Making the decision to separate from a long term partner is rarely easy, but staying in a deeply unhappy relationship is no walk in the park either.
If you’ve been struggling with the decision, it can be difficult to know what to do and it’s even more complicated if children are involved.
You have to juggle their needs as well as yours, and you know that even if you and your partner do separate, the children will always be your common bond. It’s not like you can just walk away and never see each other again.
While it isn’t easy dismantling a life, it is more manageable for everyone if you can control the process and part amicably. Separating calmly and consciously is easier on the kids and paves the way for a more harmonious future with your ex-partner.
Separation brings uncertainty
One of the scariest things about breaking up is the uncertainty. All those questions that you can’t answer… What’s going to happen? Where will I live? How will we manage the kids? What will we do about the house? How do we organise the transition? How much will it cost?
Hearing the horror stories about couples who hate each other, go to court and spend thousands in legal fees just makes it worse. It’s not what you want but sometimes you fear that’s how it might end.
It’s only natural to be anxious about the unknown; it’s the way we’re wired as human beings. BUT we can take steps to lessen the fear and the best way is to learn what we don’t know.
Going to court is not the only option
The first thing to understand is that going to Court is NOT the only choice when it comes to the practicalities of separation or property settlement. It is only one of the four options available to you.
Of the other three options, there is a way for you and your partner to organise a property settlement between yourselves that is amicable, legally binding and inexpensive.
It’s perfect for couples who want to dissolve their relationship without fighting and it’s perfect for parents who want to minimise the fallout of their separation.
Download this FREE eBook to help you understand your options
If you would like to silence the fears of the unknown and learn more about the four options available to you, download our free eBook “We’ve Decided to Separate – What Happens Now?“. It will ease the confusion and show you how to get to your new life sooner. Just click the link above or the image on the start your instant download.
About the Author:
Nadia MacLeod is a Director at RP Emery & Associates, Legal Publishers. They create easy to use Legal Kits to save your valuable time and money. As a non-lawyer herself, she understands the confusion and unease that many people experience when confronted with a legal issue. That’s why she works to make legal matters simpler and more easily understood. Visit their website to find out more.
Do you need relationship help?
If you need help with your relationship, contact Clinton Power + Associates on (02) 8968 9323 to discuss your situation and find out how we can help.
Since 2003, Clinton Power has helped thousands of couples and individuals as a counsellor and psychotherapist in private practice in Sydney and online in Australia. Clinton regularly comments in the media on issues of relationships and has appeared on Channel 7, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC Radio. Clinton’s eBook, 31 Days to Build a Better Relationship is available through his website or Amazon. Click here to take Clinton’s relationship checkup quiz to find out how well you know your partner.
