Next Chapter Collective

From Crisis to Your Next Chapter

Guides · Services · Government Funding

How-To Guides

Practical, plain-language guides for the major life transitions that bring people to Next Chapter Collective. Written in the spirit of what you wish someone had told you.

D&S
Guide 01
Separation & Divorce
▾

One of the most disorienting things a person can go through. Most people don't know where to start — here's what to do, in order.

Step by step
1
Acknowledge the separation formally. The 12-month separation period begins from the date you separate — even if you remain living in the same home. Write down this date and keep it.
2
Secure important documents. Gather passports, birth certificates, property titles, bank statements, tax returns, and superannuation statements. Store copies somewhere safe and private.
3
Open your own bank account. If you share accounts, open a personal account immediately and redirect your income. Do not drain joint accounts — this can be used against you.
4
Get independent legal advice. Before signing anything, speak with a family lawyer. Legal Aid may be available if cost is a barrier.
5
Consider parenting arrangements. If you have children, interim parenting arrangements need to be agreed or ordered. Prioritise the children's routine and wellbeing.
6
Begin property settlement. You have up to 12 months after divorce (2 years for de facto couples) to finalise property settlement. Start gathering financial disclosure documents early.
7
Apply for divorce if ready. After 12 months of separation, apply online through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (fcfcoa.gov.au). Fee ~$1,060 (reductions available).
8
Get emotional and practical support. Divorce affects every area of life. A divorce doula, counsellor, or support group can help you navigate the process without burning out.
Quick tip

You do not need your partner's cooperation to file for divorce. As long as you have been separated for 12 months, you can apply alone.

Next Chapter Collective

NCC offers Divorce & Separation Guidance consultations — helping you understand the process, ask the right questions, and connect with the right professionals.

HSG
Guide 02
Housing in Crisis
▾

Losing stable housing — through separation, financial hardship, or bereavement — is one of the most urgent challenges a transition can bring. Here's how to act fast.

Step by step
1
Assess your immediate situation. Are you safe where you are? If there is family violence involved, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the police before anything else.
2
Know your tenancy rights. Contact your state Tenants Union for free advice. You cannot be evicted without proper notice and process, even during relationship breakdown.
3
Apply for emergency housing support. Contact your state housing authority immediately — ACT: act.gov.au/housing · NSW: housing.nsw.gov.au · VIC: housing.vic.gov.au. Apply early — lists are long.
4
Access rental bond assistance. Most states offer bond loan schemes — low or no interest loans to cover the upfront bond on a new rental property.
5
Explore community housing. Community housing organisations offer below-market rent and more flexible eligibility than public housing.
6
If you own property — act on the legal reality. Get legal advice before moving out. Leaving voluntarily does not automatically forfeit your property rights, but it can complicate things.
7
Set up a new tenancy carefully. Have references ready (employer, previous landlord) and be prepared to explain your situation honestly to property managers.
Quick tip

The National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) can help if housing stress is connected to financial difficulty — they can advise on your options.

Next Chapter Collective

NCC's Housing Doulas provide practical guidance across social housing applications, private rental navigation, and the legal aspects of property in separation.

HLT
Guide 03
Navigating a Health Crisis
▾

When illness strikes — yours or someone you love — the Australian health system can feel bewildering. Here's how to navigate it.

Step by step
1
Get a referral from your GP. Your GP is the gateway to the specialist system in Australia. Book an urgent appointment and push if you feel dismissed.
2
Understand your Medicare entitlements. Ask at each appointment: 'Is this bulk-billed?' or 'What will I be out-of-pocket?' before proceeding.
3
Request a Chronic Disease Management Plan. Ask your GP for a GP Management Plan (GPMP) — this unlocks Medicare rebates for allied health (physio, psychology, dietitian) up to 5 times per year.
4
Know when to involve a hospital. If your GP cannot see you urgently, an ED can assess and refer you. Keep a record of everything said and done at every visit.
5
Navigate NDIS if applicable. If you or someone you care for has a permanent disability, apply at ndis.gov.au. Ask a Local Area Coordinator for help at no cost.
6
Access mental health support. Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan — up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per year. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.
7
Prepare for appointments. Bring a written list of symptoms, questions, and current medications. Take someone with you if possible. Ask for written summaries.
Quick tip

The Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) provides free support to people caring for someone with illness or disability — including respite care and counselling.

