Experiencing a divorce or break up? start here.
No matter how amicable your break up, untangling yourself from someone you’ve shared part of your life with – be that three years or thirty – is no easy task. On a recent episode of the podcast, we spoke about the financial aspects involved in parting ways from your partner, pinpointing what we need to be mindful of in the break up process to best set ourselves up for as financially positive a split as possible. If you haven’t listened yet, we strongly recommend you do.
One thing we didn’t talk about on the show however, is the painful emotional toll a break up can inflict on our mental health, which is absolutely as important a discussion as our financial affairs. Of course, lots of people will come out of a divorce or a break up relieved and ready to start afresh, however, many instead can feel adrift and unmoored in their new normal, unsure of where or how to begin their next chapter. If you fall into the latter, or know of someone facing a divorce or split who is struggling, then this list of resources is a great place to start.
EMOTIONAL RESOURCES
Relationships Australia: Call 1300 364 277
Family Relationship Advice Line: Call 1800 050 321 or visit www.familyrelationships.gov.au
The Kids Helpline: This is a great resource for people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au
Beyondblue Support Service: Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport
Lifeline 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services: Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
LEGAL RESOURCES
Community Legal Centres Australia
This group are the national peak body for the community legal sector and they will be able to help you find a community legal centre near you, that can help you out with free legal assistance if you are eligible. This is a really great spot to start if finding a divorce lawyer is completely out of reach, and they would no doubt have dealt with situations similar to yours in their time.
You may be eligible for income support or family assistance payments via Human Services, so definitely check them out.
Women's Legal Services Australia
Providing info on legal services available to women in each state and territory.
Women’s Legal Services Victoria
These guys are a non-for-profit org providing free legal services to women, specifically in the area of those who are experience relationship breakdown or violence.
STATE & TERRITORY LEGAL AIDS
Each of the below offer free legal advice and assistance, select your state and see how they can help you.
VICTORIA LEGAL AID
Call 1300 792 387, or visit their website.
NORTHERN TERRITORY LEGAL AID
Call 1800 019 343, or visit their website.
LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Call 1300 366 424, or visit their website.
LEGAL AID WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Call 1300 650 579, or visit their website.
LEGAL AID QUEENSLAND
Call 1300 651 188, or visit their website.
LEGAL AID NSW
Call 1300 888 529, or visit their website.
LEGAL AID TASMANIA
Call 1300 366 611, or visit their website.
LEGAL AID ACT
Call 1300 654 314, or visit their website.
FURTHER READING
A comprehensive guide for women & separation.
WANT TO ADD TO OUR LIST?
If you have more resources/readings you’d recommend that we’ve missed here, please send them through to the She’s on the Money Instagram or Facebook page and we will be sure to add it to our list.