Low-cost online tool ‘amica’ assists more than 17,000 couples in separation matters

More than 17,000 separation matters have now been supported by amica – a low-cost online tool backed by the Albanese Government and designed to help Australians save time, money and additional stress.

Separation is one of the most stressful and challenging times for couples and families, often involving costly fees for legal advice.

This is why the Government continues to support amica – a tool operated by the Legal Services Commission of South Australia that provides practical assistance to amicably separating couples to reach an agreement on parenting and property law matters.

The beginning of the year often sees a spike in relationship breakdowns, making amica a particularly important tool during this period as separating couples navigate an often complex and unfamiliar legal environment.

amica provides an initially free service so that a separating couple can see what a proposed property split would look like and what a court would likely consider ‘just and equitable’.

The online tool draws on 1,300 family law scenarios informed by authoritative family court cases and tested by experienced legal aid family lawyers.

All suggested property divisions are quality assured by a lawyer, after which amica can generate a draft consent order that can be filed with a court.

amica charges couples $297 to generate a parenting agreement or a property agreement and $990 to generate draft consent orders for property matters, with reduced fees available in some circumstances for low-income parties.

This is vastly cheaper than seeking assistance from a lawyer, with legal advice for property and parenting consent orders costing at least a few thousand dollars, and litigation in the tens of thousands.

While amica can help many separating couples, it’s not suitable in all situations, including those involving family violence. For more information visit amica.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The Albanese Government is committed to providing tools that make the lives of Australians simpler and more affordable.

“Relationship breakdowns are stressful and it’s important that separating couples have avenues available to help them make arrangements for their children and property, without going to court.

“amica is an online tool, supported by the Albanese Government, that can be used by couples at a time and pace that works for them.

“amica is an excellent example of how technology can make the family law system more accessible and affordable.”