Important Legal Disclaimer

Please Read Carefully

FamilyLaw Assist provides general legal information only. The information provided through this application does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

By using this application, you acknowledge and agree that:

1.The information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Australian family law is complex and individual situations vary significantly.
2.This application is not a substitute for professional legal advice from a qualified Australian family lawyer or legal practitioner.
3.You should always seek independent legal advice before making any decisions about your legal rights, obligations, or proceedings.
4.No solicitor-client relationship is created by using this application. The developers and operators accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
5.Laws change frequently. While we strive for accuracy, information may not reflect the most recent legal developments or amendments.

If you are experiencing family violence or are in immediate danger, please contact 000 (Emergency) or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 support.

I understand that this application provides general legal information only, not legal advice, and I will seek professional legal counsel for my specific situation.

Relationship Guidance

If you're experiencing relationship difficulties and considering your options, this section helps you understand what's available before taking any legal steps.

Understanding Where You Are

Before making any decisions, it's important to honestly assess your situation. Not every relationship difficulty leads to separation, and not every separation leads to court.

Is This a Rough Patch or Something More?

Consider these questions honestly:

Do you feel safe in your relationship? (If no, skip to 'Get Help Now')

Have you both tried to address the issues through communication?

Are the problems recent or have they been building for years?

Is there willingness from both parties to work on the relationship?

Have you tried professional relationship counselling?

Are there children involved, and how are they being affected?

Is there substance abuse, gambling, or other addictive behaviour involved?

Do you feel controlled, manipulated, or diminished in the relationship?

The Stages of Relationship Breakdown

Dissatisfaction

One or both partners feel unhappy. Communication breaks down. Resentment builds. This stage can last years.

Erosion

Trust deteriorates. Emotional distance grows. Arguments become more frequent or, conversely, all communication stops. Parallel lives begin.

Detachment

Emotional disconnection. One or both partners mentally 'check out'. May begin planning separation privately.

Physical Separation

One partner leaves the home. This is often the most emotionally intense period. Children are most affected during this transition.

Legal Process

Formal steps begin — property division, parenting arrangements, possibly divorce. This can be done cooperatively or through the court system.

Recovery

Rebuilding individual lives. Processing grief. Establishing new routines. This stage takes 1-3 years on average.

Explore Your Legal Rights

Understand your rights in relationships and what the law says.

Estimate Potential Costs

Understand the financial implications before making decisions.