Divorce is never easy. But with the right financial advice, you can take control of your future. In Cairns, Freedom Planning supports individuals through the financial aspects of divorce. Although they do not provide legal advice, their expertise in financial separation gives people clarity, stability, and confidence.
Understanding Divorce in Australia
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand how divorce works in Australia. You can apply for a divorce if you or your spouse are an Australian citizen, usually live in Australia, or consider Australia your permanent home. You must also be separated for at least 12 months before filing.
Separation means you’ve lived separately, even if still under the same roof. You can be married or in a de facto relationship, and the process applies to both. The legal aspect of divorce is handled by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, which oversees the application for divorce and grants the divorce order.
The Role of Financial Advisors in Divorce Planning
Many people confuse legal advice with financial advice. While a family lawyer can help with legal proceedings, a financial advisor focuses on your assets, debts, and future plans. Freedom Planning steps in here – helping you make sense of your financial position and how best to move forward.
Cairns residents benefit from local knowledge. Freedom Planning’s team understands Queensland-specific regulations and economic conditions – which makes their support especially valuable during emotional and complex times.
What to Expect During the Divorce Process
Filing for divorce starts with lodging an application online or via mail. You can submit a joint application with your ex-partner or file on your own. If you choose the latter, you’ll need to serve divorce papers to the other party.
The family court usually schedules a hearing unless you file jointly and have no children under 18. Once approved, the court issues a divorce order one month and one day later. While this might sound simple, the emotional toll and financial changes can feel overwhelming.
Property Settlement and Financial Support
Property settlement is a key step. It involves dividing assets and debts fairly, including real estate, superannuation, business interests, and shared liabilities. There’s no strict 50/50 rule – each situation is unique.
Building a Post-Divorce Financial Future
Once the separation is official, planning for the future becomes your next focus. You’ll need a new budget that reflects your changed income and expenses. If you have children, education and wellbeing plans should be revisited.
Don’t forget superannuation and retirement savings. Financial advisors in Cairns, like those at Freedom Planning, help you consolidate and redirect your savings. They also help create investment plans that align with your new financial goals and life stage.
How Freedom Planning Supports You
At your initial consultation, Freedom Planning listens carefully to your story and needs. They build a financial separation plan tailored to you – covering budgeting, asset division, and forward-planning.
Unlike generic financial services, they focus solely on your wellbeing and long-term success. With their extensive experience in divorce planning Cairns-wide, they make the process clear and manageable.
Common Divorce Planning Questions Answered
Many clients ask: can I apply for a divorce without a lawyer? The answer is yes – though legal guidance is wise for more complex situations. You don’t need to be born in Australia to apply, but you must either be a citizen, live here permanently, or consider it your home.
Also, couples who lived separately under one roof for part or all of the separation period can still file for divorce. You’ll just need to provide extra documentation to prove your separation.
Final Steps and Ongoing Financial Management
Divorce doesn’t end with a court order. It’s crucial to update your will, insurance policies, and superannuation beneficiaries. You should also revisit your investment strategy and set clear savings goals for the future.
Financial advisors Cairns locals trust – like Freedom Planning – offer ongoing support. They can review your progress, offer new strategies, and help you navigate unexpected changes.
Contact Freedom Planning for Guidance
If you’re going through a separation or thinking about it, start with a consultation. Freedom Planning makes it easy to book an appointment and speak with a local expert who understands the emotional and financial realities of divorce.
As financial advisors based in Cairns, they combine professional experience with local understanding. Whether you’re dealing with a property settlement, planning for your kids’ future, or starting fresh after separation, they offer practical, compassionate guidance.
Take the first step toward financial freedom today. With the right support, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
For more information about divorce in Australia, visit the Australian Government Services Australia page or check out Queensland Legal Aid for legal support options.