What happens when your relationship has ended, but neither of you can move out?
This is something I am seeing more and more across Australia. Separation no longer always looks like one person packing a bag and moving into a new home. With the cost of living, rental shortages, mortgage pressure, children, leases, school zones and financial stress, many people are finding themselves separated but still living under the same roof.
And while that might be the only practical option, it can also be emotionally exhausting.
In this episode, I talk about the growing reality of separation under one roof and how you can move through it with more clarity, structure and support.
This is not about pretending everything is fine. It is not about staying in the same relationship. It is about recognising that, for many people, physical separation is not immediately possible but emotional, practical, financial and legal separation can still begin.
I explore how to create a same-roof separation plan, how to protect children from confusion and conflict, how to manage the emotional load, and why safety must always come first.
This episode is for you if you are living in that difficult middle place: the relationship has ended, but the home, the mortgage, the lease, the children or the finances mean you are still sharing the same address.
Resources:
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
For domestic, family or sexual violence support in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT (1800737732). It is a national counselling, information and support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For men using, or at risk of using, violent or controlling behaviour, the Men's Referral Service is available nationally on 1300 766 491.
Separation under one roof is recognised in Australia, including by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia when couples have lived separately in the same home during the 12-month separation period required for divorce. The Court notes that extra information may be needed if you rely on that period when applying for divorce.
Services Australia also recognises this situation and has a "Separated under one roof" form for people who are separated but still living with their ex-partner, so their relationship status can be assessed correctly for payments.
Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.
The Divorce and Separation Hub Website
The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram
The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook
The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin
Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.
Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.
Loved This Episode?
Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now.
Do you have a question you want answered? Submit your question here.
This episode is produced by Dan King of Dan King Productions.
This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict.
Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au.
Disclaimer
I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
New Zealand