The Truth About Separation: Why the End Isn’t Always the End

Separation is often imagined as the closing chapter of a difficult relationship. Cue the credits, roll the emotional montage, and… peace at last?

Not quite.

For many families, separation is just the beginning of a new set of challenges particularly when communication breaks down, parenting becomes contested, or emotional wounds remain unhealed. And if there are children involved? The stakes are even higher.

At Beyond Mediation, we see this every day. So let’s talk facts, figures, and why post-separation conflict is a reality we can’t afford to ignore.

The Divorce Landscape in Australia

1. Divorce is common—but complicated

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 49,241 divorces were granted in 2022, representing a crude divorce rate of 1.9 per 1,000 people.

Source: ABS, “Marriages and Divorces, Australia, 2022”

2. Children are involved in nearly half of all divorces

Approximately 47% of divorces in 2022 involved children under the age of 18. That’s nearly 1 in every 2 divorces.

Source: ABS, “Marriages and Divorces, Australia, 2022”

3. Conflict doesn’t end with separation

Research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) shows that around 20–25% of separated families continue to experience high conflict, sometimes for years after final orders are made.

Source: AIFS, “Post-Separation Parenting, Property and Relationship Dynamics” (2015)

Why Mediation Matters More Than Ever

Here’s the good news: High conflict doesn’t have to be the end of the story.

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a powerful, confidential process that empowers families to:

Rebuild communication
Develop workable parenting plans
Resolve disputes without going to court
Reduce emotional and financial costs

At Beyond Mediation, we take it a step further. Our service includes:

Child-focused frameworks
Islamic-guided mediation (where appropriate)
Supportive pathways for high-conflict dynamics

Because resolving conflict isn’t about “winning” it’s about healing and moving forward, especially when kids are involved.

Don’t Let Conflict Linger

Separation might end the relationship but without the right support, it can begin a cycle of prolonged conflict.

Whether you’re navigating court orders, struggling to co-parent, or just need a clearer path forward, know this: help is available.

Let’s rewrite the story one mediated conversation at a time.

Beyond Mediation