and refinance options.

Update Your Will

Separation is an ideal time to review and revise your will. Update your nominated power of attorney and beneficiaries to reflect your new circumstances. If you don’t already have a will in place, consider seeking legal advice to draft one.

Plan for Living Expenses

Review your current household expenses and establish a new personal budget for life post-separation. Gaining a clear understanding of your financial needs will help you make informed decisions moving forward.

Separate Bank Accounts

Ensure you have a private, individual bank account for income and expenses. This helps protect your financial independence and creates a clear picture of each party’s contributions. If you shared accounts previously, now is the time to review and adjust access.

Notify Your Employer

If your salary was previously deposited into a joint account, update your employer with your new account details to ensure payments are directed to your sole account.

Step Four: Personal Details

As you move forward with your separation, it’s important to ensure your personal information reflects your new circumstances. Making these changes will help protect your privacy and prevent administrative issues down the track.

Update Your Medical Information

Review your Medicare and private health insurance details. Update your contact information and review who is listed on your policy. It’s also a good time to ensure your emergency contact reflects your current situation.

Secure Your Online Accounts

For your privacy and peace of mind, change the passwords to your email, social media, and other online accounts. This includes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, streaming services, and any shared digital subscriptions.

Change of Address Notifications

If you’ve moved or plan to move, notify relevant institutions of your new address. This includes banks, utility providers, the ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, your driver’s licence, passport, electoral roll, medical providers, and insurance companies.
Tip: Set up mail forwarding with Australia Post to catch anything you may have missed.

Need Assistance?
At Happily Divorced, we help you resolve matters efficiently, respectfully, whilst protecting your dignity, allowing you to move forward with confidence into the next chapter of your life.

Phone: 0415 807 583
Email: hello@happilydivorced.com.au
Website: happilydivorced.com.au

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We offer confidential and supportive mediation to help separated couples resolve property settlements and children's arrangements. Our goal is to facilitate respectful communication, reduce conflict, and assist you in reaching practical, lasting agreements without going to court.

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0415 807 583

hello@happilydivorced.com.au

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