Helping your teen through your separation

Teenagers may think they are adults and can handle anything, when they really need support especially when their parents break-up

Read More...

How a parenting plan facilitator can help you reach agreement

Utilise a facilitator to reach your parenting agreements efficiently

Read More...

What is your divorced parenting style?

3 parenting methods for separated couples

Read More...

7 parenting fails in divorce

Common post-separation parenting mistakes

Read More...

Single parenting mindset tips during restrictions

Suggestions for the way that you think when you are stuck at home with your children

Read More...

Your 'back-to-school as a separated parent' Cheat Sheet

What you need to know about having a child at school and being a separated parent

Read More...

Tips for the single working parent in the holidays

How to keep kids occupied while juggling work and single-parenting when school is on break

Read More...

CelebratiNg Christmas as an 'Orphan'

What you can do to celebrate Christmas when you don’t have family or if you are on your own

Read More...

Parenting Plan: FAQs

Common questions about parenting plans and parenting orders explained

Read More...

What to do when you don't agree with your CSA assessment

What to do when the other parent minimises their income in a change of assessment with Child Support Agency ....

Read More...

When should your child celebrate your partner on Father's Day?

Three signs to look for before involving your partner in Father's Day celebrations Knowing when to recognise your partner on Father’s Day for your child can be tricky. The solution to this isn’t always clear cut....

Read More...

When should your child celebrate your partner on Father's Day?

Three signs to look for before involving your partner in Father's Day celebrations Knowing when to recognise your partner on Father’s Day for your child can be tricky. The solution to this isn’t always clear cut....

Read More...

How to tell your child about your separation

Telling people about your separation is difficult and yet, informing your child makes it very ‘real.’ Knowing what to say and when to say it has so many variables depending on ...

Read More...

The benefits of moving post-separation

Moving at any time in your life can be stressful. “Adding children and separation to the move, the process can become more overwhelming,” ...

Read More...

What to expect when divorcing

Not every divorce is the same. No two divorces will have the same elements or have the same outcome. However, there are some fundamentals that all divorces ...

Read More...

The nicest gifts to give when your friend's relationship ends

I have always felt that the spirit of Christmas is magnified with children. Sometimes I feel that there is nothing worse than being a single parent without your kids at Christmas. However, this is only a perception ...

Read More...

How to navigate the festive season as a single parent without your kids

I have always felt that the spirit of Christmas is magnified with children. Sometimes I feel that there is nothing worse than being a single parent without your kids at Christmas. However, this is only a perception ...

Read More...

Why it is hard leaving a bad marriage

When a relationship ends, it can be devastating and a time of uncertainty. This is further challenging if your family don’t understand what you are going through and either ...

Read More...

Overcoming isolation and loneliness as a single primary parent

When a relationship ends, it can be devastating and a time of uncertainty. This is further challenging if your family don’t understand what you are going through and either ...

Read More...

Minimising anxiety and helping children transition between two homes

Sending children from one home to another and transitioning between parents can be difficult at times for the parents as it is for the children. As such, we have to appreciate that every person parents their child differently – no two ...

Read More...

Considering a trial separation?

What is a trial separation? A trial separation is an agreed time when a couple in a marriage or significant relationship are unsure whether they want to continue to be with each other or set each other free. It is ...

Read More...

The new financial year marks a scheduled review of your Parenting Plan

When a relationship or marriage ends, people more often struggle with their identity. For many years or decades, you were comfortable as being referred to or known as someone’s wife/husband, someone’s son/daughter or someone’s mother/father. This changes in ...

Read More...

When your spouse's adult children give you the cold shoulder...

A colleague enquired about tips to ‘smooth the waters’ when partnering with someone who has adult children that are a little ‘cool’ towards you. If this sounds like you, your spouse will appreciate your efforts tos ...

Read More...

How To Change Your Child's Name

For some people at the end of a bad marriage or long-term relationship it is their wish to change their name or their child wishes to change their name. Divorce Answered.com.au's founder knows first-hand the desire, challenges and how to change a child’s name. Rachael was and still is ...

Read More...

Read this before deciding to cohabit as a divorced parent

It is more financially viable to have another adult in the home as you raise your children or as the children spend time with you. However, there are a number of items that need to be considered when you do plan for ....

Read More...

From Break-up to Boomerang

We hear so much about the ‘boomerang’ generation, the millennials who have to move home after living their lifestyle lavishly. However, what is being overlooked are the copious number of....

