Separation, divorce and dissolution

An introduction to the legal options following marital breakdown.

Family mediation can help separating couples co-operate with each other to work out mutually acceptable arrangements. Find out more about the mediation process, how it works and how to access it.

Married couples and civil partners that agree to live separately may enter into a separation agreement. Find out what this means and why this is legally binding.

Find out what a judicial separation means, what the grounds are for applying for judicial application, and what the process is.

A divorce decree allows both parties to a marriage to remarry. However, special conditions must be met before a court can grant a divorce.

A dissolution decree formally ends a civil partnership. Special conditions must be met, however, before a court can grant a dissolution.

What are the factors considered by a court in making ancillary orders in an application for a decree of judicial separation, divorce or dissolution?

Explanation of procedures involved in an application for a maintenance order.

What is the difference between a family home and a shared home? Can my partner sell our home if we break up?

When you end a relationship by judicial separation, divorce or dissolution, the court can decide to share your pension with your former partner and (or) any dependent children. This is called a pension adjustment order.

Succession rights are governed by law. Find out how separation, divorce or dissolution affects your succession rights.

Information on the implications for guardianship, custody and access to children following separation and divorce.

What is presumption of paternity? Find out why it might be necessary to prove paternity, and how to do it.

This document discusses the tax treatment of maintenance payments made by one spouse to another.

A change in your personal circumstances following separation or divorce may have implications for how you are taxed. This page explains how income and maintenance is taxed after separation or divorce.

How capital taxes apply in the case of separation, divorce or dissolution, including capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax and stamp duty.