The first month after a Gold Coast separation

This is a non-advice list. It is not a court checklist and not a script for an unsafe household. If anyone is in danger, call 000 and read family violence.

Week one — safety and the roof

• If you need a protection order, that is usually a Queensland process. On the Coast that often means Southport, not a federal divorce counter.
• If you still share a house, write down when you say the couple relationship ended and why — separated under one roof is a recognised idea.
• Change passwords on devices you control. Do not “share everything” into a chat that is being monitored.

Records, not rumours

A practical bundle often includes identity documents, children’s birth certificates, school and medical contacts, bank and super statements, the lease or mortgage, tax returns, and any existing orders. Official forms still come from the court or agency. We do not host them.

Name the four files

1. Safety
2. Children — parenting
3. Money — property and child support
4. The marriage, if any — divorce (usually after 12 months of separation)

Do not assume one Southport appointment closes all four.

Agencies

• Services Australia if income support or child support is in play
• Insurers and the bank if you are changing a household
• School front offices — they need authorised contacts, not a Facebook post

Advice doors

Legal Aid Queensland and Gold Coast Community Legal Centre have intake rules. See resources. This desk is not a firm.