Consequences of separation
Text last updated:
2023-01-30
What to consider in the phase between separation and divorce
If living together no longer works and the relationship breaks down, this is a drastic event for everyone involved. Disappointment, pain and anger set in. Despite all the grief, the consequences of a separation must also be considered. Moving out, finances, maintenance issues, consequences for the children: how should everything be arranged?
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The following overview will help you to sort your thoughts.
1st phase: marital crisis
- Search for ways to overcome the crisis, e.g.
- at a family counseling center near you via the online counseling center guide
- at a Caritas separation and divorce counseling service
- at a pro familia separation and divorce counseling service
- at a women's counseling center in NRW
- Get advice on the consequences of separation and divorce
- Examine the income and financial situation
- Review all personal documents
2nd phase: separation
- Complete separation of table and bed
- Make an agreement about the marital home
- Declare the date of separation with witnesses or in writing
- Take personal documents with you when you move out (ID cards, birth and marriage certificates, work papers, bank contracts, insurance documents, certificates, bank statements, etc.)
- Agreement on separation maintenance
- Regulate visiting rights for the children
- Regulate custody of the children
- Consider tax changes
3rd phase: divorce petition
- Submit divorce petition after the end of the year of separation
- Revoke or amend an existing will or inheritance contract
- Change entitlement to draw on life insurance policies
4th phase: Divorce
- Clarify possible entitlement to post-marital maintenance
- Consider the end of co-insurance in statutory health insurance and other insurances or - in the case of civil servants - the entitlement to benefits
- Consider tax changes
- Name change possible