Separating from your partner can be overwhelming, and knowing where to begin or what to prioritise is not always easy. Often, our minds can focus on the most obvious and practical things, but there are also more personal aspects that deserve just as much attention. To help give you a starting point that will prepare you for your separation journey, here are our 10 tips for what to do when you have just recently separated from your partner. Keep reading to find out what they are.
- Contact a family lawyer to get information about what to expect legally, and how best to approach your separation.
Doing this is an excellent first step as a family lawyer can help clarify your concerns and advise you on an appropriate course of action.
- Contact a counsellor or psychologist to understand the emotional separation process.
Seeing a professional can help you to make clear decisions, work through your feelings and empower you to move forward with your life.
- Contact your GP and explain what is happening so that they can look after your physical health.
Separation can create significant stress and heartache within the body, and addressing your health during this time with your GP is important.
- Tell the children together what is happening so they know you are both there for them.
Communication is key and having an open dialogue with your ex-partner and your children will enable you to give them what they need to feel supported and reassured.
- Keep your children’s routine as consistent as possible, telling them in advance of any changes that will impact them.
This will help them to cope with other changes they will be required to make during the separation process and prepare mentally and emotionally for what is ahead.
- Tell your family and mutual friends, and make sure that you stay well connected with your personal support system.
You will need your personal support system during this time, and simply chatting to them about what is going on can help you feel heard and cared for.
- Inform your employer or team, and structure in some time off for attending appointments and receiving support.
Telling your work will allow them to find ways to work around your needs and help you, so that you don’t have to worry about missing important days or meetings.
- Contact your bank and seek to have access to funds, and for liabilities to be secured until finances can be sorted out.
Whilst you might not yet know what you will be required to pay for, legal services and other costs relating to your separation will inevitably come up. Contacting your bank to access funds and secure liabilities will mean you can manage any immediate financial pressures.
- Make an application to Centrelink or interim finance to obtain funds that will cover expenses in the short term.
You can find out more information for Centrelink here and interim finance here.
- Be kind to yourself, and remember to do some of what makes you feel good!
You deserve to find peace and joy during your separation, and this begins with treating yourself with the same love and respect that you would for your children or loved ones. Remember to keep up activities or interests you enjoy where possible so you can remain engaged in your life and wellbeing.
If you are looking to receive advice regarding your options for separation, please do not hesitate to contact Creative Family Law Solutions to connect and discuss them further.