Separating from a partner is already challenging. The current cost-of-living crisis adds extra stress and uncertainty and may further complicate your separation. This blog explores resources to help you navigate your finances in these challenging times.
What support and payments am I eligible for?
When your circumstances change from being in a couple to being single, you may be eligible for some support from Services Australia that you couldn’t access before, especially if you are caring for children.
The types of income support you may be eligible for include:
- child support
- spouse maintenance
- rent assistance
- family tax benefits
- single parent benefits.
Use this tool to find the government payments and services available to you.
Who do I need to speak to about money when I separate?
Legal advice
Seeking professional advice during separation is crucial, especially when avoiding advice may escalate tensions or lead to an unfair agreement on your asset split. Qualified professionals can advise you on a fair agreement that considers the financial and non-financial contributions you’ve both made and your long-term needs. While advice costs money now, it could be the thing that guarantees your long-term financial security.
Mediators can help you reach agreement with your former partner, and a legally-qualified mediator with The Separation Guide can also advise on a fair asset division for your unique relationship and circumstances. Family Lawyers can advise you on what’s fair for you and negotiate on your behalf.
VISIT THE PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Financial advice
Registered financial advisers can provide guidance tailored to your situation, helping you make informed decisions about asset division, superannuation transfers, investments, budgeting, and more.
Money coaching
A Money Coach is ideal when you’re still getting clear on your situation — understanding your cashflow, managing day-to-day spending, reducing financial stress and feeling emotionally prepared for the decisions ahead.
Forensic accounting
A forensic accountant is a financial expert who can clarify complex issues, verify information, and identify any hidden or unclear aspects. They can give you the confidence to make informed decisions and ensure a fair division of assets.
Meet the financial expert in our network
Karen Eley, Women Talking Finance
Karen Eley is a former financial adviser turned money coach who helps women navigate the financial side of divorce with clarity and confidence. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in financial advice and behavioural finance, she empowers women to take control of their money—starting with everyday cashflow, through to understanding assets, superannuation, and long-term financial wellbeing.
Karen combines practical financial strategies with emotional support, helping her clients rebuild their confidence and make informed decisions during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Her approach goes beyond numbers, focusing on education, empowerment, and creating a renewed sense of financial independence.
David Bay, It’s in the Numbers
David is a forensic accountant and business valuer with over 30 years of experience, including nine years of experience helping individuals during separation. He specialises in family law matters involving financial uncertainty, lack of transparency, or concerns about hidden or misrepresented assets.
Reach out today to discover how David can help you uncover hidden assets, clarify complex financial records, and ensure a fair outcome in your separation.
How do I pay for advice?
Find out if you are eligible for Legal Aid or Family Law Finance.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid helps vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians access legal representation. You may qualify if you are on a low income or if there is family violence. Each state and territory has its own Legal Aid commission. Contact your local Legal Aid service to find out if you are eligible for assistance.
- Victoria Legal Aid
- Legal Aid New South Wales
- Legal Aid Queensland
- Legal Aid Western Australia
- Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission
- Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania
- Legal Services Commission of South Australia
Family Law Finance
Family law finance lets you release some of the money tied up in your property at the early stages of your separation, allowing you to pay for the right advice from separation professionals to ensure a fair outcome. Unlike a typical loan, you don’t repay the funds until the entire process concludes and you finalise your property settlement. Learn more here.
Remember, separating is never easy. Doing so during economic uncertainty only adds pressure to your situation. You can navigate this challenging time with greater clarity and peace of mind by knowing what resources are available to you, understanding your financial position, and seeking professional advice.
Meet the funders in our Network
JustFund is one of Australia’s dedicated family law finance providers. What sets the JustFund team apart from other legal finance providers is their expertise in family law and the complexities of separation. They understand separation is stressful and financially challenging, and they take pride in providing quality service and treating clients with respect and support.
Some other JustFund differences:
- check your eligibility with JustFund before you hire a lawyer
- apply for funding for unpaid legal fees
- primary caregiving or part-time employment doesn’t exclude borrowing
- apply even if you’re not on the property title, or you have already sold a property, and your funds are held in trust
- pay only from the proceeds you receive from your property settlement
- apply for a minimum $10,000 and up to 25% of your expected settlement value
- in-house family lawyers assess your eligibility based on their understanding of the law.
JustFund’s financing options exist so you can focus on achieving a better outcome with the financial resources you need. Get peace of mind to seek legal advice by checking your eligibility.
The Separation Guide aims to make separation and divorce simpler 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.
