The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages can help you to end your civil partnership.
Remember when you have children and joint assets you should always get legal help when you end a civil partnership, de facto relationship or marriage.
This page will help you find out about:
Find out what documents you may need to change your family name because of separation, divorce or personal choice.
When ending a relationship you may choose to go back to your previous family name (or maiden name), you will need to contact every organisation you have a personal account with and show them evidence.
Start by making a list. Your list may include:
Your civil partnership ends if you or your partner:
You and your ex-partner can apply individually or together to end the civil partnership.
Local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or international +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC)—phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.
*Costs may be higher from mobile phones and interstate.
To officially end your de facto relationship, you need to inform your ex-partner.
You don't have to apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia or receive a separation certificate.
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages does not register divorces.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia looks after divorces for all Australians.
They also provide information about the divorce process, including how to apply, getting proof of divorce and legal resources.
For other useful information visit Legal Aid Queensland.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia looks after all divorces.
Email: enquiries@familylawcourts.gov.au
Phone: 1300 352 000 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm)
If you need legal help you can assist:
Find other legal information and advice options.
If your civil partnership, de facto partnership or marriage breaks up and you have children, then you will want to make sure you and your ex-partner have organised appropriate care for your children.
Other websites to visit:
The court approaches dividing assets and debt the same way whether you are ending your civil partnership, de facto relationship or divorcing.https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/fp/overview
Read more about property and money after separation.
Legal Aid Queensland also provides useful information about dividing your property.
Don’t forget to tell organisations of your separation so they can remove your ex-partner from your records. Make a list, this may include telling your:
You may find the Moneysmart's divorce and separation financial checklist helpful.
If you rent with your ex-partner, the Residential Tenancies Authority provides information about changing the tenancy agreement if someone is moving out.