Read More...

My Single-Mother's Day

One of the pitfalls of celebrating Mother’s Day as a single parent is that there isn’t anyone else to go to that effort to recognise you as a mum and say a big “thanks.” How we empower our children to....

Read More...

How to stay involved as a spends-time-with parent

For one parent, divorce and separation means an uncertainty in how to be involved and stay involved in the lives of the children. According to the ABS, 3.1% of Australian families are headed by....

Read More...

Step parenting 101: parenting someone else's children

Whether you are becoming a step parent for the first time or for the second or third time, it will always be new and unchartered territory....

Read More...

Sleep Hygiene: Good for children, great for adults

Hauling children off to bed can become at difficult task. Equally, taking ourselves off to bed at a reasonable time can be a challenge. By implementing...

Read More...

Co-Parenting. How to rise to the challenge

Co-parenting. It sounds like a great word, but many of us don’t know what it really is or how to do it...

Read More...

Expert lawyer shares tips for expats separating overseas and in Australia

Many families decide to move abroad and become expatriates for an amount of time, whether it is for one parent’s career, returning to a country of origin with ...

Read More...

What is a Conciliation Conference?

No one starts a relationship or marriage with the expectation of ending in divorce. Sometimes we can’t help the path that our marriage takes and can only ...

Read More...

Successfully navigating Divorce and trusting in the process [personal perspective]

No one starts a relationship or marriage with the expectation of ending in divorce. Sometimes we can’t help the path that our marriage takes and can only ...

Read More...

Is it possible to be a CEO and a working parent?

Working a high management as a Chief Officer, Chairperson or taking a leadership/board member role can be a rewarding challenge. For many people, it becomes their life. However, how do you effectively juggle leadership and parenting? Worse still, ...

Read More...

How to Help Your Adult Child Through Their Divorce

According to American studies and courts, January is considered “divorce month”. The idea behind divorce month is that people have had Christmas with their family, only just tolerated the time ...

Read More...

The Four Types of Financial Settlements

There is so much information readily available covering people’s opinions about parenting as a divorcee, but what about financials? Did you know that there is a difference between child support, child maintenance, spousal maintenance and financial settlements? ...

Read More...

Top 10 tips for mediation and FDR success

Mediation can be one of the best and most rewarding and one of the more cost-effective steps to reach resolution in your separation. Here are the top 10 tips on how to get the best outcome in mediation and family dispute resolution (FDR) and achieve a sense of success! ...

Read More...

7 pressures that can strain a marriage

The are many things that can contribute towards the break-down of a marriage or serious relationship. Here are just a few pressure points that can strain a marriage ...

Read More...

Domestic Violence and Leaving The Relationship [personal perspective]

Dinner time is a great time for everyone to connect, learn and share. It helps to forge bonds between siblings and the parent/child relationship. Learn how and why here ...

Read More...

How To Eat Together As a Family and Why It is Good For You

Dinner time is a great time for everyone to connect, learn and share. It helps to forge bonds between siblings and the parent/child relationship. Learn how and why here ...

Read More...

Getting the most out of mediation with advice from expert facilitator

When an expert mediator wants to share tips on how to get the most out of your mediation or family dispute resolution, it’s time to start taking notes! ...

Read More...

How to strengthen the bonds between siblings during divorce

Having a healthy level of expectations and understanding when working with a lawyer is essential. If you expect your lawyer to answer all of the small questions, sort out every little issue or document every concern, you will ...

Read More...

Lessons I learned with my family lawyer

Having a healthy level of expectations and understanding when working with a lawyer is essential. If you expect your lawyer to answer all of the small questions, sort out every little issue or document every concern, you will ...

Read More...

When Mums are Dads

There are more people than ever before using the Family Courts. The vast majority of the separating population are not able to afford unlimited legal representation. Equally, more and more people are self-representing and, understandably, they...

Read More...

12 Christmas Tips: How to Emotionally Prepare

As urban and metro areas become more densely populated, housing and blocks of land become smaller. More people are being forced to share a smaller space. For many people ...

Read More...

Divorce, Separation and your Last Will

Let’s cover a morbid topic and clarify what happens to your assets when you die. Divorce Answered shares insights into your marital status, your Last Will and associated implications of...

Read More...

