Support is available if a relationship ends for whatever reason and you need help to move on financially.
The end of a relationship can be tough, and having to worry about finances can make it even worse. In fact, some people can feel pressure to stay in a bad relationship if they think that they will struggle financially on their own. Some support may be available to help you with the financial impacts of ending a relationship.
We’ve compiled information below on what to consider, managing your finances, and the support services available to you that could help make the process easier.
Things to think about
It can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to re-establish life on your own terms. The following things to think about are useful starting points.
- living situation – if you own or rent a house, who stays and where the other person will live
- assets – dividing up any property and assets that you jointly own
- bills – how bills, rent, rates, or debts that you currently share will be paid
- bank accounts – what to do with any money you have in joint bank accounts
- centrelink – if you receive payments, be sure to tell them you’re no longer a couple
- kids – if you have children, where they’ll stay and how they’ll be financially supported
- last wishes – if you want to update your will
You may find Moneysmart’s divorce and separation financial checklist useful too.
Centrelink payments
The Australian Government provides income support payments through Centrelink. You can use this tool to learn about your eligibility for payments, including assistance for people ending relationships. or go to Services Australia to learn more about the services and support they offer.
Dealing with Centrelink
Many people find dealing with Centrelink difficult. Applying for payments can be confusing. Most payments are set too low and have overly strict requirements.
📌 See our dealing with Centrelink page.
Dividing assets
It’s usually considered fair that assets are shared between partners after a separation. That said, dividing things can be a source of conflict, even when the people involved are on good terms.
Would you like to know what rights you might have? It’s a complicated area. Even if you earn little or no money, or the assets aren’t in your name, you may still have rights to them in a separation.
Learn more about dividing assets at Family Relationships Online.
If your partner is in debt
You are not usually responsible for another person’s debt, but if you have any joint contracts of businesses that have debt, you are usually jointly responsible.
If you’d like to find out more, have a read of the Financial Rights Legal Centre factsheet on separations and debt.
📌 See our loans and debt page.
Child support
Child support payments mean that someone who is not living with their child still financially supports them. These payments can be an agreement between parents or set up and managed through Services Australia.
Visit Services Australia to learn more about child support payments.
Dispute resolution
As breakups are often a time of conflict, you might want to seek support to resolve disputes, especially over finances. The Australian Government’s Family Dispute Resolution Register can help you find an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner that provides services in your area.
How much does it cost?
Services on this register are with either a:
- government-funded service with no or low costs to clients
- private practitioner that sets fees for services based on their own business needs.
Helplines
Remember to take care of yourself first and foremost. If things become overwhelming, you might want to talk to someone.
| Organisation | How to get help |
| Family Relationship Advice Line Find local support | 1800 050 321 |
| 1800RESPECT The national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service | 1800 737 732 Online chat (navigate to the bottom of the page) |
| Lifeline Crisis support services | 13 11 14 Online chat |
| Beyond Blue Mental health support services | 1300 224 636 Online chat |
More resources on handling a breakup
Visit the Family Relationships website for practical tips on what to do and helpful pointers on the things to avoid. And first and foremost, be sure to look after yourself.
This information was last updated on 5 June 2023.
The links and resources in this article have been compiled and reviewed by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. We aren’t responsible for what you’ll find at the links, though we do hope you find the information useful. See our disclaimer if you’d like to know more.
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