Separation or divorce can turn life upside down. Along with the emotional impact, there may be changes to your home, finances, family relationships, routines and plans for the future. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated or uncertain during this time.

You don’t have to manage it alone

Everyone experiences separation differently, and there is no “right” way to cope. Having people around you can make a real difference. Talk to trusted family or friends, seek professional support, and give yourself time to adjust.

Looking after the basics can also help. Try to maintain regular sleep, healthy meals and some physical activity. Keep a daily routine where possible and make time for activities you enjoy. Most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself.

Know when you need extra support

Stress is a normal response to major life changes, but ongoing stress can affect your mental health. If you are constantly having trouble sleeping, feeling anxious or irritable, struggling to concentrate, feeling overwhelmed or becoming easily frustrated, it may be time to seek additional support.

There are services available to help with mental health, relationships, parenting, finances and family violence.

Help is available

For crisis and mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline. You can also find information and support through Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute's myCompass self-help program.

For relationship and separation support, Family Relationships Online and Relationships Australia provide information, counselling and support services.

Young people can access support through headspace, Kids Helpline and ReachOut.

If separation is creating financial difficulties, MoneySmart provides information about free and confidential financial counselling.

If family or domestic violence is involved, support is available through 1800RESPECT. If you are concerned about your immediate safety, contact the police.

Focus on you. Leave the legal work to us.

During separation, you have enough to deal with emotionally and practically. Look after your mental health, take care of yourself and your family, and leave the legal aspects to us to handle for you. Our role is to guide you through the legal process, explain your options and help take some of the stress out of what can be a difficult time.

You focus on moving forward. Let us take care of the legal side.