amica

If you have separated from your partner and have an amicable relationship, you may be able to use amica to reach an agreement about parenting arrangements and property settlement.

amica is a secure online tool which helps separating couples resolve their disputes and record agreements in writing. There is also amica ^one which is a single-sided version of amica. You can use amica ^one to get an estimate of what your property settlement might look like, without involving your ex-partner.

amica and amica ^one were created by National Legal Aid with input from Legal Aid Commissions around Australia including Legal Aid Western Australia.

What is amica ^one

amica ^one is a single sided version of amica. amica ^one can be used to get an idea of how amica works and an estimate of what your property settlement may look like, without involving your ex-partner. All that you need to use amica ^one is your own financial information and an estimate of your ex-partner's financial information.

The suggested division range in amica ^oneis an estimate only. If you then decide to create an amica account and invite your ex-partner, you will receive a more accurate suggestion based on information provided by both you and your ex-partner.

What is amica?

amica guides people through a step-by-step online process and offers them information and support along the way to help them reach an agreement.

amica helps people communicate online at their own pace, in their own time and in their own space. If you and your ex-partner agree on parenting arrangements or a proprety settlement, amica can help you record the agreement in writing. This can help cut your legal costs and save you money.

Can amica help with disputes about parenting arrangements?

If you have children, amica can help you and your ex-partner work out parenting arrangements that suit your family. amica is best suited to people who are able to communicate and talk to each other respectfully.

You should not use amica for a parenting dispute if:

your situation is complex
there are urgent issues (for example, if your ex-partner is threatening to move away with your child)
there has been, or there is a risk of, family violence or child abuse, or
there are current court proceedings in the Family Court or Children’s Court.

Visit amica to find out whether it is right for you.

Recording an agreement about parenting arrangements

If you and your ex-partner agree about parenting arrangements for your children, amica can help you record the agreement in writing.

amica will produce a document for you after you have gone through the online process with your ex-partner. You and your ex-partner can then either:

sign and date the document to create a parenting plan, or
formalise your parenting agreement by applying to the Family Court for consent orders.

Can amica help with disputes about dividing property?

amica can help you and your ex-partner resolve disputes about dividing property following separation. amica uses artificial intelligence to make suggestions about dividing your money and property based on the information you enter. The artificial intelligence takes into account:

your assets and circumstances
agreements commonly reached by other couples in similar situations, and
how courts generally handle disputes of this nature.

You should not use amica for a property dispute if:

the property pool includes complex business or financial arrangements (for example, there is a company or trust)
there are assets overseas, or
the main thing to be divided is debt.

Visit amica to find out whether it is right for you.

Recording an agreement about property settlement

If you and your ex-partner agree about how you will divide your property, amica will produce a document for you that records the agreement. However, this document is not legally binding or enforceable (even if you both sign it).

To formalise a property agreement, you and your ex-partner can make an application to the Family Court for consent orders. This makes your agreement legally binding and enforceable.

amica can help you complete the forms you need to apply to the Family Court for consent orders for a property settlement. amica can suggest a Minute of Consent Orders and pre-fill an Application - Consent Orders (Form 11).

The Family Court must be satisfied your agreement with your ex-partner is fair before making consent orders in terms of your agreement.

You can find information about the benefits of formalising a property agreement with consent orders in the Fact Sheet - Property: Consent Orders.

Can amica assist to split superannuation?

amica can assist to split superannuation entitlements between you and your ex-partner. amica provides clear guidelines and assistance in navigating the super splitting process.

How much does amica cost?

There are costs for creating written agreements and pre-filling an Application for Consent Orders (Form 11) as follows:

Parenting agreement/plan: $150 + GST
Property agreement: $150 + GST
Application for Consent Orders (Form 11): $250 + GST

Once payment has been made, agreements and consent orders will be available to view and download in PDF format.

Should I get legal advice?

It is recommended you obtain legal advice before signing any agreement about parenting or property or before transferring any property.

Reviewed: 15 September 2023.