Next Chapter Collective

NCC's Health Doulas help you understand your options, navigate the system, advocate at appointments, and rebuild physical wellbeing after upheaval.

EOL
Guide 04
Death & End of Life Planning
▾

Planning for end of life — or supporting someone through it — is one of the most profound acts of care. Here's what needs to happen.

Step by step
1
Have the conversation early. Talk about wishes before a crisis forces it. Where do they want to be? What medical interventions do or don't they want? Who should be involved in decisions?
2
Create or update a Will. Without one, the state decides how assets are distributed. Online Wills (e.g. Safewill, ~$160) are valid for straightforward estates. A solicitor is advisable for complex ones.
3
Appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney. Allows someone you trust to make financial and medical decisions if you lose capacity. Must be set up while the person still has legal capacity.
4
Complete an Advance Care Directive. Records your medical wishes — what treatments you want or refuse. Forms differ by state. Speak to your GP or download from your state health department.
5
Notify relevant organisations. When someone dies, notify: Centrelink, the ATO, their bank, superannuation fund, Medicare, and any private health insurer. Request a Death Certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
6
Attend to the estate. As executor, you may need to apply for Probate through your state Supreme Court before distributing assets. Allow 6–12 months for straightforward estates.
7
Access bereavement support. GriefLine (1300 845 745) offers free counselling. Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Grief does not follow a schedule.
Quick tip

myGov has a 'Deceased Estate' section that guides executors through notifying government agencies in one place.

Next Chapter Collective

NCC's Death Doulas provide compassionate, non-medical support through end of life planning, the dying process, and the practical and emotional aftermath.

BRT
Guide 05
Birth & Early Parenthood
▾

Becoming a parent is one of the most profound transitions you'll experience. Here's how to navigate it with the right support in place.

Step by step
1
Register with a GP and get a referral. As soon as you know you're pregnant, see a GP for a referral to a midwife or obstetrician and to register with a hospital or birth centre.
2
Choose your care model. Options include public hospital midwife-led care (free), shared care with GP and hospital, private obstetrician, or a birth centre. Consider a doula for continuous support.
3
Apply for Paid Parental Leave. The Australian Government offers up to 22 weeks through Services Australia. Apply online up to 3 months before the birth.
4
Register the birth. You must register within 60 days with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state. You'll need this for Medicare and a birth certificate.
5
Enrol your baby in Medicare. Add your baby to your Medicare card immediately after birth to ensure all GP and hospital visits are covered.
6
Connect with maternal child health. All new parents are entitled to free Maternal and Child Health nurse visits. Book through your local council.
7
Seek support if you're struggling. Postnatal depression affects 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers. PANDA: 1300 726 306. You don't have to be in crisis to reach out.
Quick tip

PANDA (1300 726 306) specialises in perinatal mental health and supports both mothers and fathers through pregnancy and early parenthood.

Next Chapter Collective

NCC's Birth & Parenting Doulas provide continuity of care, practical guidance, and genuine emotional support through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

NDV
Guide 06
Neurodiversity — Getting Support
▾

For neurodivergent individuals and their families, navigating systems during a life transition can feel almost impossible. Here's where to start.

Step by step
1
Seek a formal assessment. Diagnosis opens doors to support. For adults: a psychologist or psychiatrist can assess for ADHD, autism, and related conditions. For children: start with a GP referral to a paediatric assessment service.
2
Apply for the NDIS. If the condition is permanent and significantly impacts daily life, apply at ndis.gov.au. Ask a Local Area Coordinator for help at no cost.
3
Access school adjustments. Children are entitled to reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Request a Support Plan or Individual Learning Plan from the school.
4
Navigate Centrelink entitlements. Carer Allowance, Carer Payment, and Child Disability Assistance Payment may be available for families supporting a child with disability. Apply through myGov.
5
Connect with peer community. Autism Spectrum Australia (autismspectrum.org.au) and ADHD Australia (adhdaustralia.org.au) offer peer support, parent courses, and practitioner directories.
6
Advocate clearly and in writing. Write everything down. Use the phrase 'reasonable adjustments' in formal settings. Know that you can dispute decisions made by the NDIS, schools, or employers.
Quick tip

The Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) can connect you with free independent advocacy if you're struggling to navigate the NDIS or disability services.

