“Almost half of all marriages in Australia end in divorce.” That’s not just a number—it’s a reality that hits hard when you're in the thick of it. Separation is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be chaos either.

At Your Lawyers Turner Riddell Hervey Bay, we’ve walked countless people through the storm of separation—and we’ve learned a few things along the way that can genuinely make a difference.

Let’s break down the real stuff that helps. No fluff, just practical guidance.

One of the biggest mistakes we see? People waiting too long to gather important documents. Bank statements. Superannuation details. Mortgage records. Tax returns. Get these together before things escalate. It saves time. It saves stress. And frankly, it makes you look a lot more credible when it’s time to negotiate.

Tip: Create digital copies and back them up. A neatly organised folder on your desktop can go a long way.

It sounds petty, but it happens all the time. People waste time and money arguing over low-value items. Ask yourself: is it really worth it?

Focus your energy on the big picture—property settlements, parenting arrangements, your mental wellbeing. Let the IKEA lamp go. Seriously.

This isn’t about being secretive—it’s about being smart. You don’t need to be aggressive, but you do need to be informed. Even well-meaning conversations can come back to bite you if you're not careful.

A quick consult with Your Lawyers Turner Riddell Hervey Bay can help you understand your rights before emotions take over. You don’t need to know everything. You just need someone in your corner who does.

This one’s huge.

If you have children, keep them out of the conflict—completely. Kids aren’t negotiators. They’re not mini therapists. Let them be children, not carriers of adult messages.

If communication with your ex is tense, use written channels. Or even better, opt for parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard or MyMob. They keep things clear, accountable, and civil.

Easier said than done? Yes. But crucial.

There’s a time to cry, vent, and let it out (preferably not in front of your ex’s lawyer). And there’s a time to think long-term—financially, emotionally, practically. Both matter. But if you mix them up, you risk decisions you’ll regret.

Talk to a professional therapist. Lean on friends. But keep your legal decisions grounded in logic, not spite.

In most cases, you don’t have to rush. Separation doesn’t mean everything needs to be sorted by next week. You have 12 months from your divorce becoming final to make a property claim, for example.

Use that time wisely. Get advice. Think things through. And don’t be pressured into “just signing it” because you want it over with.

Separation is never painless. But it doesn’t have to be messy or traumatic. With the right mindset and the right team behind you, you can move through it with clarity, control, and even a little dignity.

At Your Lawyers Turner Riddell Hervey Bay, we don’t just do law—we support people through one of the hardest transitions of their lives. And we do it with compassion, experience, and a calm, steady hand.

So if you're staring down a separation and wondering what’s next—start here. Breathe. Then reach out. We’re here to help.