Family Law – Separation

No matter how much time you have spent considering for separation, separation is not easy and it demonstrates how much your relationship has deteriorated. Most people admit that they experience some if not all of the following stages of grief when they separated from their partner:

• shock and denial that it is really happening
• anger and blaming your former partner or another person
• sadness and depression
• moving forward – acceptance and adjustment to your new life.

It is often beneficial to get help and information from a professional during the separation period to help you and your child cope better.

Communication

Communication after separation is necessary especially when you have a child because you and your ex-partner will need to make some immediate decisions about practical issues concerning your child and your assets. The things that both you and your ex-partner will need to consider includes:

• where your children live and who will take care of them
• how you and your former partner will support yourselves and your children
• what, how and when you will tell the children, other family members and friends
• who will pay outstanding bills or debts
• who will stay in the house
• how will the rent or mortgage be paid
• what will happen to any joint bank, building society or credit union accounts
• what will happen to the house, car, furniture and other property.

Feelings of anger and frustration are natural but will eventually pass with time. However, if you have a child, parenting will last for the child’s lifetime. It can be detrimental to the child’s growth and development if they experience such conflict due to their parent’s separation at a young age. Thus, it is particularly important, where possible, to continue to communicate with your child, ex-partner and the extended family.

Most people find it easier to obtain legal advice before they actually separate as this can help prevent confusion and uncertainty when events occur in the early stages of the separation.

If you would like to understand more about what you should do in the event of separation, Straits Lawyers are here to help. Simply send us an email at info@straitslawyers.com or give us a call on 8410 9069 to arrange an appointment for an online interview.

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice and Straits Lawyers will not be legally responsible for any actions you take based on this article.