Separation

Taking the First Step After Separation

Making the decision to separate, or finding yourself in that position, is one of the hardest things you’ll go through. You’re facing uncertainty about finances, living arrangements, and your children. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

Our job is to give you a clear, calm path forward. We provide practical advice to protect your interests and help you regain control from day one.

A Calm, Reassuring Approach: Compassionate listening and practical, stress-free advice.
Focus on Out-of-Court Solutions: Prioritise negotiation and mediation to save time, money, and emotional strain.
Clear Advice on Complex Finances: Guidance on property settlements, trusts, superannuation, and businesses.
Child-Focused Parenting Plans: Practical, stable parenting arrangements that prioritize the wellbeing of your children.

What You Need to Sort Out When You Separate

Parenting & Child Custody: Establish clear arrangements, living arrangements, and time-sharing schedules to provide stability and minimise conflict.
Property & Financial Settlement: Division of all assets and debts (house, superannuation, investments, cars, businesses) to achieve a fair and equitable outcome.
The Path to Divorce: Separation and divorce are different. You must be separated for 12 months before applying for divorce, but parenting and property matters can be finalised earlier.

How It Works: Our Separation Process

Free Confidential Consult

30-minute, no-obligation chat to explain rights and next steps in plain English.

Strategic Advice & Planning

Roadmap for finances, parenting, and negotiation strategy.

Negotiation & Mediation

Engage with former partner or their lawyer to reach durable, out-of-court agreements.

Formalising Your Agreement

Draft Consent Orders or Binding Financial Agreements to make settlements legally binding.

Court (If Necessary)

Experienced litigation in Federal Circuit and Family Court to protect your interests if agreement cannot be reached.

Pricing & Transparency

Clear cost estimates provided from day one. Every separation is different, but you are always kept informed. First 30-minute consultation is free and confidential.

Common Situations We Handle

Initial advice before taking steps to separate.
Property settlement negotiations for de facto relationships.
Creating parenting plans focused on children’s needs.
Urgent advice on living arrangements after separation.
Separating finances, including bank accounts, superannuation, and businesses.
Clarifying rights when one partner earned all income and the other was a homemaker.

Google Review

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Laurie highly enough.

We had a very urgent situation where a loan needed to settle within two days, and we desperately needed a solicitor to review guarantor loan documents to make settlement happen on time. Laurie stepped in immediately and was willing to help even outside of normal working hours, which made all the difference.

As a mortgage broker, I understand how critical timing and responsiveness are in these situations, and Laurie was not only incredibly professional but also genuinely lovely to deal with throughout the process.

Thanks to his help, everything was reviewed in time and the settlement went through smoothly. We’re extremely grateful and I’ll definitely be sending more clients his way.

Thank you again, Laurie!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   JESSIE BOYCE 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are always there to support with my family circumstances changing. I am grateful for the personal feel and professional service. Thank you Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   natalieboughosn 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best lawyer I have come across in years, very thorough, very informative and just an all round honest and genuine bloke
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   nadia costello 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Luary great service knowledge of the situation excellent
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Charlie Scicluna 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good advice from Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Mark Russell

Service Areas & Contact

From our offices in Warrnambool and South Morang, we provide clear separation advice to clients across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Call us on (03) 9422 5439 for South Morang or (03) 5562 9196 for Warrnambool, or Book your free 30-minute case assessment online.

FAQs: Separation in Victoria

Do I need a "legal separation" in Australia?

No formal process exists. You are considered separated once one or both partners decide the relationship is over and begin living ‘separately’, even under the same roof.

What is the first thing I should do if I am separating?

Obtain clear, confidential legal advice before moving out, agreeing to anything, or making financial decisions. Book a free chat with us.

Who gets to stay in the house after separation?

No automatic right exists. This depends on children’s needs and finances. Seek immediate legal advice before anyone moves out.

What is a "de facto separation" in Victoria?

Living together as a couple without marriage. De facto couples usually have rights to property settlement similar to married couples after at least 2 years together or if they have a child.

Do we have to go to court?

Not necessarily. The law requires Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) before applying for court for parenting matters. Most cases settle out of court.