Introduction

>> PRESENTER: Hi, I’m Jane, and I’m here today to give you some information about your options when considering family separation.

The breakdown of a family can be a very traumatic time for everyone involved but there is assistance available to help guide you through the legal process to ensure you can make arrangements for your family that are fair and in the best interests of your children.

As we explore your options and the services available, we will drop in on two families – John and Jenny and their children Chloe, aged two, and Jack, aged four; and Brendon and Kylie and their children Anthony, aged 13, and Rebecca, aged 11 – to help you get a clearer idea of how the system works in ‘real life’ scenarios.

This DVD has been divided into chapters so you can navigate ahead to the area you want information about or watch it all the way through to get a clear idea of the whole process and all the options.

We’re going to cover issues like: When to get legal advice; Safety; Relationship support; Family dispute resolution – which process is right for you?; Parenting plans and consent orders - what are they?; Family dispute resolution through family relationship centres; Legal Aid Queensland’s Family Dispute Resolution Service; What happens if you just can’t agree?; and Other services available.
 
You can also go back to the issues that affect you the most and review that chapter.

There are many issues to consider when separating and support is available at every step so you don’t have to feel alone as you go through this difficult transition.

The type of support available includes relationship support and legal information and advice.

Before you and your partner head straight to court to settle your differences, most people will need to attend family dispute resolution and try to resolve your issues without a court having to step in.

Just some of the issues you may face include: where the children will live and when they will spend time with each parent; how your children will be raised, for example where they will go to school, who they will spend holidays and special occasions with, the kind of extra-curricular activities you’d like them to participate in and how they will be paid for; child support; how you will divide your assets and property, and money generally.

While it can be difficult, as you consider your life after separation it is important to take a step back and focus on making decisions that are in the best interests of your children, now and into the future.

Last updated 25 November 2015