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This website discusses domestic and family violence and coercive control.
Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Police if you are in a dangerous or life-threatening situation.
If you don't want to speak to the police you can also call DV Connect on 1800 811 811 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Find other support options
It can be a good idea to get legal help when ending a marriage, de facto relationship, or civil partnership, especially if you have children or a joint property.
Find out more about separating from your partner.
You may need support if your relationship or marriage is ending , particularly if you have experienced domestic and family violence within your relationship.
Find out how to:
- create a safety plan to help you prepare for a time when you may need to leave home quickly
- stay safe if leaving a harmful or unsafe relationship.
Divorce
Divorce is the official ending of a marriage. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia looks after all divorces. Find out more about applying for a divorce.
You can prepare your own divorce application or ask a lawyer to do it for you.
For more information on how to divorce or to seek legal advice visit:
The following organisations may be able to give legal advice :
- Family Relationship Advice Line gives free legal advice and information about services and the family law system in Australia. They can be contacted on 1800 050 321.
- Community legal centres give legal advice on a range of topics. Contact them to find out if they can help.
- Queensland Law Society can refer you to a specialist private lawyer for advice or representation.
Children can be affected when parents end a relationship. If your parents separate or get divorced, it’s important to understand that whatever you’re feeling is normal and okay.
Find out how to get help if you’re parents are getting divorced.
Defacto relationships
A defacto relationship describes a relationship between two people who aren’t married but live together as a couple. The same laws apply to same-sex and heterosexual couples.
You can end your defacto relationship by informing the other person. There are no legal requirements for separation. If you’re new to Australia, or are worried about residency, it is important to get legal help.
Visit the Legal Aid Queensland website for more information on how to separate, leave home or to get legal advice.
The following organisations may be able to give legal advice:
- Community legal centres give legal advice on a range of topics. Contact them to find out if they can help.
- Family Relationship Advice Line gives free legal advice and information about services and the family law system in Australia. They can be contacted on 1800 050 321.
- Queensland Law Society can refer you to a specialist private lawyer for advice or representation.
Civil partnerships
Your civil partnership ends if you, or your partner:
- passes away (dies)
- marries
- or applies to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to end the partnership.
You and your ex-partner can apply individually or together to end the civil partnership.
Children
If you have children and your marriage or civil partnership ends, you will want to make sure you and your ex-partner have organised appropriate care for your children. You may need legal help.
Learn more about parenting arrangements and information about child support.