It’s common for couples to want to separate in a less stressful and more cost-effective way. But many don’t know where to start or feel uncomfortable with the legal process.
That’s why we have created a service called Guided Separation.
This is where a legally-qualified Mediator helps guide a separating couple to a fair and equitable outcome.
Who is a Guided Separation best suited to?
Guided Separation is for couples who are still amicable, despite obvious disagreements.
If you and your partner are saying:
‘I just want to be treated fairly. I want my spouse to be treated fairly. But I don’t know what ‘fairness’ is.’
or
‘We don’t want to go to war and spend a fortune, but we do want what’s fair.’
then a Guided Separation could be the way to go.
This approach will work best when there is:
- sufficient goodwill between ex-partners
- open and honest sharing of all financial information
- a mutual desire to achieve a fair and equitable outcome.
Is it right for you? Our 3-minute Q&A is designed to help you decide. Or simply get in touch and we’ll chat you through your options.
Why do Guided Separations work well?
Guided Separations work well because they:
- focus on both partners getting a fair deal
- are designed to de-escalate rather than escalate
- keep costs down if couples remain amicable
- help keep you out of a Courtroom.
What is the role of a Mediator in a Guided Separation?
The Mediator is there to help facilitate difficult conversations — but you will stay in control and make all the decisions with your partner.
The Mediator can explain the process, the range of possible fair and equitable outcomes and help you negotiate an agreement.
At The Separation Guide, our Mediators are all legally qualified, meaning they can answer your questions about family law. They have also signed our Ethical Charter which means they see Court as a last resort.
So, how does Guided Separation actually work?
Here’s a quick look at the typical step-by-step process a Mediator will take.
- Answer any questions the couple have together or individually.
- Gather all relevant information – we ask the couple to fill out a detailed questionnaire. This can be completed either together or separately.
- Provide a range of fair and equitable outcomes – we look at the facts of your matter and offer advice on what a fair and equitable range of outcomes could be if you did end up in Court.
- Mediate with and between the couple to reach an agreement in the fair and equitable range on property, parenting, child support and maintenance matters.
- Facilitate the legal instruments (Consent Orders for parenting and property plus conveyancing) you need to affirm the agreement and make it binding.
Guided Separation can be done in joint meetings or by the Mediator ‘shuttling’ between you and your partner in person or remotely.
If required and necessary, the Mediator can liaise with accountants and financial planners to help you reach the best settlement you can.
How much does Guided Separation cost?
Most of the Guides in The Separation Guide Network cap costs at $3000 per person.
Guided Separation sounds like a good option for me. What do I do next?
The best way to assess if a Guided Separation suits your needs and circumstances, complete out 3-minute Q&A, and we can connect you with a legally-qualified Mediator in our network.
I like the sound of Guided Separation, but I don’t think it will work in my situation…
There is no right or wrong way to separate.
People should aim for the least time-consuming and stressful process that can also lead to a fair and equitable outcome.
For this, some people will need Independent Legal Advice.
The Lawyers in our network are committed to transparent costs and Court as a last resort.
The Separation Guide aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful. To find out more about how one of our Network Members could support your separation, take our free 3-minute Q&A.
Disclaimer
The information in our resources is general only. Consider getting in touch with a professional adviser if you need support with your legal, financial or wellbeing needs.
