So many things need your attention during separation – it all adds up. Many people tell us that they find it useful to have a systematic approach during this tough time.

What is The Separation Guide Support Hub?

We’ve created a Support Hub platform as a central location to step you through your separation. Your Support Hub is a comprehensive resource centre that provides step-by-step checklists, tools and information and connects you to ethical, trusted professionals. It’s all in one place so you have peace of mind that you know what to do and you can move at a pace that suits you.

We understand that separation touches many parts of your life. Finding a path through the maze and knowing what to do next isn’t easy. We’ve taken great care to streamline the tasks in separation, making it easy to access everything you need.

Key features of your Support Hub

Your personal pathway: We’ve tailored your plan to suit you based on the information you gave us in your Q&A.
Centralised information: The Support Hub is your one-stop platform, putting your resources and professional recommendations in one place.
Step-by-step guidance: Checklists let you move through as quickly or as slowly as you need and track your progress.
Timely professional advice: Meeting providers after you’ve had the time to prepare helps you save time and cost.

How do I use the Support Hub?

How do I access my Support Hub?

Complete the Q&A. Tell us about your situation with our three-minute questionnaire, and we can tailor the Support Hub to your needs.

Start the Q&A

The Separation Guide aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful. To learn more about how one of our Network Members could support your separation, take our free three-minute Q&A.

Disclaimer
The information in our resources is general only. Consider getting in touch with a professional adviser if you need legal, financial or well-being support.

Separation and divorce can be extremely overwhelming, and you may be at your lowest emotional point. It’s also a time when you must make critical decisions about family, finances and property that affect your life now and into the future.

Many people going through separation and divorce choose to engage a divorce coach to help them through this challenging time.

What is a divorce coach?

A divorce coach is someone you engage for one-on-one support to help with aspects of your separation and your new life. They provide emotional and practical guidance and support. Depending on their background, they may offer support around the family law system, financial literacy and independence, positive parenting or mental health challenges.

Divorce coaches have expertise in separation and divorce and in-depth knowledge of what you’re going through. They can reassure you and answer questions about your situation. Your divorce coach is your ally and will have your back.

Meet the coaches in our Network

Danielle Black
Specialist Strategic Separation and Divorce Coach

Danielle Black is a specialist Divorce Coach who helps women navigate separation, divorce and co-parenting with a controlling partner or former partner. Her international coaching certification and extensive lived experience help her understand what clients are going through. Danielle is passionate about supporting women to create safety and security for themselves and their children from a foundation of courage, strength, hope and strategy.

Book a free call with Danielle

Leanne Kanzler
Divorce and Break-Up Coach

Leanne Kanzler is a registered Psychologist and Divorce and Break up Coach. Her personal and professional experience offers valuable insight to those experiencing trauma, relationship issues and separation. Leanne sees both women and men in her practice. She is particularly interested in helping men struggling with the effects of separation, helping them understand their emotions, connect with their children, friends and family and build a relationship with themselves.

Book a free call with Leanne

Why should I hire a divorce coach?

Whether you’re married or de facto, considering separation or already separated, you can benefit from the services of a divorce coach if you:

• are feeling stressed and overwhelmed – a divorce coach can give you the clarity you need to work through your problems
• want to save money – a divorce coach’s hourly rate is lower than a lawyer or mediator, so address your practical and emotional issues with your coach and deal with the legal issues with your lawyer
• need peace of mind – the expert guidance of a divorce coach can give you confidence that you’re making rational and empowered decisions
• want someone to turn to for emotional support – if you’re doing it tough or trying to support children through a family break-up, a divorce coach can help by providing you with the support you need
• want to save time – A divorce coach can streamline everything you need to achieve rather than you trying to piece together a separation plan
• have decision fatigue – a divorce coach can keep you on track and focused on the right issues at the right time
• need a sanity check – your divorce coach is there to answer your questions and let you know that what you’re going through is normal.

What does a divorce coach do?

A divorce coach could help you:

• know what decisions you need to make and when you need to make them
• understand your immediate and long-term needs
• identify upcoming challenges and be prepared to face them
• navigate the family law system
• advocate for yourself in your settlement negotiations with confidence and conviction
• respond to your spouse in a way that won’t escalate conflict
• tell your children about your separation, recognise the impacts on them and prioritise what’s best for them
• develop a parenting plan and arrange child support
• navigate evolving co-parenting arrangements
• cope with your emotions, manage your anger or deal with fear about your future
• look after your physical and mental health and develop self-care strategies
• communicate with your employer or assist you in re-entering the workforce
• build self-confidence and envision your new life after separation and divorce.

Divorce coaches don’t provide legal or financial advice. You should always speak to a registered lawyer or financial advisor.

How is divorce coaching different to Separation Support?

