We've decided to separate

If you need assistance in making appropriate arrangements for the children you can seek help from:

Canberra One Parent Family
Ph: 6247 4282

family support for single parents offering information, personal support, referral and advocacy.
six-week, no cost, Kids Club for primary school aged children whose parents have divorced or separated.

Child Support Agency
Ph: 13 12 72

Supporting separated parents, new partners, kids and the extended family to overcome the turbulence of separation and develop positive family relationships for their children’s sake is a key role of the Child Support Agency.

The CSA supports separated parents to transfer child support so that both parents are sharing the financial responsibility for raising their children.

CSA has a range of products and refers separated parents to services to help.

The CSA’s Me and My series comprises five free booklets, focusing on the main areas of stress for separated parents: kids, money, personal wellbeing, dealing with the ‘ex’ and managing new relationships.

The booklets have been created with input from experts and advocacy groups and were ‘road tested’ by parents to make sure the information is useful and relevant and they’ve just been translated into five languages for parents who don’t speak English.

A free interactive CD-ROM, Dealing with Separation, has real people in real situations talking about their experiences and includes practical tips and hints on dealing with separation.

CSA, in partnership with other community groups, also delivers Staying Connected, a workplace-based program, to support fathers going through separation.

Feedback from dads who have completed the program has been very positive, with many dads saying it has given them practical advice about taking care of themselves, maintaining positive relationships with their kids and getting along better with their ‘ex’.

CSA seamlessly connects parents to the Family Relationship Centres and refers parents to local community organisations like Beyondblue and Mensline.

If parents have any concerns about their child support arrangements they can contact CSA directly and a customer service officer will help them understand their options.

Copies of the free booklets are available from 1800 040 972.

Parents can obtain information about services in their area via CSA’s Community Service Directory on www.csa.gov.au view www.familyrelationships.gov.au information or phone 13 12 72 for personal assistance.

Conflict Resolution Service
Ph: 6295 5998

impartial and confidential mediation to assist parties to reach a mutual, common sense agreement on the issues they have in dispute.

FACES (Family & Adolescents Centre Counselling Service)
Ph: 6162 6100

mediation and family therapy for parents and adolescents aged between 10 and 21 to prevent homelessness.

Family Court of Australia
Ph: 6267 0511

deals with matters relating to divorce, residence, children's issues, relationships and property settlements.

Family Relationships Centre
Family Relationship Advice Line - Freecall 1800 050 321

provides all families (whether together or separated) with information and advice about family relationship issues.

Law Society of ACT
Ph: 6247 5700

regulates the activities of solicitors in the ACT. Call them if you are unsure about how to seek legal advice.

Legal Aid Office ACT
Ph: 1300 654 314
Ph: 6217 4299 Domestic Violence Protection and Personal Orders
Ph: 6243 3407 Criminal Law Matters
Ph: 6243 3411 General Enquiries

legal advice, information, assistance and representation to those people who are disadvantaged in their access to the law. Free legal advice telephone service 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
You may decide you need to make an application to the Court for Court Orders. Although you can apply yourself, these applications can be complex and you may need a solicitor to advise you and make the application for you.

Lone Fathers Association
Ph: 6258 4216

Parentline
Ph: 6287 3833 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri)

a free, confidential telephone service for parents and families in the ACT and surrounding area. Calls are answered by professionally trained workers who are to help with information and support.

Relationships Australia
Ph: 6122 7100

counselling, mediation and group programs for people wanting to build better relationships.

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