So its over. He's not happy but I feel its for the best. The military has been notified which means I have 28 days from tomorrow to get my butt out of the house. They will remove what Im keeping and ship one of the cars. Theyll even fly us down to Sydney (I think).
I called Centrelink to let them know but when I was transferred to make an intent to claim parenting payment they hung up on me So Im heading in tomorrow in person to do it.
I have zero $$$ saved, I am recieving the baby bonus in installments so it will come to good use but Im guessing I'll need a TON of money for bond etc
Im terrified of having to find a house - Im a single mother with 3 small kids, who would want to rent to me?
What do I need to apply for a rental property? How much money should I need?
Do we have to go through the courts for visitation orders or can we draw something up ourselves?
Do I ring child support or will Centrelink organise that?
God Ive got a million things to organise and Im already tired.
Hi Anna
It sounds like you are sure this is for the best so I wanted to say good luck (I dont know your history).
I havent been through a separation myself but for renting a property ithink you usually need:
appropriate ID
references
maybe bank statements or letter from emplyer/centrelink re income
- these are all for the application
if you get aproperty i think they usually want 1 month bond and then a month's rent in advance (so you need to have 2 months rent ready to go)
depending on the market in your location you can sometimes make an offer less than the asking price. though of course in some areas you can also have to pay more...
interms of renting to a single mum, if you have the above it should be ok. also ifyou go through private landlords they may be sympathetic, i know my ILs rent a couple of placesout themselves (ie no agencies) and they have chosen a few single mums based on liking them and giving them a go...
Anna - I also don't know the situation, but good luck with the move.
I just made an application for a parenting payment too and I had to do it over the phone, even though I went into the office so try calling again as that is what they will probably say at the centre.
I think there is also somewhere you can apply to to help with the bond, I remember reading that somewhere, but it is worth asking centrelink - they may know.
Oh man. I am so sorry that it has come to this for you. I am sure though that you are resolute in your decision under these circumstances.
Is there a reason you a flying to Sydney? You can get a bond loan or a DOH house in QLD because you live there, but coming down here will mean you can't go on the list straight away or get the loan until x time as a state resident.
Else bond is 4 weeks of the rent amount - plus you need 2 weeks rent in advance, so 6 times whatever price rent you are looking at.
If you can both come to an amicable arrangement on the kids thats great, but as BG says, get it done legally so that if things turn sour you have that supporting you.
don't try going to the centrelink office Anna - they'll point you to a phone and tell you to make the same call you'd make at home - there is no way to do it in the office at all sorry babe! try calling "after hours" (fao are available til 8) or maybe first thing in the morning (8am and just get in the queue). not sure if you can do an intent to claim for parenting single online (some stuff has changed recently) but maybe have a quick look if you're regisitered....
the only other thing is to just persevere today. as i said, they'll point you to a phone and tell you the number to call. they only do the finalisation interviews in the office
as to bond - you should be able to get bond assistance/bond loan. try searching for public housing in the area you'll be moving to. not sure about the other stuff though.
contact child support agency - will help to ensure you get the maximum ftb you're entitled to, and will get that income coming in as well
i would ensure that you get your parenting plan written up legally - doesn't have to go to court if you don't think your ex will give you grief, but best to have it done up in a mediation session if you can. if he then tries to make waves, you can take it to court. call the Family Relationships Advice Line, let them know your circumstances, and they should be able to get you through to the relevant people to help you out
i'm sorry to hear you're going through this hun. good luck getting things sorted out
Having never gone through it before I can't offer you any advice. Just wanted to let you know that I'm here if you need help with anything, and I mean ANYTHING. If you need help packing, babysitting, cleaning etc. just let me know.
Anna- I'm thinking of you, I'm sorry I don't have any advice on what you've asked. Do you have friends or family in Sydney you can stay with til you sort things out in regards to finding a place and getting some $$ together?
I am so sad that it has come to this for you Anna - and I wish you strength as you go about things from now. I know this has been a very difficult decision.
It is a good thing that you are moving closer to your family and friends for support.
My advice is to get the legalities sorted ASAP. No here say or things on bits of paper. Seek out precisely the information relating to NSW to help you here. That is very important.
Get certified copies of all certificates/passports/joint property deeds/car rego/all the itty things that you just might need.
Just an additional thing. Do you realise you are eligible for a centrelink payment from the day you notify them that you are living separately? Hopefully this willhelp in gathering together the funds for bond etc...
Separating from DH - what do I do now!?
So Im heading in tomorrow in person to do it.
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so try calling again as that is what they will probably say at the centre. 
I'm so sorry Anna. 
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