10 ways to show affection without buying a gift

You don’t need to open your wallet and buy something to sow someone that you love them. There are ways that you can show affection without buying a gift or flowers. Divorce Answered offers 10 suggestions for ...

Read More...

12 Christmas Tips: How to Financially Prepare

As urban and metro areas become more densely populated, housing and blocks of land become smaller. More people are being forced to share a smaller space. For many people ...

Read More...

Should Children Share a Bedroom? Considerations for and against it

As urban and metro areas become more densely populated, housing and blocks of land become smaller. More people are being forced to share a smaller space. For many people ...

Read More...

The Christmas Creep. Is your bank account prepared for Christmas?

(blog) Christmas - Aargh! It has crept up on me again. The bank balance is looking sad and in dire need of a cash windfall. My heart starts to beat fast when I recall ...

Read More...

Divorced and Dating. The Two Types of Women

(Personal perspective) In 2012 my marriage was irreparable. Within days of my separation, I had two other girlfriends also separate. Incidentally, I have met and supported many women throughout their separations and ...

Read More...

Is Your Relationship Worth Saving?

Making the decision to end a marriage is a very big decision. Many people took vows to live together through poverty and poor health for the rest of their lives. Leaving the marriage leaves them feeling ...

Read More...

The Rights Of Grandparents In Divorce

Today, more than any previous generation, grandparents are playing a more active role in the lives of their grandchildren. This post is dedicated to Nanna. Nanna is concerned for other grandparents who aren’t able to facilitate a loving relationship with their grandchildren of divorce ...

Read More...

Learning to self-love after divorce

Often people leave their marriage feeling broken, bruised and bashed-about. They struggle with confidence as a parent, partner and as a person. Often, they have lost their self-value. Somehow and in some way, they need to find...

Read More...

R U Ok? Day. Considering divorcees and the children of divorce

R U Ok? Day is today, September 14, 2017, which means that more than ever before, we need to check in with our friends, family, neighbours and particularly the growing number of divorcees. This year, you are asked you to please pay particular attention to your friends starting or in the thick of their divorce...

Read More...

What To Do Now That You Are Separated

While divorce is devastating, it can be equally as liberating. Whether you made the decision or the decision to end the union was made for you, it is still a huge change. For many people, they...

Read More...

Deciding Not To Be A Divorce Victim

What marriage is and what it looks like is ever changing. The traditional 1950s stay at home mother with working husband is antiquated. Today, there are traditional, blended and single-parent families, de facto...

Read More...

Navigating Father's Day for Children of Divorce and their Dad

Many fathers wish that they could have more time each day, week or month with their children and this is often highlighted on Father’s Day. According to the ABS, almost one in 5 families are...

Read More...

Father's Day Solutions For Children of Single and Solo Mums

Not every child is fortunate to have their dad active and involved in their daily lives. There are many who have limited to no contact. The reasons for...

Read More...

Single Parents Guide to Navigating Special Occasions

As special occasions arise throughout the year, many divorced and single parents feel unsettled or unsatisfied with the parenting and visiting arrangements. It isn’t until...

Read More...

12 Simple Ways to Help Children Through Divorce

Divorce and separation changes the dynamics for a family. Often the parents are so wrapped up in their own emotional turmoil that the children are sometimes the forgotten victims. Here are some...

Read More...

Baby Boomer De Facto Relationships Exposed

Many Baby Boomers (people born post World War II, between 1946 and 1964) often recouple when in a financially sound situation. They couple for many reasons, primarily for companionship. Rachael Scharrer, founder of online resource DivorceAnswered.com.au has exposed the lesser known truths about ...

Read More...

De Facto Relationship Myths Debunked

All too often we hear couples in long term relationships say that “marriage is only a piece of paper” or “we didn’t get married because we don’t want to get divorced.” Unfortunately, these couples don’t realise that they are actually part...

Read More...

What To Do If You Can't Afford A Lawyer

It is stressful if you are on a budget and wondering how you will meet the costs of a lawyer. Retaining a family lawyer from start to finish may mean an overwhelming invoice at the end. Similarly, not hiring a lawyer could be a mistake...

Read More...

Myths And Fallacies About Being a Single Parent

There are many common and widely known statements about being a single parent or single parenting. While these may be true for some people (the minority), they are generalisations which don’t apply to the vast majority of single parents and are made without any factual basis or concrete evidence. Many of the statements below are …

Read More...

