Separation checklist

First, look after yourself

Before anything practical — you matter, and so does anyone at risk.

• Make sure you and the children are safe right now
• Tell one or two people you trust what's happening
• Book a GP or counsellor if you're not coping — that's sensible, not weak
• Keep a private, factual note of important events and dates

Gather your key documents

• Photo ID, passports, Medicare and birth certificates
• Marriage certificate (and any prenup or financial agreement)
• The last 2–3 years of tax returns and recent payslips
• Bank, credit card and loan statements — yours, joint, and any you can access
• Superannuation statements for both of you
• Property papers — title, mortgage, rates notices, or any lease
• Insurance policies (home, car, life, health)
• Your current will and any power of attorney

Money and accounts

• Write down everything owned and owed (assets and debts), even roughly
• Note which accounts are joint and which are in one name
• Change passwords and PINs on your personal accounts
• Open your own bank account if you don't already have one
• Be careful with joint accounts — get advice before moving large sums
• Check your Centrelink / Services Australia entitlements

If you have children

• Keep their routine as steady as you can
• Write down the current living and time-with-each-parent arrangements
• Save school, childcare and doctor contact details
• Keep the kids out of the middle — don't ask them to choose or carry messages

Practical and digital safety

• Note the date you separated — it matters for time limits
• Update passwords, turn on two-factor, and check shared devices and location sharing
• Redirect your mail if you move out
• Take photos or a simple inventory of valuable belongings

Your legal next steps

• Book a free, no-obligation consultation to understand where you stand
• Learn the difference between consent orders and a financial agreement
• Note the time limits — 12 months after a divorce, or 2 years after a de facto separation, for property
• Don't sign anything under pressure — get advice first
• Get advice before moving out or withdrawing significant funds