Coping With Separation

For most people, separating from a former partner following a relationship breakdown is one of the most stressful things they will ever have to deal with. Every individual deals with it in his or her own way, however Psychologists and Psychiatrists will often refer to “the stages of grief” that many people go through following separation.

The stages:
• Denial and shock
• Anger and blame
• Sadness and depression
• Acceptance

Making the decision to separate is a major step. Separation affects everyone in a different way, therefore your former partner may move or travel through the stages of separation at a different speed or a different pace to how you move through the stages and also may think things or see things in a different way than you do. For example, one of you may come to the conclusion and accept that the relationship is finished while the other may still be in denial and feeling angry and believe the relationship can be saved.

At Doolan Callaghan Family Lawyers we commonly hear about this when we meet with clients. Sometimes, the different stages that people are at can affect the way they deal with, and negotiate on, issues such as:

(i) Money and financial matters.
(ii) Care arrangements for children.
(iii) Living arrangements and the occupation of the home.

Important decisions need to be made after separation, and some of those need to be made quite quickly. For this reason, if you are contemplating separation or have recently become separated, you should not delay in getting advice as to where you stand and what your rights and obligations are. Clients may also need professional help from a counsellor or psychologist to assist them (and their children in some cases) cope with the changes. Every case is different, and it is important to receive advice tailored to your unique situation. It is very common for clients to tell us after an initial consultation that they feel so much better knowing where they stand and understanding the process and what they need to do. They often feel a sense of relief and feel they can make informed decisions moving forward.

If you are contemplating separation or have separated, Doolan Callaghan Family Lawyers are highly experienced in advising you about your rights and obligations and we do this with understanding and care. Please do not hesitate in contacting us for a chat or an initial consultation on 9984 7411 or via email on enquires@doolancallaghan.com.au.