The Separation Checklist: Your Practical First Steps
If you’ve just separated, the most important first steps are:
- keep yourself and your children safe
- note the date of separation
- secure copies of your important documents
- protect your finances
- make workable interim arrangements for the children
- get early legal advice
Our free two-page Separation Checklist walks you through each step with tick-boxes, plus a list of what to bring to your first consultation. It’s written by our team here at Family Law Group Solicitors, a Queensland firm practising exclusively in family law.
Get in touch with us today
Call us now and one of our friendly team will help you book an initial consultation with one of our expert family lawyers.
When everything changes, start with a list
Separation is one of the most stressful experiences most people will ever face. There’s a lot to think about, it’s hard to know what matters first, and important early decisions — about money, children and your own wellbeing — often get made in a fog.
That’s exactly when a simple checklist helps. Ours distils what our family lawyers tell clients in their first week after separating into six practical steps you can start today — no legal knowledge required.
Look after yourself and your children first — safety, support, and shielding the kids from conflict
Note the date of separation — a small step that can affect legal time limits later
Secure your important documents — the exact documents worth copying now
Protect your finances — accounts, debts and the decisions to avoid before getting advice
Interim arrangements for the children — what to agree now and what to record
Get early legal advice — why it saves money and stress, and what to bring to a first consultation
Ready to talk about your situation?
A checklist is a starting point — it isn’t advice about your circumstances. When you’re ready, we offer a confidential initial consultation where you’ll get clear, specific advice on your next steps. Ask about our fixed-fee initial consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Look after safety first — yours and your children’s. Then note the date you separated, secure copies of important documents, avoid major financial decisions until you’ve had advice, and make practical interim arrangements for the children. Our free Separation Checklist covers each step.
Yes. We don’t even ask for your name or email address. It’s a free, two-page PDF you can download, print or read on your phone. It contains general information, not legal advice.
The date of separation can affect time limits that apply to divorce and property settlement matters, so it’s worth writing down. A family lawyer can explain how the time limits apply to you.
There’s no obligation, but early advice usually pays for itself — it helps you avoid mistakes with money and parenting arrangements that can be hard to unwind later. An initial consultation doesn’t commit you to court or to ongoing costs.
A short summary of your situation and goals, the date you separated, a rough list of assets, debts and superannuation, any existing court documents or agreements, and your questions.
What You Can Expect from Us as Your Family Lawyers in Brisbane
We understand that this can be a stressful time, especially as you seek to protect property that you feel is rightfully yours. Whether you need to make arrangements to divide property or you need help untangling the additional complexities inherent in a financial settlement after separation, our team is here to provide you with access to many years of combined experience and a focus on an acceptable outcome.
Using our services, you can expect:
Clear, honest insights and advice from the moment you choose to engage our services. We waste no time in aiding our clients by laying out the facts and the various options you have for proceeding.
Robust representation before the courts when necessary. Though putting settlements in the hands of the court will tend to make orders within a predictable range of outcomes, having solicitors that understand the procedures and know how to argue in your favour is essential.
An advocate in your corner. During a divorce or separation, it can feel as though you’re in this alone. We work to ensure that you know you’re not; we are here to advocate for your best interests.
Let Our Team of Expert Family Lawyers Help with Your Matter
If you are involved in a family law dispute and concerned about your rights and entitlements, we can help.
See What our Clients Have to Say About Our Family Law Services
“Hayley, and the whole team at family law group are a breath of fresh air. They’re honest, respectful, compassionate and direct in addition to being highly, highly skilled.”
“Family Law Group solicitors are not only professional in their approach but are patient and personable. They make sure that you are completely understand what is required from a client perspective and go that extra mile to ensure you are at ease.”
“No words can ever express what Hayley and her team have done for us. Life has completely turned around for the better. Got a hard case dealing with a narcissist then this is the team you need.”