Listen to This Episode If You: ✉️ You’re self-represented in your family law matter 🤯 You’re feeling overwhelmed trying to respond to legal letters ⚖️ You’re unsure of your rights when communicating without a lawyer 📬 You need tips for writing clear, respectful, and protective responses 🚨 You’ve been told you must respond but don’t know where to start 🧾 You want to avoid common traps and stay legally safe 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is a general discussion and not legal advice. Please see a qu...
Jul 02, 2025•49 min•Ep. 202
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You… 🧾 Are trying to prove family violence in family court or to your lawyer 💔 Have experienced abuse and need to understand what counts under the law ⚖️ Want to know what evidence is helpful in a family law case 🕵️♀️ Are navigating post-separation abuse or coercive control 👨👩👧 Are worried about your children being exposed to family violence 📚 Want clarity on Australia’s legal definition of family violence 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is a general discussion a...
Jun 25, 2025•58 min•Ep. 201
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You: 💸 Are weighing the pros and cons of buying, selling or renting post-divorce ⚖️ Need to understand how your living decisions affect property settlement under family law 👨👧 Are parenting and want to make housing choices that work for your kids 🏡 Just separated and unsure about where to live 📉 Are worried about financial risk and long-term planning Episode Summary: Where will you live after your separation or divorce? It’s one of the most important—and emotio...
Jun 18, 2025•44 min•Ep. 200
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You… 😢 Feel like your ex is still trying to control you, even after the breakup 🧠 Want to understand how emotional abuse can continue post-separation 🛡️ Need strategies to protect your mental health during negotiations ⚖️ Are co-parenting with someone who is manipulative or abusive 👂 Want to learn what psychologists say about responding calmly and firmly 💔 Are feeling exhausted, anxious, or stuck in the dynamic even though it’s over 📚 Need real guidance from so...
Jun 10, 2025•42 min•Ep. 199
🎙️ Episode 198: The Hidden Costs of Doing Nothing – Why Waiting in Limbo Might Be Hurting You 🎧 Listen to This Episode If You: 🔁 Feel stuck or overwhelmed since separating 📅 Keep delaying property or parenting decisions 💔 Are hoping things might just “work out” without action 💸 Worry about legal costs or can’t afford a lawyer yet 🛑 Feel like taking action will start a fight 🚧 Want a plan but don’t know where to begin 🧭 Need clarity to move forward without fear ⚠️ Trigger Warning: Discus...
Jun 03, 2025•36 min•Ep. 198
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You: 🚪 You’re about to go to mediation and don’t know what to expect 📝 You want to know what documents and disclosures you actually need 😵💫 You’re anxious about seeing your ex in the same room 🧠 You want practical tips to mentally and emotionally prepare ⚖️ You want to give yourself the best chance of settling 👀 You’re worried your ex is manipulative or controlling 🎯 You want a checklist of exactly what to do before the big day Mediation can be one of the mos...
May 21, 2025•41 min•Ep. 197
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You: 💼 You're negotiating your super split after divorce in Australia 🧐 You've been told “let’s just equalise super — it’s fair” 😵💫 You’re confused about what super is worth vs. cash 💸 You’re worried about being left worse off long-term 🧾 You’ve made non-financial contributions (like parenting or homemaking) ⚖️ You want to make sure your property settlement is legally fair 👀 You suspect you’re being pressured into a bad deal Are you about to deal with your su...
May 14, 2025•38 min•Ep. 196
One of the most underestimated parts of separation are— settlement offers. Whether you’re negotiating parenting arrangements, property division, or both, knowing how and when to make (or respond to) an offer can save you stress, time, and serious money. We break down how settlement offers work, when to consider using Calderbank letters, how Section 117C of the Family Law Act affects legal costs, and the emotional traps that can trip you up during negotiation. We also talk about avoiding lowball ...
May 07, 2025•50 min•Ep. 195
Major Changes Are Coming to Family Law in Australia – Here’s What You’ll want to Know In this episode, I sit down with my mum Lyn, our favourite straight-talking family lawyer—to unpack the biggest Family Law changes coming into effect on June 10, 2025. We dive into how these legal reforms will impact property settlements, family violence considerations, companion animals (yes, pets!), financial disclosure rules, and more. Whether you’re currently separating, in court, or supporting someone goin...
