Divorce and separation financial checklist

Last updated: 27 August 2026

Take one step at a time as you sort out your finances.

Keep track of your next steps

Separation can make money matters feel harder to manage. Use this checklist to keep track of the financial tasks that matter most and work through them at your own pace.

Get your information together

Getting organised early can make it easier to understand what you own, owe and share.

Collect important documents

• Gather key documents, including:

• • identification documents
  • marriage certificate
  • bank account statements
  • loan and credit card statements
  • super statements
  • insurance policies
  • tax records
  • property documents.

Record the date you separated

• Make a note of the date you separated. You generally need to be separated for 12 months before applying for a divorce.

Record important family information

• Record key information such as names, contact details, employers and income.

Store your documents safely

• Store important documents somewhere secure.
• Change passwords for your email accounts.
• Review any shared online accounts, subscriptions, digital wallets or cloud storage services.

Separate your finances

These tasks can help you keep track of your money and avoid unexpected problems later.

Update your banking 

• Open a bank account in your name.
• Move your pay or government payments into your own account.
• Review any joint bank accounts.
• Cancel joint credit cards if appropriate.
• Check your credit report to make sure your financial information is correct.

Update bills and insurance

• Remove your name from bills that are no longer your responsibility.
• Update your insurance policies.
• Update your lease if you rent.

Review your super and estate planning

• Review your super account details.
• Check your super beneficiary nominations.
• Review who will receive your super if you die.
• Find out whether a super split may form part of your property settlement.
• Review any beneficiaries listed on your insurance policies and financial accounts.
• Update your will and powers of attorney.

Get advice and support

Getting advice early can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.

Get legal advice

• Contact Legal Aid or a community legal centre to see if you can get free legal advice.
• Find a family lawyer if you need legal advice or representation.

Get separation support

• Call the Family Relationship Advice line on 1800 050 321 for information and referrals.

Apply for a divorce

• When you’re ready and eligible, you can apply for a divorce online with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

If you own a home

Separation can affect your mortgage before you finalise a property settlement.

Contact your lender

• Tell your lender you've separated.

Review your mortgage arrangements

• Review any redraw facility linked to your mortgage.
• Agree on how mortgage repayments will be managed in the short term.

Understand your options

• Get legal advice if the property is only in one person’s name.

Work out who gets what

Use this section to gather the information you’ll need for a property settlement. 

List your assets and debts

• Make a list of everything you own and owe.
• Record the value of major assets, including property, savings, investments, vehicles and super.
• Include mortgages, loans, credit cards and buy now pay later accounts.
• Use the net worth calculator to help build your list.

Get help if needed

• Get advice if you cannot agree on how to divide your property, debts or super. Talk to your lawyer or contact a Family Dispute Resolution provider.

Finalise your agreement

• Get legal advice on how to formalise any property agreement. Time limits apply.

Plan your new budget

Your income and expenses may change after a separation.

Review your income and spending

• Create a budget and track your spending using the budget planner.
• Look for ways to reduce expenses and save money.

Check government support

• Review any government payments and services you may be entitled to.

Understand any ongoing financial support

• Find out whether spousal maintenance may apply in your situation.

Get help with money problems

• Contact a financial counsellor if you’re struggling to pay bills or manage debts. It's a free and confidential service.

If you have children

You may need to make decisions about care arrangements and everyday costs.

Plan for shared costs

• Agree on how you’ll share school, heath and other ongoing expenses.

Review parenting arrangements

• Call the Family Relationship Advice line on 1800 050 321 for advice on parenting arrangements and referrals to local services.
• Contact a Family Dispute Resolution provider for help to work out a parenting plan if you need to.

Update important records

• Update schools, childcare providers and emergency contacts.

Review child support and payments

• Contact Services Australia to find out about child support or speak to your lawyer about a private child support agreement.
• Check if you’re eligible for government payments for separated parents.

Stay safe and protect your money

If your relationship involved abuse, support is available.

Get help if you feel unsafe

• Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 737) 24 hours a day if you need support with domestic, family or financial abuse. You'll speak to a domestic violence counsellor from the national sexual assault and domestic violence counselling service.
• Call 000 if you or your children are in immediate danger.

Protect your finances

• Change banking passwords and PINs.
• Review who can access your accounts.
• Update account recovery details and security settings.
• Learn more about financial abuse.

Look after yourself

Separation can affect your wellbeing as well as your finances. 

• Take time to look after your physical and mental health.
• Reach out to friends, family or professional support if you need it.
• If you're struggling emotionally, see the support services on our getting divorced or separating page.