Next Chapter Collective

NCC's Neurodiversity Doulas provide tailored support and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals and their families navigating systems and major transitions.

Our Services

Eleven service areas spanning the full spectrum of major life transitions. One-on-one consultations available across all areas — phone, video, or in person.

01
Service Area 01
Divorce & Separation Guidance
▾

From first steps to final orders — with clarity and without the drama.

Practical, plain-language guidance through the entire separation journey. We help you understand the process, know your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and make informed decisions at every stage.

What's included
  • One-on-one consultation with an experienced navigator
  • Explanation of the process in plain language
  • Guidance on property settlement, parenting arrangements, and final orders
  • Help preparing for legal appointments
  • Connection to vetted family lawyers, mediators, and therapists
From $180/hr · Packages from $250
02
Service Area 02
Life Transition Support
▾

Helping you move through major life change with confidence and the right support.

Major transitions pull the ground out from under you. We help you make sense of where you are, identify what you need, and build a path forward — with the right people around you.

What's included
  • Holistic assessment of your situation and needs
  • Support building a practical path through upheaval
  • Connection to legal, therapeutic, housing, health, and community support
  • Ongoing relationship — we follow up to ensure nothing falls through the cracks
From $180/hr · Packages from $1,200
03
Service Area 03
Professional Referrals & Navigation
▾

Connecting you to the right people — so nothing falls through the cracks.

One of the biggest problems in a life crisis is not knowing who to call, or being passed between professionals who each only see part of the picture. We fix that.

What's included
  • Personalised referrals across legal, therapeutic, housing, and health sectors
  • Vetted network of professionals who share our values
  • Coordination between services so you don't have to repeat yourself
  • Follow-up to ensure referrals are working for you
Included in consultation packages
04
Service Area 04
Resources & Guides
▾

Practical tools for people who need clarity without the legal jargon.

Checklists, guides, templates, and explainers covering the key stages of divorce and other major life transitions. Written in plain language, designed for real clarity.

What's included
  • Separation checklist — what to do and in what order
  • Property settlement guide and financial disclosure templates
  • Parenting arrangement tools and communication guides
  • Available as standalone downloads or part of support packages
From $15/month · Standalone guides from $25
05
Service Area 05
Divorce Doulas
▾

A steady, informed presence when you need someone in your corner.

A divorce doula walks alongside you — not as your lawyer, not as your therapist, but as an informed, steady, practical presence who helps you navigate every stage with less fear and more clarity.

What's included
  • Emotional support and practical assistance throughout separation
  • Help preparing for legal appointments
  • Support through difficult conversations
  • Assistance with paperwork and correspondence
First Steps: $250 · Navigation: $1,200 · Full Journey: $2,000
06
Service Area 06
Birth & Parenting Doulas
▾

Guidance, support, and confidence through every stage of the parenting journey.

Connecting families with experienced birth and parenting doulas who provide continuity of care, informed guidance, and genuine emotional support through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

What's included
  • Continuous support through pregnancy and birth planning
  • Labour and birth support
  • Postnatal support and guidance in the early weeks
  • Parenting through separation or family change
By consultation — packages available
07
Service Area 07
Death Doulas
▾

Compassionate support for individuals and families navigating end of life.

People navigating end of life often find themselves overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Our death doulas provide compassionate, non-medical support through the dying process and its aftermath.

What's included
  • Advance care planning support
  • Emotional and spiritual support for the person and family
  • Practical assistance and system navigation
  • Support in the days and weeks following a death
By consultation — packages available
08
Service Area 08
Neurodiversity Doulas
▾

Support and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Neurodivergent individuals face compounding challenges when navigating major life transitions. Our neurodiversity doulas provide tailored support, advocacy, and guidance through systems and everyday life.

What's included
  • Assessment and NDIS application support
  • School and workplace advocacy
  • Guidance through separation involving neurodivergent family members
  • Connection to specialist practitioners and peer support
From $180/hr · Packages available
09
Service Area 09
Health Doulas
▾

Practical, informed, and human support through illness and health transitions.

Navigating the Australian health system can feel impossible when you're sick or scared. Our health doulas help you understand your options, prepare for appointments, and advocate for the care you deserve.

What's included
  • Help navigating Medicare, NDIS, aged care, and private health
  • Appointment preparation and accompaniment
  • Advocacy and coordination across health services
  • Support rebuilding physical wellbeing after upheaval
From $180/hr · Packages available
10
Service Area 10
Housing Doulas
▾

Guidance through housing transitions — rental, buying, selling, and everything in between.

