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Single Parent PathSearch

Legal and safety

Safer browsing and private support

Explore your options when another person may monitor your devices, money or contact.

You can explore options before deciding

You may be considering separation, worried about a partner's reaction, or already separated and concerned about monitoring. You can learn about support without committing to leave or contacting your partner.

If there is immediate danger, call 000. For specialist domestic, family or sexual violence support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or use its online support from a device and setting that are safer for you. A worker can help you choose a next step that fits your risks.

Start with the device and the way you contact help

A person with access to your phone, accounts or shared cloud services may see browsing, messages, location information or changes. If possible, consider a device they cannot access, such as one available through a trusted person or support service.

Before changing passwords, leaving shared accounts or installing a new app, get advice about possible alerts and reactions. No browser setting guarantees anonymity. Calls, bills, messages, callbacks and downloaded files can also leave traces. Tell a service which contact methods and times are safe.

Work through practical questions at your own pace

You can consider where you and the children might live, daily costs, work, childcare and support needs. Look at payment information as a starting point. A payment is not guaranteed, and an agency needs your actual circumstances to assess a claim.

If safe, make a rough budget and identify which documents you can access. You do not need to search for documents in a way that puts you at risk. Financial counselling is free and independent through the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

Get advice before changes with legal or safety consequences

Ask a lawyer about children, property, debts, agreements and possible time limits. If you fear the other person, say so when arranging help. Do not assume that joint mediation, partner contact or moving a child is the right next step.

If agency records are linked, ask about safely separating them before updating sensitive details. Find out whether another person could be notified. Exploring options is different from reporting an actual separation.

This page has no saved-progress option

You can read this guide without entering personal details. This pathway does not offer saved checklist progress. Your browser, device, network or hosting services may still keep records of access.

The quick-exit control changes the page you see; it does not erase history or prevent monitoring. Only print, download or keep notes if doing so is safe. A specialist can help you decide whether keeping a record would be useful and where it could be stored safely.

Your next step

Use the official links above, or find local services in your state.

Sources for this guide

Related guides

Wording reviewed 5 October 2026. Numerical rules have separate verification dates on Sources and updates.