Settlement Guide: When a Marriage Breaks Down During COVID-19.

Problems in marriages are can erupt when people deal with the pressures of COVID-19, often resulting in relationship breakdowns and sometimes even escalating into violence.

Mother and child on bus Credit: Getty Images/valentinrussanov Source: Getty Images/valentinrussanov

However, ending a marriage is complicated. It is a major life decision that often involves emotional strain, expensive legal costs and the lives of children. But there are different kinds of support available to help you deal with marriage breakdown.

Key points 

• Recent research shows that Australians are spending $45 million per year on divorce application fees and $3.7 billion on legal costs.
• Nine-in-10 divorced or separated Australians report feeling more emotionally resilient after leaving their partner. 
• Nearly 60 per cent of parents are concerned about the impact on children when a marriage ends.

For counselling and advice, call 1300 364 277 to be connected to your local Relationships Australia office. 

 For legal advice, contact your local Legal Aid service. 

 If you are experiencing family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for advice and support.   

If your life is in immediate danger, call 000 now. 

For language support, call the national Translating and Interpreting service in 13 14 50 and ask to be connected to your designated organisation.

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm. Follow us on Facebook and catch us on podcasts. 

 And you can keep abreast of the latest information about the corona virus in your language at sbs.com.au/coronavirus

Split house Credit: Getty Images/Malte Mueller Source: Getty Images/Malte Mueller