Teenagers may think they are adults and can handle anything, when they really need support especially when their parents break-up
Utilise a facilitator to reach your parenting agreements efficiently
Suggestions for the way that you think when you are stuck at home with your children
What you need to know about having a child at school and being a separated parent
How to keep kids occupied while juggling work and single-parenting when school is on break
What you can do to celebrate Christmas when you don’t have family or if you are on your own
What to do when the other parent minimises their income in a change of assessment with Child Support Agency ....
Three signs to look for before involving your partner in Father's Day celebrations Knowing when to recognise your partner on Father’s Day for your child can be tricky. The solution to this isn’t always clear cut....
Three signs to look for before involving your partner in Father's Day celebrations Knowing when to recognise your partner on Father’s Day for your child can be tricky. The solution to this isn’t always clear cut....
Telling people about your separation is difficult and yet, informing your child makes it very ‘real.’ Knowing what to say and when to say it has so many variables depending on ...
Moving at any time in your life can be stressful. “Adding children and separation to the move, the process can become more overwhelming,” ...
Not every divorce is the same. No two divorces will have the same elements or have the same outcome. However, there are some fundamentals that all divorces ...
I have always felt that the spirit of Christmas is magnified with children. Sometimes I feel that there is nothing worse than being a single parent without your kids at Christmas. However, this is only a perception ...
I have always felt that the spirit of Christmas is magnified with children. Sometimes I feel that there is nothing worse than being a single parent without your kids at Christmas. However, this is only a perception ...
When a relationship ends, it can be devastating and a time of uncertainty. This is further challenging if your family don’t understand what you are going through and either ...
When a relationship ends, it can be devastating and a time of uncertainty. This is further challenging if your family don’t understand what you are going through and either ...
Sending children from one home to another and transitioning between parents can be difficult at times for the parents as it is for the children. As such, we have to appreciate that every person parents their child differently – no two ...
What is a trial separation? A trial separation is an agreed time when a couple in a marriage or significant relationship are unsure whether they want to continue to be with each other or set each other free. It is ...
When a relationship or marriage ends, people more often struggle with their identity. For many years or decades, you were comfortable as being referred to or known as someone’s wife/husband, someone’s son/daughter or someone’s mother/father. This changes in ...
A colleague enquired about tips to ‘smooth the waters’ when partnering with someone who has adult children that are a little ‘cool’ towards you. If this sounds like you, your spouse will appreciate your efforts tos ...
For some people at the end of a bad marriage or long-term relationship it is their wish to change their name or their child wishes to change their name. Divorce Answered.com.au's founder knows first-hand the desire, challenges and how to change a child’s name. Rachael was and still is ...
It is more financially viable to have another adult in the home as you raise your children or as the children spend time with you. However, there are a number of items that need to be considered when you do plan for ....
We hear so much about the ‘boomerang’ generation, the millennials who have to move home after living their lifestyle lavishly. However, what is being overlooked are the copious number of....
One of the pitfalls of celebrating Mother’s Day as a single parent is that there isn’t anyone else to go to that effort to recognise you as a mum and say a big “thanks.” How we empower our children to....
For one parent, divorce and separation means an uncertainty in how to be involved and stay involved in the lives of the children. According to the ABS, 3.1% of Australian families are headed by....
Whether you are becoming a step parent for the first time or for the second or third time, it will always be new and unchartered territory....
Hauling children off to bed can become at difficult task. Equally, taking ourselves off to bed at a reasonable time can be a challenge. By implementing...
Co-parenting. It sounds like a great word, but many of us don’t know what it really is or how to do it...
Many families decide to move abroad and become expatriates for an amount of time, whether it is for one parent’s career, returning to a country of origin with ...
No one starts a relationship or marriage with the expectation of ending in divorce. Sometimes we can’t help the path that our marriage takes and can only ...
No one starts a relationship or marriage with the expectation of ending in divorce. Sometimes we can’t help the path that our marriage takes and can only ...
Working a high management as a Chief Officer, Chairperson or taking a leadership/board member role can be a rewarding challenge. For many people, it becomes their life. However, how do you effectively juggle leadership and parenting? Worse still, ...
According to American studies and courts, January is considered “divorce month”. The idea behind divorce month is that people have had Christmas with their family, only just tolerated the time ...
