PLEASE NOTE, RYAN CARLISLE THOMAS NO LONGER OFFERS FAMILY LAW SERVICES. FOR REFERRAL INFORMATION, CONTACT THE LAW INSTITUTE OF VICTORIA. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

The moment you and your partner agree that your relationship has come to an end marks the start of separation. Going through a separation with a spouse or partner is a significant life change, often accompanied by feelings of grief, anger, and sadness. During this challenging time, having a support system around you is crucial.

Obtaining legal advice is essential to navigate the various issues that arise after a separation, such as determining custody arrangements for children, deciding who will remain in the house, and addressing joint bank accounts, assets, and debts. Our aim is to provide you with the necessary knowledge to address these questions.

Trial separations

Some couples might choose to have a trial separation before determining if their relationship is truly over. A trial separation is a period during which a couple decides to live apart and spend time away from each other, while still technically remaining married or in a committed relationship. It is an informal arrangement aimed at giving both partners space and time to assess their feelings, work through issues, and determine if they want to continue the relationship or proceed with a permanent separation or divorce. In such cases, seeking legal advice about your rights and responsibilities is vital. Even if you are only contemplating separation, understanding the division of assets and liabilities is important.

Separation under one roof

In certain situations, parties may opt for separation while continuing to live together, either to work through relationship issues or due to financial constraints. In such cases as well, legal advice can prove beneficial when understanding the implications of such an arrangement.

Knowledge is power, and the more you understand the legal implications of separation, the better prepared you will be if you decide to separate permanently. If there are children involved, seeking legal advice regarding their ongoing care and custody will ensure you are aware of your rights and entitlements in case of a permanent separation.