When people separate they often don’t know where to start. That’s generally because there is no perfect starting point. There is no tried and tested way of leaving a relationship or marriage, your separation/divorce will be as unique as your relationship is. However, getting some basic legal advice about your specific circumstances and then meeting with a mediator to discuss together the next steps, seems to work really well for some couples.

Relationships Australia offers a mediation service that is free for many couples or charges on a sliding scale in some instances. The reason we suggest getting some basic legal advice first is simply so that you give yourself the best chance of reaching an agreement that you will stick with We often see clients who have reached an agreement in mediation which cannot be formalised because they have not considered certain issues, such as how capital gains tax will be treated, incorrect valuation of assets, superannuation hasn’t been considered appropriately or the parties are just not aware of different options available.

However, choosing who to get this advice from will set the scene for your approach to negotiation, so choose wisely. Are they setting you up to be focussed on your personal position at the expense of your partner and family, or are they encouraging you to consider the interests and perspectives of everyone involved and how to maintain a working co-parenting relationship?

https://www.relationshipsvictoria.com.au/courses/relationship-education/category/4

Some people don’t know that Relationships Australia also offer public course for couples considering marriage or commitment. Preparing for conflict in a relationship is so much more important than choosing a wedding cake, yet it is given scant attention. Your relationship is the part of your life that everything else hangs off, and even if you separate, if there are children, your relationship will need to endure in some form or other, for the rest of your life. Investing in along the way will pay off tenfold, not just for you but your children too.

https://www.relationshipsvictoria.com.au/courses/relationship-education/category/10