Pre-separation advice
If you have made the decision to separate from your spouse/partner there are some things you may want to consider doing before separation to put yourself in the best possible position that you can. As with most things in life, prevention is better than a cure and therefore a lot of things can be done, even before separation, to reduce the likelihood of time consuming, expensive and uncertain litigation. Importantly, steps can be taken to ensure your interim financial security, including accommodation arrangements, before you communicate your decision to your partner to separate and before you leave the matrimonial/relationship home.
When you tell your spouse/partner that the relationship is over, you may not have the choice, time or ability to take preventative measures for the financial support of yourself and any children of the relationship, particularly in the event you are not the breadwinner of the relationship. By taking early action before you separate you may be able to save yourself a lot of time, and expense, that you may not otherwise be able to achieve after separation.
Useful factsheets:
After separation - Consent Orders v Financial Agreements
Court Proceedings in Federal Magistrates Court