There is so much information readily available covering people’s opinions about parenting as a divorcee, but what about financials? Did you know that there is a difference between child support, child maintenance, spousal maintenance and financial settlements? ...
Mediation can be one of the best and most rewarding and one of the more cost-effective steps to reach resolution in your separation. Here are the top 10 tips on how to get the best outcome in mediation and family dispute resolution (FDR) and achieve a sense of success! ...
The are many things that can contribute towards the break-down of a marriage or serious relationship. Here are just a few pressure points that can strain a marriage ...
Dinner time is a great time for everyone to connect, learn and share. It helps to forge bonds between siblings and the parent/child relationship. Learn how and why here ...
Dinner time is a great time for everyone to connect, learn and share. It helps to forge bonds between siblings and the parent/child relationship. Learn how and why here ...
When an expert mediator wants to share tips on how to get the most out of your mediation or family dispute resolution, it’s time to start taking notes! ...
Having a healthy level of expectations and understanding when working with a lawyer is essential. If you expect your lawyer to answer all of the small questions, sort out every little issue or document every concern, you will ...
Having a healthy level of expectations and understanding when working with a lawyer is essential. If you expect your lawyer to answer all of the small questions, sort out every little issue or document every concern, you will ...
There are more people than ever before using the Family Courts. The vast majority of the separating population are not able to afford unlimited legal representation. Equally, more and more people are self-representing and, understandably, they...
As urban and metro areas become more densely populated, housing and blocks of land become smaller. More people are being forced to share a smaller space. For many people ...
Let’s cover a morbid topic and clarify what happens to your assets when you die. Divorce Answered shares insights into your marital status, your Last Will and associated implications of...
You don’t need to open your wallet and buy something to sow someone that you love them. There are ways that you can show affection without buying a gift or flowers. Divorce Answered offers 10 suggestions for ...
As urban and metro areas become more densely populated, housing and blocks of land become smaller. More people are being forced to share a smaller space. For many people ...
As urban and metro areas become more densely populated, housing and blocks of land become smaller. More people are being forced to share a smaller space. For many people ...
(blog) Christmas - Aargh! It has crept up on me again. The bank balance is looking sad and in dire need of a cash windfall. My heart starts to beat fast when I recall ...
(Personal perspective) In 2012 my marriage was irreparable. Within days of my separation, I had two other girlfriends also separate. Incidentally, I have met and supported many women throughout their separations and ...
Making the decision to end a marriage is a very big decision. Many people took vows to live together through poverty and poor health for the rest of their lives. Leaving the marriage leaves them feeling ...
Today, more than any previous generation, grandparents are playing a more active role in the lives of their grandchildren. This post is dedicated to Nanna. Nanna is concerned for other grandparents who aren’t able to facilitate a loving relationship with their grandchildren of divorce ...
Often people leave their marriage feeling broken, bruised and bashed-about. They struggle with confidence as a parent, partner and as a person. Often, they have lost their self-value. Somehow and in some way, they need to find...
R U Ok? Day is today, September 14, 2017, which means that more than ever before, we need to check in with our friends, family, neighbours and particularly the growing number of divorcees. This year, you are asked you to please pay particular attention to your friends starting or in the thick of their divorce...
While divorce is devastating, it can be equally as liberating. Whether you made the decision or the decision to end the union was made for you, it is still a huge change. For many people, they...
What marriage is and what it looks like is ever changing. The traditional 1950s stay at home mother with working husband is antiquated. Today, there are traditional, blended and single-parent families, de facto...
Many fathers wish that they could have more time each day, week or month with their children and this is often highlighted on Father’s Day. According to the ABS, almost one in 5 families are...
Not every child is fortunate to have their dad active and involved in their daily lives. There are many who have limited to no contact. The reasons for...
As special occasions arise throughout the year, many divorced and single parents feel unsettled or unsatisfied with the parenting and visiting arrangements. It isn’t until...
Divorce and separation changes the dynamics for a family. Often the parents are so wrapped up in their own emotional turmoil that the children are sometimes the forgotten victims. Here are some...
Many Baby Boomers (people born post World War II, between 1946 and 1964) often recouple when in a financially sound situation. They couple for many reasons, primarily for companionship. Rachael Scharrer, founder of online resource DivorceAnswered.com.au has exposed the lesser known truths about ...
