| Perhaps you have been in an unsatisfying relationship | | | | settlement after divorce. Through all these processes |
| for a long time and it has taken you years to gather | | | | you can minimise your legal bill by being prepared, using |
| the courage and make the decision to leave your | | | | mediation and minimising phone calls to your lawyer. |
| partner. Or, maybe separation has hit you like a ton of | | | | 3. Custody and parenting issues can be complicated |
| bricks from nowhere. Whether it was planned or not, | | | | and emotional. Co-parenting is best for your children, so |
| now that you are single...what now? | | | | working together with your ex-partner on these issues |
| Living by yourself can be daunting, especially if you | | | | is the ideal. When it comes to talking about your |
| have lived in a relationship for a long time. If you are a | | | | ex-partner in front of your children, the best thing to |
| mother with kids, parenting is now a full time job for | | | | remember is 'Say something nice, or do not say |
| you, with no-one to give you a break. With such big | | | | anything at all.' Speaking in a disrespectful way about |
| changes happening all around you, life can seem like it | | | | the childrens father or mother is likely to confuse the |
| is out of control. There are a number of issues that is | | | | childrens sense of loyalty and you may find behaviour |
| worth taking a look at, so grab a pen and jot down | | | | problems may follow this sense of confusion. |
| your thoughts as you go through the following list: | | | | 4. Depression is a very common issue in single people |
| | | | as they struggle with issues of loneliness and rejection. |
| 1. Have you got a budget? Write down your income | | | | Symptoms of depression can include broken sleep |
| and expenditure so you have an idea of how much | | | | patterns, feeling constantly sad or irritated, you may |
| you can afford on rent and other needs. You will need | | | | experience changes in appetite, feel overwhelmed or |
| to investigate whether you are entitled to government | | | | helpless or even feel like life is not worth living. It is |
| benefits. In Australia, if you are single you can get the | | | | important to seek help from your local doctor as soon |
| sole parents pension if your youngest child is 8 years | | | | as possible who will then refer you on and may |
| old or younger. If your youngest child is older than 8 | | | | prescribe anti-depressants for you. In Australia, your |
| years, than you may only be entitled to the Newstart | | | | GP can fill out a mental health plan for you which |
| payment. | | | | entitles you to up to 12 visits per year to a qualified |
| 2. The issues of divorce and separation are very | | | | counsellor or psychotherapist. |
| much legal issues as well as financially and emotional | | | | Throughout all of these challenges, be sure to reach |
| issues. In Australia, the only grounds for divorce are | | | | out for help. Do not isolate yourself; rather let your |
| irreconcilable differences, and the court sees a 12 | | | | friends know if you are not doing so great or if you |
| month separation as proof of that. That means, you | | | | need help. You may wish to join a local support group |
| must be separated for 12 months before you can file | | | | for single people, or increase your circle of friends by |
| for divorce. However, you can work out settlement | | | | joining a community group or church. The most |
| earlier if you wish. The only time restraint for | | | | important thing to remember is to look after you! |
| settlement is that you have 12 months to apply for | | | | |