How to separate can feel like an overwhelming decision when faced with the reality of a changing family dynamic. Taking the right steps early on is crucial to protect your interests, secure your future, and avoid common mistakes. At Lander Solicitors Queensland, we’re here to guide you through this challenging process with expertise, compassion, and practical solutions.
Here’s what you need to know about the early steps of separation and how we can assist you.
How to separate: first steps in the separation process
The first step in separation is preparation. These steps are essential to protect your interests and set the foundation for a smoother separation process.
While every situation is unique, there are practical considerations to ensure you’re set up for the next chapter:
- Speak with a family lawyer to help you weigh up your options and make informed decisions.
- Open your own bank accounts and ensure joint accounts are secure.
- Update your superannuation beneficiary and make sure your financial assets are safe.
- Change your will, email address, and passwords especially if you’ve been receiving legal advice via email.
- Decide whether to stay or move out. Keep in mind that once you’re out, you’re out. If you’re leaving, think about where you’ll go and how you’ll afford it.
How not to separate: common mistakes to avoid
It’s natural to feel conflicted in the early days of separation, but certain missteps can make the process more challenging:
- Avoid giving everything away. Hoping for reconciliation giving up assets or agreements can leave you vulnerable.
- Avoid unnecessary arguments. Heated exchanges can escalate into legal issues, including Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs). Take a step back and focus on constructive communication.
Co-parenting: decisions about the children
For most, this is the most difficult part of the separation process. It’s important to remember that you’ll both continue to be involved in your children’s lives. Respect and cooperation go a long way toward creating a stable environment for them.
How to separate finances
Disentangling finances is necessary to move forward. Joint accounts can be managed in several ways depending on the level of trust and agreement.
If both parties agree upon a split, funds can be divided amicably. If there is mistrust, funds can be moved to a solicitor’s trust account, and the joint account can be closed until assets are divided by the Court.
Our legal team can guide you through this process, ensuring your financial interests are protected.
For expert guidance through the separation process, choose Lander Solicitors
Separation is tough, but with the right support, it’s also an opportunity to start fresh. At Lander Solicitors Queensland, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way, offering reassurance and legal guidance when you need it most. If you’re ready to take the first steps toward a new chapter, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
DISCLAIMER – The information provided in this blog is general and does not consider your individual legal needs or objectives. It does not constitute personal advice and is for informational purposes only. We recommend seeking out professional and independent legal advice from a qualified Australian lawyer to advise on your individual situation before acting on any information contained below. Lander Solicitors Queensland accepts no express or implied liability for negligence or contractually for reliance on any information provided. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