Child Support Is A Right

Children do not grow on sunshine, fresh air and water alone. They cost money to raise and grow into amazing people. Child support is an entitlement for children aged 0 – 18 years and in a divorced/separated situation and calculated with considerations to the number of nights spent with each parent. In recent years, the …

Read More...

Children Get Divorced Too

Children go through a “divorce” too. The world that they knew as a “family” becomes very different. The relationship with both parents changes and sometimes it involves moving homes. Sometimes, the separation can have a positive impact on the children, especially removing them from situations of neglect, high tensions and abuse. Other times, the children …

Read More...

Creating a Parenting Plan

Taking the time to consider what parenting plan or order you believe is appropriate for your family is helpful for a number of reasons – most importantly, because structure is essential for you to move on with life and for your children. When considering your parenting orders, three main rules must be applied; Be child-minded…

Read More...

Equal Shared Parental Responsibility

In 2006, the Australian Government regulated an assumption that any two people that have a child automatically assume “Equal Shared Parenting Responsibility” (ESPR). This means that regardless of whether you and the other parent had a child from a one-night-stand or in a defacto/married relationship and regardless of whether you are now together, apart, separated…

Read More...

Fred Stays With Me! (Nancy Coffelt)

This is a beautifully written story about a little child whose parents are divorced. As the child moves between each house, so does her dog, Fred. Fred is the constant companion and confidant. What is particularly interesting about this story is that the dog presents the challenge for the parents, the child asserts her authority …

Read More...

How to know when it is time to get divorced?

Making the decision to end a marriage is a very big decision. Many people took vows to live together through poverty and poor health for the rest of their lives. Leaving the marriage leaves them feeling conflicted. Ending the marriage leaves some people feeling relieved and elated, others numb or guilty. In my opinion, there …

Read More...

Interim Parenting Orders Do Not Lapse

When a judge makes a ruling or order. It can be on an interim (limited time period) basis or a final basis (which is permanent/indefinite). The interim orders stay in place until they are REPLACED by new orders (even when a time period was noted, say 6 months or 12 months). Say, the Judge ruled…

Read More...

Mum and Dad Glue (Kes Gray)

This book is a short picture book about parents who have decided to separate. It addresses the love lost between the parents and a child’s attempt to “stick” them back together with “parent glue”. This rhyming story delivers a powerful and optimistic message and reinforces the lesson that despite the parents not loving each other …

Read More...

Parenting Orders/Plans and Court

Below are a few items for consideration when collating your parenting plan – be it the Divorce Answered Parenting Plan, the Divorce Answered Separation Statement, something you are creating yourself or personal expectations that you need to manage. No plan, no divorce! Did you know that if you don’t have a parenting plan in place,…

Read More...

Pulling The Pin on Domestic Violence and Harrassment

Domestic violence is often ignored by the victim and “swept under the rug”. Unfortunately, domestic violence only gets worse and doesn’t go away on its own. Unhealthy relationships often start with love, friendship, trust and loyalty. During the relationship, one of the couple (“the Bully”) takes the power, becomes possessive and demands control with an …

Read More...

Rebuilding; When Your Relationship Ends (Bruce Fisher)

Rebuilding features 19 steps that people go through after breaking up. Fisher describes each stage from the point of view of the “dumpee” and “dumper” and further explains what the children of the break up may be experiencing during this time too. Each chapter is relatively short and features a brief questionnaire at the end …

Read More...

Top 10 Things To Do For You When Divorcing

Start a gratitude journal. Learn to be mindful of the little things. Celebrate the small wins for you, your friends and family without jealousy, Get a hobby, find your passion or study. Your friends will tire of hearing all about your divorce and children. Finding a new activity, will help make you personally fulfilled and...

Read More...

Two Homes (Clare Masure)

This is a simple, gender neutral story of a child named Alex who explains his/her story about having two homes. It is told using short, simple sentences and a happy and upbeat language complimented with bright illustrations. Alex show the reader the two homes that he/she lives in, the two front doors, two kitchens and …

Read More...

What is Sole Parental Responsibility?

In 2006, changes to the Family Law Act ensured that all parents default to SHARED EQUAL PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY for their children. Regardless of your marital situation (single, defacto, re-married, divorced or separated). If you are a parent to a child, you may assume Shared Equal Parenting Responsibility or come to an agreement offering Shared Parental …

Read More...