0418 928 448 Contact Us

Practical Tips For Separation – When It’s Over, It’s Over

January 13, 2018

Relationships

We often get told by people that it’s actually really hard to separate, so here are our practical tips for separation.

The logistics and admin involved can be overwhelming and lead to people staying in bad relationships long after it’s time to move on.

Over the next few weeks we will give you a few suggestions on how to smooth the process which come from years of helping people get through marriage and relationship breakdowns. We want you to think of Move On as your divorce coach!

Our Practical Tips For Separation

So to kick off, here are a few practical tips for separation – you can implement these when you actually decide to call it quits and separate:

Take photos of your personal property, especially if you are leaving the shared home
Make copies (or retain originals) of all financial documents and keep them in a safe place
If you have kids, don’t try to prevent them from having contact with the other parent unless there are issues of violence or abuse.
Visit your children’s school to let them know the separation has occurred. Schools need to know so they can help monitor children’s adjustment to separation.
Keep a diary, people often find it difficult to remember timelines and dates, if you do end up having to go to court m it’s important to have this info.
If you are struggling with your grief reactions at the time of separation, your GP can refer you under Medicare for some sessions from a psychologist or counsellor. Speaking from personal experience, it can help to get professional help to deal with the emotional fall out.
Talk to your friends and family members for support.
Be open minded about attending counselling for yourself or your kids.

Ian Shann

Accredited Family Mediator in Perth

My commitment is simple—to help keep separated couples out of the Family Court and minimise their need for lawyers, saving them time, money and anguish. Under my guidance, separated couples are able to Move On with their lives through family mediation.

Learn more Get in touch

dummy

September 3, 2026

Separation & Divorce

Dividing Property After Separation

When a couple separates after a marriage or de facto relationship, one of the major issues to work through is how to divide property and finances. This is called a “property settlement”. I’ve put together what you need to know about dividing property after separation in Western Australia. Dividing Property After Separation As a family […]

dummy

August 28, 2026

Mediation

What Is An Agreement Reached At Mediation?

Separating or divorcing can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make decisions about your children, finances, property and your future. Family mediation provides a structured and supportive environment where separated couples can discuss these issues and work towards practical solutions together. Rather than leaving important decisions in the hands of a court, mediation gives […]

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Family Mediation Clients

The process was so much quicker and easier than I anticipated – after everything I have heard about lawyers! And it was re-assuring for me to know how much it was going to cost at the start, not when it was all over. Thanks, Ian. I’d recommend you to anyone who wants a solution seeker and quick results.

— Bree F, Fremantle WA

Ian, your patience and persistence really helped us get to an agreement I thought we could never reach. I’d recommend you to anyone who wants to get family issues resolved as painlessly as possible.

— Michael G, Safety Bay WA

Thank you once more for your kindness, wisdom and counsel.

— Georgie N, Wangara WA

Ian worked hard to enable us to reach an agreement. He was always happy to discuss and explain everything we needed.

— Cathy & Steve, Subiaco WA

I highly recommend Ian and the services provided by Move On. Ian genuinely wants to help you to move forward with your life. Respect and Integrity go hand in hand at Move On.

— Michelle G, Tuart Hill

What a great job. Not only was I really happy with the result and the agreement Ian negotiated for me, but I got this resolved much faster and cheaper than I had first thought.

— Rob K, Fitzroy VIC

Ian managed to keep my husband on board although he was difficult to engage. Ian managed to achieve an outcome which saved face for us both. The whole situation was stressful but Ian was able to keep us focused and managed my husband firmly but respectfully.

— Joan T, Applecross WA

Ian gave me a clear explanation of the issues in dispute. This really helped us get my family law problems fixed much quicker and it saved me time and money. I tell my friends about how he is a lawyer who was always looking for answers not problems.

— Anna R, Claremont WA

Ian did a fabulous job in allowing the parties to discuss their options in relation to parenting arrangements.

— Vicky, Hammond Park WA

Thank you so much for your calm and professional assistance you have given us during this difficult stage of our life.

— Teresa, Perth WA

Thank you for all your assistance, patience, good manners and extensive knowledge provided.

— Frances, Port Hedland WA

Thanks Ian. I didn’t think we had much hope of getting our divorce issues resolved but your persistence and positive attitude really helped to get us over the line. I’m really grateful for that.

— Genevieve, Attadale WA

I just wanted to say thanks so much for this morning! It’s likely rarely an easy situation to mediate but I felt that our situation was handled incredibly well by you, and I am certainly grateful for your expertise and your input this morning!

— John, Forrestfield WA

Ian has a good knowledge of the law and listens to what you have to say. Ian is about helping people and not about monetary compensation.

— Alan S, Fremantle WA

I would like to thank you for listening, and offering sound and honest advice. I felt a sense of relief just by talking to you. You are the only professional in this field of separation that I have encountered that genuinely wants to help. I am truly grateful for this.

— Mandy, Churchlands WA

Thanks for your time today Ian, you did a brilliant job. A very positive outcome for all I felt.

— Andrew W, Duncraig WA