Separation Checklist Template

Create the Client’s Separation Checklist

This separation checklist template turns your client’s first interview into selected preparation tasks and a financial records request. Choose the living and account arrangements, then edit the relevant tasks.

The example concerns a married client with dependants and joint property. The client remains under one roof and disputes the separation date. Selecting No for joint property removes its title and mortgage request. Selecting a business or trust interest adds the relevant records request.

Open Edit selected tasks to change wording, add an item or remove one. Each item has a status and space for the responsible person. A follow-up date is optional. Removed tasks stay excluded as you change other facts.

The editable checklist sits beside the inputs on desktop and below them on phones. Copy or download the text, or download printable HTML and use your browser’s Print command. Export preserves the current text, including direct edits. Changing a fact or task replaces those direct edits.

Collect Dates and Financial Records

Preserve the client’s account of separation and the records supporting it. A disputed date stays marked as disputed. Record the competing dates and supporting evidence in the date task’s details.

For married clients who remain under one roof, record changes to domestic arrangements and finances, why they continued sharing the home and witnesses with direct knowledge. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s same-roof guidance explains the evidence relevant to divorce. The Family Court of Western Australia’s guidance separately explains its affidavit requirements. This checklist collects preparation facts and creates no affidavit.

Collect statements and debt records alongside income documents, superannuation details and recurring payments. Identify the account and required period in each request. Select Missing record when a document is absent. Use Confirm instruction when you still need the client’s answer or authority.

For example, mark the bank-statement task Missing record and enter the account ending and absent period. Assign it to the client and enter a follow-up date. The request and unresolved list preserve those details in the download.

The courts’ financial disclosure guidance covers relevant direct and indirect financial circumstances and continuing disclosure. The Western Australian disclosure guidance also covers interests in entities and liabilities. The selected prompts are a starting records request. Tailor the periods and scope to the matter’s disclosure duties.

Use the separation guide for the meaning and evidence of separation. The family-law financial disclosure guide explains the broader records duty.

Review Immediate Finances and Next Steps

Review housing commitments and recurring payments before giving the client instructions about changes. Identify the current payer, account mandates and any urgent concern that needs advice.

The checklist prompts a review of joint arrangements. It gives no instruction to move joint funds or cancel another person’s access. Record proposed action as an instruction to confirm until you have resolved authority and consequences.

Before the next interview, review every item marked Missing record or Confirm instruction. A completed task records your progress only. Completing this checklist does not determine property entitlements or complete a divorce application.