It’s a sad fact, but according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in September 2004, roughly one in three marriages ends in divorce. In the midst of all the emotional turmoil caused by separation and divorce, there are also financial issues to contend with.
Some estimates suggest that marriage breakdown costs the nation up to $6 billion each year. In 2003, there were 53,100 divorces. The median age of divorce for men was 42.6 years and 39.9 years for women. The median time from marriage to separation was 8.7 years and 12.2 years from marriage to divorce. Half of all divorces involve dependent children.
At such a time of monumental change, how do you take control of your finances and get organised so you are appropriately protected?
Common questions to consider
Some questions you may wish to consider include:
- How do I start to become financially independent?
- What government benefits am I entitled to?
- Am I eligible to a part of my ex-partner’s super?
- I have children and I’m the primary breadwinner. What are my financial commitments?
- Will I need to get my own life insurance?
- Do I need to change my Will?
- What should I do with my divorce settlement?
- Where can I go to get more help?