All too often we hear couples in long term relationships say that “marriage is only a piece of paper” or “we didn’t get married because we don’t want to get divorced.” Unfortunately, these couples don’t realise that they are actually part...
It is stressful if you are on a budget and wondering how you will meet the costs of a lawyer. Retaining a family lawyer from start to finish may mean an overwhelming invoice at the end. Similarly, not hiring a lawyer could be a mistake...
There are many common and widely known statements about being a single parent or single parenting. While these may be true for some people (the minority), they are generalisations which don’t apply to the vast majority of single parents and are made without any factual basis or concrete evidence. Many of the statements below are …
Children do not grow on sunshine, fresh air and water alone. They cost money to raise and grow into amazing people. Child support is an entitlement for children aged 0 – 18 years and in a divorced/separated situation and calculated with considerations to the number of nights spent with each parent. In recent years, the …
Children go through a “divorce” too. The world that they knew as a “family” becomes very different. The relationship with both parents changes and sometimes it involves moving homes. Sometimes, the separation can have a positive impact on the children, especially removing them from situations of neglect, high tensions and abuse. Other times, the children …
Taking the time to consider what parenting plan or order you believe is appropriate for your family is helpful for a number of reasons – most importantly, because structure is essential for you to move on with life and for your children. When considering your parenting orders, three main rules must be applied; Be child-minded…
In 2006, the Australian Government regulated an assumption that any two people that have a child automatically assume “Equal Shared Parenting Responsibility” (ESPR). This means that regardless of whether you and the other parent had a child from a one-night-stand or in a defacto/married relationship and regardless of whether you are now together, apart, separated…
This is a beautifully written story about a little child whose parents are divorced. As the child moves between each house, so does her dog, Fred. Fred is the constant companion and confidant. What is particularly interesting about this story is that the dog presents the challenge for the parents, the child asserts her authority …
Making the decision to end a marriage is a very big decision. Many people took vows to live together through poverty and poor health for the rest of their lives. Leaving the marriage leaves them feeling conflicted. Ending the marriage leaves some people feeling relieved and elated, others numb or guilty. In my opinion, there …
When a judge makes a ruling or order. It can be on an interim (limited time period) basis or a final basis (which is permanent/indefinite). The interim orders stay in place until they are REPLACED by new orders (even when a time period was noted, say 6 months or 12 months). Say, the Judge ruled…
This book is a short picture book about parents who have decided to separate. It addresses the love lost between the parents and a child’s attempt to “stick” them back together with “parent glue”. This rhyming story delivers a powerful and optimistic message and reinforces the lesson that despite the parents not loving each other …
Below are a few items for consideration when collating your parenting plan – be it the Divorce Answered Parenting Plan, the Divorce Answered Separation Statement, something you are creating yourself or personal expectations that you need to manage. No plan, no divorce! Did you know that if you don’t have a parenting plan in place,…
Domestic violence is often ignored by the victim and “swept under the rug”. Unfortunately, domestic violence only gets worse and doesn’t go away on its own. Unhealthy relationships often start with love, friendship, trust and loyalty. During the relationship, one of the couple (“the Bully”) takes the power, becomes possessive and demands control with an …
Rebuilding features 19 steps that people go through after breaking up. Fisher describes each stage from the point of view of the “dumpee” and “dumper” and further explains what the children of the break up may be experiencing during this time too. Each chapter is relatively short and features a brief questionnaire at the end …
Start a gratitude journal. Learn to be mindful of the little things. Celebrate the small wins for you, your friends and family without jealousy, Get a hobby, find your passion or study. Your friends will tire of hearing all about your divorce and children. Finding a new activity, will help make you personally fulfilled and...
This is a simple, gender neutral story of a child named Alex who explains his/her story about having two homes. It is told using short, simple sentences and a happy and upbeat language complimented with bright illustrations. Alex show the reader the two homes that he/she lives in, the two front doors, two kitchens and …
In 2006, changes to the Family Law Act ensured that all parents default to SHARED EQUAL PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY for their children. Regardless of your marital situation (single, defacto, re-married, divorced or separated). If you are a parent to a child, you may assume Shared Equal Parenting Responsibility or come to an agreement offering Shared Parental …
