More information - Losing your partner

Government help

Find out more about the range of benefits available from:

• the Family Assistance Office at www.familyassist.gov.au
• www.centrelink.gov.au

If you are getting government assistance and you have changes in your circumstances like finding a job, changing living arrangements or address, or starting or ceasing study, you need to tell Centrelink. This is to make sure you continue to get the right payment and the correct amount of payment.

Information about Australian Government programs and services for families is available at www.families.gov.au.

For information on child support, visit the Child Support Agency at www.csa.gov.au.

Information on services available under the Australian Government's Family Relationship Services Program is available from the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

• visit - Family Relationships Services Program

You can find out more about government and non-government services for people over 50 at the Australian Government website www.seniors.gov.au.

For information and advice about family relationship issues, visit www.familyrelationships.gov.au

Superannuation

Contact the Australian Taxation Office for information on how superannuation is affected when a marriage ends:

• phone 13 10 20
• Your Super Essentials and Super and marriage breakdown.

Financial advice

There are several government and community services which provide free information and advice about how to plan and manage your finances. Some can also help you control your debts and negotiate with banks, finance companies and debt collectors. See Getting information and advice.

Family law lawyers

If you are looking for a lawyer who deals with family law matters, you can visit the website of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.

• www.familylawsection.org.au

- Family Law and You

- Find a Family Lawyer

Other support

You can find support to help you deal with your emotions as you manage the practical financial and lifestyle changes you are going through.

• Lifeline Australia
  • phone 13 11 14
  • visit www.lifeline.org.au
• Kids Helpline
  • phone 1800 551 800
  • visit www.kidshelp.com.au
• Mensline Australia
  • phone 1300 789 978
  • visit www.menslineaus.org.au
• Relationships Australia
  • phone 1300 364 277
  • visit www.relationships.com.au

Funeral Directors

You can find a funeral director in the Yellow Pages under 'Funeral Directors' or contact the Funeral Directors Association on (03) 9859 9966 for details of a funeral director in your area or visit www.afda.org.au.

The Public Trustee

You can get help and information from the Public Trustee in your state or territory about what to do if your partner dies without leaving a will.

• Public Trustee of New South Wales
• State Trustees Victoria
• Public Trustee of Queensland
• Public Trustee of Western Australia
• Public Trustee of South Australia
• Public Trustee of Tasmania
• Public Trustee for the Australian Capital Territory
• Office of the Public Trustee Northern Territory