Separation Support helps you navigate the immediate practical next steps of your separation. Our separation consultants can listen to your unique circumstances, outline your options and recommend the professional services you should speak to next.

You work with your divorce coach for a more extended period. They can personally guide you through your separation journey to the other side and help you reach your longer-term goals. They often provide an in-depth structured program you work through with them. Others take a more tailored approach to help you through.

How do I choose a divorce coach?

Most divorce coaches offer online consultations Australia-wide – you’re not restricted to a coach in your immediate area. The divorce coach you choose will depend on your needs and preferences and how you resonate with their program.

Coaches come from a variety of backgrounds and offer a variety of programs. You may prefer a coach with finance or family law expertise or someone with a counselling or psychology background.

List the aspects of divorce coaching mentioned in this article that are most important to you. Most divorce coaches offer a free initial consultation. Ask them about their service to ensure they will meet your needs and that you’re aligned with each other. It’s vital to feel a sense of trust.

Separating from your partner can be an emotionally challenging time, and it’s important to address the practical aspects of your financial obligations, especially when you have a mortgage. If you intend to keep your family home, understanding your options and seeking professional advice becomes crucial. That’s where a mortgage broker can assist you in navigating the complexities of your mortgage situation during this transition.

What do I need to consider about my mortgage when separating?

When you co-own property and share a mortgage with your partner, both parties are jointly and severally responsible for meeting the mortgage payments in their entirety. Even if you have moved out, you still need to ensure your part of the mortgage is covered. Failure to meet mortgage payments could have negative consequences on your ability to borrow in the future.

Considerations when keeping your home

If you decide to keep your family home, there are several considerations to keep in mind regarding your existing home loan:

• Establishing a new loan: Taking over the mortgage by yourself requires the establishment of a new loan. The lender will assess your individual borrowing capacity, allowing you to settle your old mortgage and buy out your ex-partner.
• Property valuation: Your home will need to be revalued to determine its current market value. This valuation helps determine the buyout amount for your ex-partner’s equity share.
• Additional costs: Keep in mind that legal fees for settlement agreements, property valuation and conveyancing, transfer fees, lender’s mortgage insurance, and potential taxes need to be factored into the financial arrangement.

The role of a mortgage broker in your separation journey

To gain a clear understanding of your borrowing options, it is advisable to engage the help of a mortgage broker. A broker who understands the challenges of separation can assess your unique situation, explore various lenders, and determine the feasibility of your plans. They will help you comprehend the income criteria for your loan application, assist in obtaining pre-approvals, and guide you through the loan application process when the time comes.

When should I speak to a mortgage broker?

Many people going through a separation choose to speak with a broker early. It is a good idea to get a picture of your borrowing power and financing options before you start negotiating your settlement with your former partner. This will help you know whether buying out your partner is an option for you or if selling your property is the right choice.

By obtaining a comprehensive understanding of your financial standing early on, you can reduce stress and expedite the process of moving forward. A mortgage broker’s expertise and industry knowledge can be invaluable in securing a stable financial future post-separation.

Meet the mortgage broker in our network

Angelo Nervosa, Superior Mortgage Solutions

With a 25-year tenure as principal of his own mortgage broking business, Angelo’s specialty is supporting individuals navigating their complex property situations during separation. He offers empathetic, confidential, and tailored mortgage advice to those undergoing this transition, understanding that each situation is unique.

Angelo works with you to untangle the financial threads of separation and find the best options. This allows you to move forward with clarity and confidence and reach a successful settlement. Whether you’re refinancing a joint mortgage into a single name or seeking to purchase a new home after a separation, Angelo’s assistance can pave the way for a smoother transition.

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH ANGELO

If you’ve separated and don’t want to put your home on the market, you need a professional property valuer’s services to determine your home’s market value. They also value investment, commercial and industrial properties for settlement in separation and divorce.

You can get an unbiased valuation from a trusted independent property valuer registered with the Australian Property Institute. Your property valuer should understand what your report is for and know the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia requirements. Make sure the valuer you choose has experience with family law settlements.

Why do I need a property valuation?

If you’re both confident about your judgement, you can simply agree on what your house is worth for your property settlement.

However, there are benefits to a formal property valuation when you separate and times when it is compulsory.

• Have peace of mind. A professional valuation ensures you both understand the asset pool and that the settlement agreement you negotiate is transparent and fair.
• Understand your financial position. An expert valuation early on can help you know where you stand so you can decide if buying out or selling is your best option.
• Settle a dispute with your spouse. An unbiased valuation will help you reach a figure if you can’t agree on the value of your property.
• Use as evidence. In cases that go to Court, you must submit a valuation report from a registered independent property valuer as evidence.

