Ending a relationship

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages can help you to end your civil partnership.

Remember when you have children and joint assets you should always get legal help when you end a civil partnership, de facto relationship or marriage.

This page will help you find out about:

Find out what documents you may need to change your family name because of separation, divorce or personal choice.

Civil partnerships

Your civil partnership ends if you or your partner:

  • marries
  • passes away
  • 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.

Online: our general enquiry form.

By phone: local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or international +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC)—phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.

*Costs may be higher from mobile phones and interstate.

Public holiday office closure

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages on Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane will be closed Monday 27 January for the Australia Day public holiday. We will re-open on Tuesday 28 January at 8.30am.

De facto relationships

To officially end your de facto relationship, you need to inform your ex-partner.

You don't have to apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia or receive a separation certificate.

Divorce

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages does not register divorces.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia looks after divorces for all Australians.

They also provide information about the divorce process, including how to apply, getting proof of divorce and legal resources.

For other useful information visit Legal Aid Queensland.

Support for the separation process

|

If your civil partnership, de facto partnership or marriage breaks up and you have children, then you will want to make sure you and your ex-partner have organised appropriate care for your children.

Other websites to visit:

The court approaches dividing assets and debt the same way whether you are ending your civil partnership, de facto relationship or divorcing.https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/fp/overview

Read more about property and money after separation.

Legal Aid Queensland also provides useful information about dividing your property.

Don’t forget to tell organisations of your separation so they can remove your ex-partner from your records. Make a list, this may include telling your:

  • bank and mortgage provider
  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Medicare
  • insurer
  • manager of your will
  • rental agent.

You may find the Moneysmart's divorce and separation financial checklist helpful.

If you rent with your ex-partner, the Residential Tenancies Authority provides information about changing the tenancy agreement if someone is moving out.