Apr 30, 2025•47 min•Ep. 19
Are you trying to figure out how to divide the property after your separation or divorce? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with my mum, but also an experienced family lawyer — and we walk you through the eight most common ways people settle property in Australia. Whether you’re hoping to keep the house, want a clean break, or are totally confused by super splitting, we’re breaking it all down for you. From simple percentage splits to creative asset swaps — and even the risks of doing abso...
Apr 23, 2025•34 min•Ep. 193
In this eye-opening and practical episode,a seasoned family lawyer helps to unpack the 10 most frequently asked questions about child custody in Australia. Whether you're fresh out of a breakup, preparing for court, or trying to figure out what your rights are, this episode is packed with general education and emotional clarity every separated parent needs. From understanding how courts decide who gets custody, to navigating situations involving domestic violence, high-conflict co-parents, and p...
Apr 15, 2025•41 min•Ep. 192
Feeling trapped in limbo while waiting for your property settlement to go through? You’re not alone — and there may be a way out. In this episode, I’m joined again by my mum, Lynette Galvin — a family lawyer with over 35 years of experience — and we’re talking about a powerful but underused legal option called early distribution of funds. This is a game-changer for anyone financially stuck during separation. Whether you’re separated under one roof, struggling to pay rent, or locked out of joint ...
Apr 09, 2025•40 min•Ep. 191
Are you? Learn about the signs of economic or financial abuse, hear some real-life examples of how economic abuse manifests in relationships and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your financial future. Find out how it is legally recognized under the Australian Family Law Amendment Act 2024, and why it’s considered a form of coercive control. Also find out about the new laws effective from June 2025 and how they impact property settlements and financial disputes. 🚨 Trigger War...
Apr 02, 2025•47 min•Ep. 190
Think you know what divorce looks like in Australia? Think again. In this episode, we're busting some of the most common myths that trip people up emotionally, financially, and legally during separation and divorce. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or knee-deep in negotiations, these misunderstandings could be holding you back or costing you big. Join Laura and her mum, Lynette Galvin — a family lawyer with 35+ years of experience — as they unpack 13 myths they hear all the time, incl...
Mar 26, 2025•32 min•Ep. 189
💰 Is your ex hiding assets? Are they draining joint accounts, concealing super, or transferring money to family and friends? You're not alone, and there are legal ways to uncover what's yours. Learn about the most common ways people try to hide assets in divorce, including trust funds, cash jobs, disappearing assets, and hidden overseas accounts. Find out how the Australian Family Court courts handle these cases, what legal tools you can use to track down missing assets, and what to consider do...
Mar 19, 2025•35 min•Ep. 188
Explore the tactics abusive partners use to maintain control, how emotional abuse can impact divorce and custody proceedings, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself, rebuild your confidence, and move forward with clarity. When emotional abuse in your relationship or divorce, it becomes confusing, isolating, and overwhelming. Many people don’t realize that abuse isn’t always physical—disrespect, manipulation, and control can be just as damaging, especially during separation. In this episode...
Mar 11, 2025•39 min•Ep. 187
Have you just realized your ex might be a covert narcissist? Thought your separation was amicable,only to find yourself blindsided by manipulation and deceit? In this episode, we break down the six key signs of a covert narcissist during divorce, property settlement or coparenting. From playing the victim to using the legal system against you, we’ll help you spot the red flags and protect yourself. Listen to This Episode If You: ✅ Are going through a divorce or property settlement and feel like ...
Feb 26, 2025•44 min•Ep. 186
Are you going through a divorce property settlement and unsure whether to choose a Consent Order or a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA)? In this episode, we break down what they are and the key differences between the two. We also discuss the pitfalls and risks to keep in mind when navigating this. Listen to This Episode If You: ✅ Are going through a separation and need to divide property fairly. ❓ Want to know whether a Consent Order or a Financial Agreement is the better choice. 💰 Need to und...
Feb 19, 2025•41 min•Ep. 185
Child Support Battles: What They Don’t Tell You & How to Fight Back Are you struggling with child support? Whether you’re battling a non-paying ex, dealing with inconsistent advice from child support agencies, or feeling overwhelmed by legal loopholes, you’re not alone. In this episode, Crystal Padooch, founder of Child Support Consultants, reveals the five critical things every parent should know about child support. With 14 years of experience, Crystal explains how the system really works,...
Feb 11, 2025•41 min•Ep. 184
False Allegations of Parental Alienation: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183 Learn about how abusers use parental alienation allegations to deflect from their abusive behavior and maintain their power. Explore how accusations of parental alienation can be weaponized against the healthy parent to continue coercive control or abuse, often leaving the targeted parent in a difficult legal and emotional battle. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education and is not a substitute ...
