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_{8 September 2023}

AI separation tool amica releases superannuation splitting feature

The nation-leading online separation tool amica now features the ability to split superannuation as part of the settlement agreement and consent order – making it even easier for people to allocate their assets fairly upon separation.

In 2022, there were 50,575 divorces granted in Australia, but many more people remain in broken relationships in fear of the financial implications a separation will cause.

Legal Services Commission CEO and amica Project Chief Gabrielle Canny said amica’s new superannuation splitting feature will particularly help women, who generally have less money saved for their retirement, as they are more likely to move in and out of paid work to care for family members.

“Superannuation splitting is another evolution of the amica platform, empowering people to know where they stand and providing them with an ability to finalise their separation, including super as an asset of value for both parties,” Ms Canny said.

“This new functionality means that couples can split their superannuation entitlements so that a fair settlement can be reached.

“This feature particularly assists women, who traditionally do not have as much super as men at the date of separation.

“We’ve been very pleased with the uptake of the amica online tool since its launch in June 2020, but we’re always looking at ways to improve and make the tool even easier to use, which is what the superannuation splitting feature aims to do.”

More than 91,000 people are affected by relationship breakdowns each year in Australia – and for those who are staying in broken relationships in fear of the financial implications of separating, amica is the low cost, simple, smart online separation tool that can assist with information, education and provide the mechanism to empower users to move on.

Since its launch in 2020, amica has assisted over 11,000 individuals nationally, helping them to navigate the separation process amicably.

The latest amica enhancement now enables separating couples to navigate the process of superannuation splitting simply and efficiently, enabling them to generate an Application for Consent Orders which can be filed in court – empowering people to make informed decisions and reach agreements that work best for both parties.

‘Super splitting’ comes on the back of the recent roll out of the single-sided version of the amica platform – amica^one – which has seen over 5,000 individuals generate a suggested division without having to invite their former partner.

amica is an online separation tool designed by family lawyers to help guide couples through the separation process in an accurate, calm, and fair way.

It uses artificial intelligence to suggest a fair division of money and property by taking into account the length of the relationship, assets and earnings, age and health needs, contributions to the relationship, arrangements for taking care of children and future needs. It also provides suggestions and helpful information about amicable parenting arrangements.

Commonwealth Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has noted the impact of amica on the national stage, while amica was also acknowledged as world’s best practice at the International Legal Aid Group (ILAG) Conference held recently at Harvard Law School.

For more information on amica’s superannuation splitting, visit amica.gov.au

About amica

amica is a smart and simple online tool to guide couples who wish to separate amicably, to finalise parenting, property and money decisions. The service is backed by the Australian Government and has free or low-cost options to finalise written agreements depending on your circumstances. For more information, please visit amica.gov.au

Media contact: Simon Halliwell – 0421 611 856