Separation occurs when you and your partner decide to live apart with the intention to end the relationship. This does not require any legal process. Divorce, on the other hand, is the formal legal dissolution of a marriage, requiring a court process to officially terminate the marital union.

Australia practices a no-fault divorce system, meaning the sole ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, demonstrated by a continuous separation period of at least 12 months.

Yes, it's possible to be considered separated while living together, known as being separated under one roof. In such cases, you may need to provide additional evidence to the court to prove the separation, such as affidavits detailing the nature of the relationship during this period.

To apply for a divorce in Victoria, you must satisfy the following criteria:

• Be legally married and provide a marriage certificate.
• Have been separated for at least 12 months with no reasonable likelihood of resuming married life.
• Meet residency or citizenship requirements, such as being an Australian citizen, domiciled in Australia, or ordinarily resident in Australia for at least 12 months prior to filing.

After separation, it's essential to prioritize the best interests of the children. Parents can:

• Mutually agree on parenting arrangements without court involvement.
• Utilize family dispute resolution services to assist in reaching an agreement.
• Apply to the court for parenting orders if an agreement cannot be reached.

These arrangements should cover aspects like living arrangements, education, and healthcare.

A property settlement involves the division of assets and liabilities between separated parties. The court considers factors such as:

• The financial and non-financial contributions of each party.
• The future needs of each party, including age, health, income, and care of children.
• Ensuring the division is just and equitable.

Yes, a party may be entitled to spousal maintenance if they cannot adequately support themselves and the other party has the capacity to pay. Factors influencing this include:

• Age and health of both parties.
• Income, property, and financial resources.
• Ability to work.
• Suitable standard of living.

The process involves:

1. Filing an application for divorce with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, either solely or jointly.
2. Serving the application on the other spouse if it's a sole application.
3. Attending a court hearing if required, especially when there are children under 18.
4. Receiving the divorce order, which becomes final one month and one day after it's made.

Separation can impact your will and estate plans. It's advisable to:

• Review and update your will to reflect your current wishes.
• Consider updating other estate planning documents, such as powers of attorney.
• Seek legal advice to ensure your assets are distributed according to your intentions.

Various support services are available, including:

• Family Relationship Centres: Offering counseling and dispute resolution services.
• Legal Aid: Providing legal assistance and advice.
• Community Organizations: Offering support groups and resources.

Accessing these services can help navigate the challenges of separation.