Feb 05, 2025•45 min•Ep. 183
Do you really need to formalize your property or parenting agreement when going through divorce or separation? What if you are amicable? Or you both just agree anyway. What's the point in having a formal order? What if you just don’t have any property and so you feel there isn’t any point in getting official property orders. What if you are worried if you push for property or parenting orders it will make your ex more angry? What if you are terrified of going to court? In this episode,we break d...
Jan 28, 2025•49 min•Ep. 182
In this episode we discuss the emotional, legal, and logistical hurdles of coexisting with your ex-partner whilst waiting for property settlement. We share practical strategies for setting boundaries, sorting money, protecting your safety, and planning for the next steps in your separation. Whether you’re navigating this situation temporarily or for the foreseeable future, this episode provides actionable insights to help you survive—and hopefully also thrive. Disclaimer: This podcast provides g...
Jan 21, 2025•52 min•Ep. 181
What happens to the car during a divorce in the short and long term? Laura and Lynette a Family Law Specialist breaks down the practical and legal considerations for handling your cars during separation in the short term and in property settlement for the long term. From ensuring your safety to avoiding dirty tricks, they offer tips and education to help you stay in control of this often-overlooked asset and issue. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education for Australians and is ...
Jan 14, 2025•40 min•Ep. 180
Are you dealing with a manipulative or narcissistic type ex during your divorce? Is your ex lying to everyone during your divorce? In this episode, Laura and Lynette use Brandolini's Law—the concept that it takes much more effort to refute lies than to create them—and explore how it applies to family law. With practical strategies and actionable tips, they unpack how to deal with false allegations, overwhelming legal tactics, and post-separation abuse. Whether you’re facing mediation, legal lett...
Jan 07, 2025•40 min•Ep. 179
Listen to This Episode If You: 🎄 Are navigating the holiday season post-separation or divorce. ❓ Need guidance on legal deadlines and court closures during Christmas. 💡 Want tips for co-parenting and managing handovers with minimal stress. 🛡 Are concerned about manipulative or high-conflict behavior during the holidays. 🌟 Are looking for ideas to create new traditions and move forward emotionally. 🎄Trying to figure out how to manage Christmas under the same roof this year. Trigger warning: ...
Dec 10, 2024•41 min•Ep. 178
Does Family Violence and Post Separation Abuse factor into Property Settlement? This is now answered in The Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 which introduces some of the most significant reforms in the Australia Family Court in decades, addressing key issues like financial abuse, property disputes, and the treatment of family violence in court. In this episode, We are going to break down the changes, and try to explain what they mean for you, and share practical tips on how to prepare if you're na...
Dec 03, 2024•41 min•Ep. 177
Mediation is meant to be a pathway to resolution, but what happens when one party has no intention of settling? In this episode we explore the troubles and solutions of mediation, offering practical tips on how to navigate manipulative tactics and protect your mental health. Whether it’s property or parenting arrangements, this is an informative guide on what you can potentially expect before, during, and after mediation to stay one step ahead. If you’ve ever worried about being stuck in a media...
Nov 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 177
Facing the journey from separation to settlement can feel overwhelming and uncertain, but you’re not alone. In this episode, Laura and Lynette take you through the seven essential stages of the divorce process, from making the initial decision to separate, all the way to moving forward after your settlement. They share practical tips, emotional insights, and legal education to help you make empowered choices at every step. Whether you're at the beginning of this journey or somewhere in the middl...
Nov 18, 2024•37 min•Ep. 176
BONUS mini episode: Divorce is a challenging journey, and there are so many things we wish we’d known before starting out. In this special episode, I share three key insights I learned along the way—insights that could save you time, stress, and money. From setting firm boundaries to creating a clear plan and building a strong support system, these lessons are invaluable for anyone facing separation or divorce. And there’s more! Next week, we’re hosting a free, live webinar designed to support y...
Nov 05, 2024•4 min
If you’ve ever felt that your ex is using the legal system to keep you trapped or that you’re facing ongoing harassment, this episode provides the support and strategies you need. Divorce may mean separation, but sometimes, for those dealing with high-conflict exes, the abuse continues well after the split. In this episode, we discuss five key strategies to manage and escape post-separation abuse purgatory. From court misuse to constant control tactics, this episode offers crucial help for prote...
Oct 29, 2024•42 min•Ep. 175