There are other ways to estimate the current value of your property. Each of these has its own drawback.

• Purchase price of the property. This is usually out of date.
• A recent sale of a house in your street. It’s unlikely to be an exact comparison to your property.
• Real estate market appraisal. You can use these early in the process to agree on a value for negotiations, but there may be a conflict of interest if the agent is trying to win the sale. The value may be overinflated or vary from agent to agent.
• Bank valuation. These are often under current market value as they are approached from a risk setting.

What determines the market value of my home?

A professional valuer uses their property experience and knowledge of the market to estimate your home’s current market value. They assess what a fully informed, willing, but not anxious buyer may be willing to pay.

The valuer will visit your home in person for a physical property inspection.

They write a detailed report to justify the value, including

• photos
• a description of the location of your property and its features
• house size, land size, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces
• outdoor features and garden
• age and quality
• design and period appeal
• proximity to transport, amenity and school zones
• comparative sales in the area
• how much income it generates if it is an investment property.

Of course, the only way to be 100% sure of the current value is to put your house on the market. If you don’t want to sell and both of you jointly appointed the independent valuer, their estimate is your best option for settlement.

When is the right time to get a valuation?

The housing market can change quickly.

Often, time passes between separation, negotiating an agreement and the final settlement.
You may start negotiating based on an agreed estimate and wait until your orders are drafted for a formal valuation.

Professional valuation reports are often relied upon for an extended period. If you decide to get the security of a formal valuation early on, you can pay a fee to have it refreshed if the market has changed significantly.

Who arranges a property valuation?

A single valuer is appointed and instructed by both parties. You both pay an agreed share of the cost of the valuation.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court require that one single expert witness gives evidence about the value of your house, so it’s important that you agree when you choose your valuer.

If you’ve already engaged a lawyer, they may put forward a valuer they work with and trust. Your ex-partner’s lawyer may suggest someone else. It’s up to you both to choose.

Save money by arranging a valuation directly through The Separation Guide trusted Network rather than a law firm doing it for you – fees for arranging these extra services add up along the way.

Meet the property valuers in our Network

Armstrong Biggs Fallon specialises in valuations for family law matters, providing a professional and compassionate approach. All family law valuations are conducted by a member of their management team, all professional senior Australian Property Institute certified valuers. The broad knowledge, experience and professionalism of their valuers can give you confidence in the valuation you receive.

Book a free initial chat to discuss your needs or purchase your valuation below.

BOOK A CHAT NOW

You can reach a separation agreement yourselves. But you need to know the facts. This step-by-step video series guides you through everything you need to know to reach a separation agreement.

For a fraction of the cost of one hour with a Lawyer, you can learn how to:

• separate on fair terms
• get on the same page as your ex-partner
• avoid common mistakes
• draft a DIY Agreement with templates to fill as you go.

Is a DIY agreement right for you?

Watch the first session free to find out

This toolkit is best for couples who:

• are amicable and communicate well
• trust each other to be honest about finances
• are comfortable with Australia’s legal system
• are married or in a de-facto relationship
• want to stay in control of their divorce.

Separation and divorce can feel like a world of ‘I don’t know’ and ‘what if?’ Separation Support reduces the stress of the unknown and gives you clarity about your next steps so you can move forward.

We understand that your situation is unique. But having helped thousands of people going through separation, we also know the key landmark moments most people go through on their separation journey.

What is Separation Support?

Separation Support lets you talk through your situation with an impartial separation expert, giving you practical guidance on your options and peace of mind that you are on the right track.

For a fraction of the cost of a lawyer, our Consultants can answer many of your questions about navigating the system of separation and divorce in Australia. They’ll let you know when it’s the right time to engage legal and financial professionals.

We’ll break down your complex situation and help you find the smoothest path through.

When do I need Separation Support?

You can book Separation Support at any stage of your journey. Sessions can help you if you’re considering separation or already separated.

Speak with a Separation Consultant if you need:

• to talk through the practicalities with someone impartial
• information specific to your situation on how to separate and get divorced in Australia
• advice about having ‘the discussion’ or telling your children
• support if your partner has told you they want to separate
• help in choosing a legal representative or other separation professionals
• support getting your partner on board with a particular separation pathway
• reassurance about what you’re going through
• some clarity on your next step and to know when to take action.

Can we both speak with the same Separation Consultant?

Yes. Your Consultant is impartial, and your sessions are confidential.

Sometimes it’s easier for separating couples when we speak to both of you – it may help if you both hear the facts from a third party. You hear the same information and feel equally in control.

You can book one-on-one or both together if you feel comfortable. Some couples prefer to book the bundle of three to speak to their Consultant separately before having a final joint session.

The sessions cost the same if it is one or both of you.

Meet Arabella, our Senior Separation Consultant