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My family or relationship

Information about what to do when you separate from your partner or need help to care for your child.

If you have separated from your partner, you may need to sort out parenting, property, maintenance and child support. 

If you are married, you may want to apply for a divorce. 

If you have, or are experiencing, domestic or family violence, you can get help to protect yourself.

If you need help to care for your child, you may be speaking with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).  

You may be considering putting your child up for adoption, or you want to adopt a child into your family. 

  • Your safety is important

    Your safety is important

    If you feel unsafe or are experiencing any violence, contact the police, a domestic violence counsellor or get legal advice.

Divorce

Divorce

Find out how to apply for, and respond to an application for, divorce.
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Parenting

Parenting

Find out how to decide the parenting arrangements for your child when you separate.
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Child support

Child support

Find out more about applying for and paying child support.
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Care and protection

Care and protection

Find out how to get help when there are concerns for the welfare of a child or young person.
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Domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence

Find out more about the help and support services for victims of domestic and family violence.
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Finance and property

Finance and property

Find out how to sort out your finances and divide your property when you separate.
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Mediation

Mediation

Find out how you can use mediation to help you resolve a dispute about parenting or property.
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Adoption

Adoption

Find out more about adoption in NSW.
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Ways to get help

Ways to get help

If you have a legal problem in NSW, Legal Aid NSW is here to help you.

Family Dispute Resolution Service

Information about the Legal Aid NSW Family Dispute Resolution Service.

Resources

Best for Kids

Legal information for young people and their families, featuring short videos, and links to other useful resources for separating families.

amica

amica is a simple, affordable and quick way for couples to agree on parenting, property and money issues when they separate.

Children's Court NSW

The Children's Court NSW deals with care and protection, compulsory schooling orders, criminal, traffic and AVO matters where the defendant is under 18 years of age.

Federal Circuit and Family Court

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia deals with divorce, maintenance, parenting and financial family law matters.

Willow

Willow is a free legal service run by the Women’s Legal Service NSW that provides domestic and family abuse support and information for women in NSW.