After You Break Up

Breaking up may be hard enough, but there are some things that you will need to do as soon as possible.

If you break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend and you have not been living together, he or she may have some property that is yours in their possession. You should ask them to give back your property as soon as possible on breaking up.  You do not have to return any presents that he or she may have given you, but you should give them their property back if they ask for it.

You should always think about your safety first when attempting to retrieve items.

If you have been living together and you move out, it’s a good idea to take as many of your personal items as possible (think about your birth certificate, passport, clothes, photos, or jewellery) as it may be hard to get them back later. If you have bank accounts or mortgage in joint names, you should make sure with the bank that your account requires two signatures to withdraw money or make any changes.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

If you are having difficulties retrieving your possessions, please contact the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service for advice on 1800 684 055.

Depending on where you live, alternatively you could contact the Katherine Women’s Information and Legal Service on 08 8972 1712 or 1800 620 108 or the Top End Women’s Legal Service on 08 8982 3000 or 1800 234 441.

Alternatively you may wish to contact the Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit Aboriginal Corporation on 08 8953 6355 or 1800 088 884 or the North Australian Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service on 08 8923 8200 or 1800 041 998.

ACT

If you are having any difficulties retrieving your possessions, please contact Women’s Legal Centre ACT or Legal Aid ACT for advice.

Western Australia

If you are having any difficulties retrieving your possessions, please visit the Legal Aid WA website for information.

NSW

If you are having any difficulties retrieving your possessions, please contact Women’s Legal Services NSW or South West Sydney Legal Centre for advice.

Victoria

If you are having any difficulties retrieving your possessions, please contact Women’s Legal Service Victoria for legal advice and referrals.

South Australia

If you are having difficulties retrieving your possessions, please contact Women’s Legal Services South Australia for legal advice and referrals on 08 8221 5553 or 1800 816 349 for country callers.

Tasmania

If you are having any difficulties retrieving your possessions, please contact Women’s Legal Service Tasmania for advice on 1800 682 468.

Queensland

If you are having any difficulties retrieving your possessions, please contact Women’s Legal Service Queensland for advice.