Your pathway

I may separate

Explore support and choices before making a decision. You do not need to have left a relationship to seek information.

Consider safety and private contact first
If a partner monitors you or you feel unsafe, use a safer device where possible and seek specialist advice before making visible account changes. You do not have to confront a partner or decide to leave to ask for help.
Read the guide: Safer browsing and private support
Understand the separate legal processes
Parenting arrangements, property settlement and divorce are different. Get advice about children, the home and relevant time limits before signing agreements or moving.
Read the guide: Family law when a relationship ends
Explore possible income support
Ask Services Australia about support for your circumstances. Do not report a future separation as though it has already happened. Living separately under one roof requires agency assessment.
Read the guide: Parenting Payment and income support
Check housing and children's needs
Ask about your tenancy or mortgage, school costs and childcare. State rules and service catchments can differ. Get legal advice before ending a lease or moving children.
Read the guide: Housing, renting and moving
Prepare questions and safe records
Where safe, identify important documents and linked records. Ask how to protect personal details before updating them. You can seek advice even if documents are inaccessible.
Read the guide: Update records after separation

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

Consider safety and private contact first