When am I considered legally separated?

When am I considered legally separated?

A couple is said to have separated once they stop living together as a couple. Unlike marriage or divorce, there is no legal process for separation. The absence of a formal process means that there are no application forms, certificates or signatures involved.

Do you need a lawyer to sign a separation agreement?

While there is no legal requirement that you have a lawyer, it is important to consider that when you sign an Agreement you are legally binding yourself to the terms. It is extremely important to understand the issues that should be included in a Separation Agreement and to understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

How much does it cost for Separation Agreement?

If you choose to have a law firm draft the document from scratch, you can expect legal fees to be in the order of $3000-5000 for just one party, if you have a straightforward matter. If you wish to split superannuation or your finances are more complicated than most, you can expect the cost to rise dramatically.

Can you separate without going to court?

While a divorce order must be obtained through the court, there is no need for parenting and financial arrangements to be decided by a court, except where the former partners cannot agree. Separating families are encouraged to come to their own arrangements for children and property themselves without going to court.