Frequently Asked Questions

What is amica?

amica is an initiative of National Legal Aid and the Legal Services Commission of South Australia, with support from the Australian Government. It is an online platform to help amicable separating couples to work out parenting arrangements and to record their agreement about dividing their money and property simply.

amica provides:

this website with reliable and accurate information for separating couples
an online platform for messaging your former partner
a step-by-step approach to help you to reach agreements
a simple method of recording your agreements
A web chat called ask amica

What does amica do?

Parenting: amica provides you with a user-friendly platform to work out parenting arrangements that work for your family, and record them.

Money and Property: amica uses artificial intelligence to make suggestions about dividing your money and property based on the information that you enter. The artificial intelligence considers legal principles and applies them to your circumstances.

Why have I been invited to amica?

If you have received an invitation to use amica from your former partner, it means your former partner wishes to come to an agreement with you regarding property and parenting using amica.

What if I don't want to accept an invitation to use amica?

You do not have to accept an invitation to use amica. amica is suitable for separated couples who are reasonably amicable, and whose situation is not complex. It should suit many separating couples. You can check if you think amica is right for you here.

Can I use amica to get divorced?

You cannot use amica to get a divorce. Learn more about divorce.

Can we use amica if we only want to make parenting arrangements?

Yes, provided amica is right for your situation. Is amica right for me?

Can we use amica if we only want to divide money and property?

Yes, provided amica is right for your situation. Is amica right for me?

Can we use amica if we don't have children?

Yes, provided amica is right for your situation. Is amica right for me?

Who are children of the relationship for the purpose of using amica?

You can use amica to create parenting arrangements for children of the relationship – this means biological children and adopted children.

I'm a grandparent - can I use amica?

amica is only for separating couples. You can seek legal help from the free Legal Help Line in your state about grandparents' rights in relation to grandchildren

I'm on a visa - how will our separation affect me?

You can seek legal help urgently from the free Legal Help Line in your state.

Can we be separated while we're living under the same roof?

It is possible to be separated under one roof. Learn more about separation.

I'm not separated - what should I do if I receive an invitation to use amica?

amica is for couples who are genuinely separated or separating. Learn more about separation.