Separating when you have children

Things to consider

There are several things to consider during the breakdown of a relationship including:

• finances
• living arrangements
• impacts on mental health
• the wellbeing of children
• caring for family pets
• parenting arrangements.

Care arrangements and child support

You can discuss with your ex-partner where your child will live and what life might look like for them. Some things to consider are if you can both:

• provide a safe environment for the child to live in
• take the child to school if the child is of school age
• provide emotional support to the child
• afford to care for the child.

If you can’t come to an agreement about parenting arrangements, you can attend family mediation and dispute resolution. This can help you to develop a parenting agreement. Learn about family mediation and dispute resolution on the Family Relationships Online website.

You can also get help to understand child support.

If you’re experiencing domestic violence

There may be exemptions to attending family mediation and dispute resolution if you're experiencing family and domestic violence.

You may wish to get legal help.

Child care

Depending on care arrangements, you may want to find a new child care provider.

You might also be eligible for Child Care Subsidy to help you with the costs of child care.

Children’s wellbeing

It’s important to be aware of your children’s wellbeing and mental health during separation. Learn about looking after your child’s mental health.