Housing is one of the most urgent practical concerns during a major life transition. We help people navigate social housing applications, understand rental rights, and manage property in separation.

What's included
  • Social and community housing application support
  • Private rental rights and tenancy advice
  • Property settlement guidance in separation
  • Connection to real estate and legal professionals
From $180/hr · Packages available
11
Service Area 11
Love, Relationships & Marriage Doulas
▾

Support for people entering, navigating, or leaving relationships.

Relationships are at the centre of human life. Yet people rarely have access to the kind of informed, impartial, compassionate support that helps them make good decisions through relational transitions.

What's included
  • Pre-marriage guidance and relationship readiness support
  • Navigating relationship challenges and mediation referrals
  • Support for people ending relationships with dignity
  • Connection to couples therapists, mediators, and counsellors
From $180/hr · Packages available

Government Funding

Federal and ACT government support programs available to people navigating major life transitions. Tap each entry to see eligibility, amounts, and how to apply.

A note on funding

Many people going through major life transitions don't know what government support they're entitled to. Knowing what's available is the first step to accessing it.

Federal · Parenting
Paid Parental Leave Scheme
▾

Up to 22 weeks (rising to 26 weeks) of government-funded paid leave for eligible parents. Can be shared between parents.

Eligibility
Worked 10 of last 13 monthsEarned under $168,865 in prior yearPrimary carer of newborn or adopted child
Amount:Up to 26 weeks at National Minimum Wage
How to apply:Apply through myGov or Services Australia up to 3 months before the expected birth or adoption date.
Website:servicesaustralia.gov.au/paid-parental-leave
Federal · Disability
NDIS — National Disability Insurance Scheme
▾

Funds reasonable and necessary supports for people with permanent and significant disability — including therapies, equipment, support workers, and daily activities.

Eligibility
Aged under 65 at time of access requestAustralian citizen or permanent residentPermanent and significant disability
Amount:Individualised — average package ~$56,000/year
How to apply:Submit an Access Request via ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110. Have supporting reports from treating health professionals ready.
Website:ndis.gov.au
Federal · Income Support
JobSeeker Payment
▾

Income support for people who are between jobs or cannot work due to illness or injury. Includes access to employment services.

Eligibility
Australian resident aged 22–66Meet income and assets testActively seeking work (unless exempt)
Amount:Up to ~$762/fortnight (single, no children)
How to apply:Apply through myGov. Centrelink will assess your eligibility and may connect you with a Workforce Australia provider.
Website:servicesaustralia.gov.au/jobseeker-payment
Federal · Family
Family Tax Benefit (Parts A & B)
▾

A two-part payment that helps with the cost of raising children. Part A is paid per child based on family income. Part B provides extra assistance for single-parent and single-income families.

Eligibility
Dependent child under 16 (or 19 in full-time study)Meet residency requirementsMeet income and assets test
Amount:Up to $5,882/year per child (Part A) + up to $4,318 (Part B)
How to apply:Apply through myGov / Centrelink. You can claim FTB A and B at the same time.
Website:servicesaustralia.gov.au/family-tax-benefit
Federal · Single Parent
Parenting Payment
▾

Income support for parents who are the primary carer of a young child. Single rate applies to single parents with a child under 14.

Eligibility
Primary carer of child under 14 (single) or under 6 (partnered)Meet income and assets testAustralian resident
Amount:Up to ~$1,004/fortnight (single)
How to apply:Apply through myGov. Single parents are generally exempt from mutual obligation requirements while children are young.
Website:servicesaustralia.gov.au/parenting-payment
Federal · Carer Support
Carer Payment & Carer Allowance
▾

Carer Payment is income support for people providing constant care to someone with severe disability or illness. Carer Allowance is a supplement for people providing daily care at home.

Eligibility
Providing constant care to someone with severe disability or illnessMeet income and assets test (Carer Payment)Carer Allowance is not income-tested
Amount:Carer Payment: ~$1,004/fortnight · Carer Allowance: ~$153/fortnight
How to apply:Apply through myGov. You will need a Treating Health Professional form completed by the care recipient's doctor.
Website:servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-payment
From crisis to your next chapter — with clarity, dignity, and compassion.