Divorce & Separation

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We understand that no one takes the decision to separate or divorce lightly, yet when the decision is made, we know that our clients want their case dealt with swiftly, and with minimal financial and emotional cost. We will try to avoid a “battle”, especially where there are children involved, and aim to help both parties communicate if they need or want to.

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Separation under one roof

If a married couple has separated and wishes to file for divorce, the Court must be satisfied that under section 48 of the Family Law Act 1975:

1. The marriage has broken down irretrievably and there is no chance of reconciliation,

2. The parties have separated for at least 12 months, and

3. If there are children of the marriage, proper arrangement for their care and welfare is in place, or

4. If there are children of the marriage and proper arrangement for their care and welfare is not in place, but the Court is satisfied that it is proper to proceed with the Divorce.

Although there is a requirement that parties need to be separated for a period of 12 months before filing for divorce, there is no requirement for parties to live apart after they have decided to separate. Separation under one roof is when a couple separate but continue to live in the same house following separation, even if it is for a short period of time.

It is not uncommon that parties may decide to live together after separation due to convenience, financial benefits or to provide stability for their children. A couple may be deemed to have separated when they cease living together as a couple. If “separation under one roof” applies to you, you may need to support your divorce application by providing an affidavit demonstrating a change in your marriage.

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How to prove separation under one roof

Your affidavit will need to illustrate there has been a change in the marriage, showing you and your spouse have separated. You will also need to explain why you and your spouse continued living together following the breakdown of your marriage. The Court will consider whether you and your spouse still acted like a husband and wife in order to determine whether a separation has occurred.

The Social Security Act 1991 sets out a range of factors that must be considered when determining a person is a member of a couple relationship or separated under one roof. Relevant details you should include in your affidavit to prove you are separated include:

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Changes to financial aspects of the relationship

• Opening separate bank accounts

• Closing joint bank accounts

• Changes to beneficiaries for superannuation, life insurance, wills or any other legal arrangement

• Re-negotiation of shared loans

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Changes to the nature of the household

• If you are sharing living spaces such bedrooms, bathrooms and other living areas

• Changes in sleeping arrangements

• Changes to household duties

• Changes to childcare arrangements

• Whether you have started independently shopping for groceries, cooking, cleaning etc.

• Changes to shared telephone numbers or email addresses

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 Changes to social aspects of the relationship

• Evidence that you have announced the separation to family and friends

• Whether you are invited to events separately or as a couple

• Reduction or absence of shared activities or family outings

• Not spending time together on special occasions such as birthdays or holidays

• Whether any of the parties have formed a sexual/romantic relationship with another person

• If any religious or cultural considerations are relevant in concealing the separation to other people

• Any previous or current AVOs restraining contact between the parties

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The presence of a sexual relationship

• The absence or cessation of a sexual relationship or intimacy (however, this is not a conclusive sign of a separation as separated couples may still engage in a sexual relationship). The sex may be a part of the marriage, but sexual relationship in itself is not the evidence that the married couple continued their relationship.

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The nature of the parties’ commitment

The Court will consider the parties level of commitment to each other and their relationship by looking at the following factors:

1. If the parties have any joint plans for the future

2. Changes to intimacy and companionship

3. How often the parties communicate and share information with each other

4. If the parties would provide assistance if the other was in a crisis or ill (especially if it is a long-term serious illness where ongoing care would be required)

5. If either party intends to divorce the other party

Parties will also need to inform the Court of any government agencies that have been advised of the separation (e.g., Centrelink).

Overall, the Court will look at the “whole picture” of the relationship, rather than specifically focusing on the five factors as mentioned above. All relevant information regarding a person’s separation and circumstances will be taken into consideration.

A separated couple under one roof will need to prove to the Court that although they live under the same roof, they live and act independently and do not act like a married couple anymore. The divorce process can be lengthy and complex, which is why it is important to prepare for before consulting with a lawyer