You and your ex-partner don’t have to do anything formal when you separate. You can sort out most things yourselves if your relationship ends. The Family Court can help by formalising your agreements, if you want.

If you and your ex-partner can’t agree, the Family Court can make some decisions for you.

  • Separation agreements & orders

    It can be helpful to have a separation agreement to help avoid misunderstandings about what you and your ex-partner have agreed. The Family Court can make a Separation Order to formalise your agreement or to make some decisions for you, if you and your ex-partner can’t agree.

  • Apply for a divorce

    You can ask the Family Court for a Dissolution Order (divorce) if both of you want to divorce or if only one of you wants to divorce. 'Dissolving a marriage or civil union’ is the legal term for divorce.

  • Divide relationship property

    You will need to divide your relationship property when you separate or divorce. If you and your ex-partner can’t agree, the Family Court can help you.

  • Other things to consider when you separate or divorce

    Other things to consider when you separate or divorce.

This page was last updated:

 
Share