Carol's story

When Carol* decided to separate from Ted*, she felt that the relationship had ended many months ago. She felt lonely, like a stranger in her own house. Ted seemed oblivious to the way she was feeling, and Carol was worried Ted might react badly to the separation. She didn’t want to hurt him.

Carol’s decision took Ted by surprise. At first he was angry. There was a lot of shouting and some confrontation. But then Ted withdrew. Communication between Carol and Ted broke down.

Carol was anxious about the future. Where would she live? How would she cope financially? And of course there were the children to consider. She was wary about seeing a lawyer. She didn’t want to end up in court and was concerned about the cost.

Carol began to research options for support and discovered Unifam’s Family Dispute Resolution (Mediation) program. With the help of a mediator, Carol and Ted were able to make joint decisions about their children, property and living arrangements without conflict. They avoided the stress and cost of court and were able to agree on a course of action that they were both satisfied with and best supported their children.

*This scenario is representative only. Names and details have been changed.

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How we can help

Separation and divorce can be extremely difficult and painful for couples and families. Additionally, the impact of parental conflict on children can have deep-seated and lasting consequences.

UnitingCare Unifam provides a range of counselling and mediation services to help families through this difficult period.

Couple counselling can help couples experiencing relationship problems address their issues and work on solutions.

For families in the process of separation and divorce, Family Dispute Resolution (Mediation) can help facilitate agreement on children and property matters without needing to go to court.

UnitingCare Unifam’s Family Relationship Centres provide a range of services for families facing separation and divorce including Family Dispute Resolution (Mediation) as well as referral to other services.

UnitingCare Unifam’s the Anchor (Supporting Children After Separation) program supports children through separation and divorce by offering child consultation, counselling and therapeutic groups.

Contact us for more information on available services and programs. All enquiries are taken by a professional staff member who will explain the process and answer any questions.