In 2003, 14% of all Australian households were single-parent families. One-parent families increased, from 649,000 in 1996 to 800,000 in 2006, an increase of 23%. One-parent families are projected to increase from 838,000 families in 2001 to between 1.1 million and 1.4 million families in 2026. In 2001 the number of female one-parent families (698,000) was around five times the number of male one-parent families (140,000). This ratio is projected to continue throughout the projection period. • Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Today's single mother does not necessarily fit the old stereotype of an unwed teen living on welfare. Whilst the "Single Mum" title has lost much of its stigma and has even been glamorized by celebrity role models, there are still many hurdles to be overcome. 

Single Fathers are in a minority, however there is a great difference in the way they are viewed and even treated by society. For every single parent, there is another non custodial parent to be considered. Some non custodial parents choose to have no interaction with their children whilst others fight for the right to shared care.

Separating can be a very upsetting and stressful experience for all of the family members involved. It is important that you all have some form of support and assistance to help you through this. With separation comes decisions and choices, about the future of yourself, your children, including how to divide property and assets. 

It is often difficult and emotional trying to work through this discussion and reach decisions and there are services that can assist. In particular if you are the instigator of the separation, you may already have gone through a variety of emotions such anger, denial and hurt to name a few, on the other hand, your partner may still have yet to experience them. These emotions can cause things to be said and done which would not normally be expected of a person, so it may be an idea to find assistance to sort out your separation.

There are services are available which can 

~ Help you and your partner work through any problems in your relationship 

~ Help you and your children adjust to separation or divorce 

~ Help you and your former partner reach an agreement, and 

~ Help you and your family adjust to and comply with court orders. 

If you have made the decision to separate you need to take personal documents 

- identification 

- bank/cheque books 

- passports 

- marriage certificate (if applicable) 

- any items that have sentimental value 

You may also take belongings which you need for your children and yourself (provided you are taking children with you). Legally, you may take anything that you own or that is jointly owned by you and another party. You may also apply to court for a sole use and occupation order which forces one person to leave. This is only done in special circumstances and you would need legal advice regarding this option. 

If you separate, financial assistance (e.g. single parent payment, special benefit, newstart allowance) may be available through Centrelink. 

If you and your partner hold joint accounts or debts and you do not want to risk your partner increasing those debts or spending joint funds after separation, you can request as of one of the signatories to the account, that the bank or financial institution it is held with, place a hold over the account so that money cannot be taken out, or further credit cannot be obtained. You will also need to open a new bank account in your name only. 

Your separation may affect your rights and responsibilities, including parenting arrangements for children, child support, property, spousal maintenance, superannuation, joint bank accounts, joint debts and your will (or lack of a will). 

Where possible it will be simpler for all if you can at least agree on initial arrangements In some cases, the partners can reach an agreement between themselves as to who will leave the home, the future of yourself, your children, including how to divide property and assets. More... 

Reaching an Agreement In some cases, the partners can reach an agreement between themselves as to who will leave the home, the future of yourself, your children, including how to divide property and assets.

Should I get Legal Advice? Talking to a lawyer may help you to understand your legal rights and responsibilities, and how the law applies to your separation. They can also assist in you reaching an agreement with your former partner without going to court.