Divorce paperwork helper

Separated people with a simple, uncontested situation who want a calm guide through the forms but don't want to pay for full legal representation.

Fixed fee per package (for example, a sole or joint application) or an hourly rate for extra help. Referral arrangements with community groups or lawyers may add clients.

• Careful with detail and forms
• Clear, kind communication
• Discretion with sensitive information
• Comfortable with online forms and document handling

• Giving legal advice is restricted to qualified lawyers, so check with your state's legal regulator where the line sits for paperwork help
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, so check what cover suits you
• Privacy obligations when storing personal and financial documents, so use secure storage and check privacy rules
• Clients in complex or unsafe situations, including family violence or disputes over children and property, should be referred to a lawyer or support service
• Register an ABN and check whether GST applies once your turnover grows

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the secure document tools you use, your insurance choices and how much you spend on a website and marketing. It can be run online or from home.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many clients you help and what you charge. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week, and results will vary.

Giving legal advice is restricted to qualified lawyers, so check with your state's legal regulator where the line sits. Also check insurance, privacy rules for storing documents, referral options for complex or unsafe situations, and ABN and GST requirements.