The Divorce Course Podcast

• What the 2025 Family Law Divorce Reforms Might Mean for You

  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 going through it, these new laws could change the game for you. We also break down why these changes matter, how they could help victims of coercive control or economic abuse, and the kinds of evidence that could now influence outcomes in property disputes. As always, we bring the info in a way that’s easy to understand—no legal jargon, just real talk.. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of family and domestic violence. 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode contains general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek independent legal advice for your situation. 🎧 Listen to this episode if…  🐾 You’re separating and worried about who gets the dog 💸 You’ve experienced economic or financial abuse ⚖️ You’re navigating a property settlement and unsure what’s “fair” 📜 You’re already in court and want to know if these changes apply 😟 You’ve struggled to get your lawyer to take family violence seriously 📂 You’re overwhelmed with financial disclosure or suspect your ex is hiding assets 💔 You want to protect your rights—and your peace of mind—in the process ⏱️ Timeline Summary – What You’ll Hear 0:00 – Trigger warning and legal disclaimer 1:00 – Why these 2025 law changes matter 2:00 – How family violence can now impact property settlements 5:00 – Understanding the new “wastage” rule (big shift!) 10:00 – What counts as economic abuse in property disputes 15:00 – Your pet isn’t just “property” anymore – companion animals and court 20:00 – Financial disclosure: new pressure on lawyers and parties 27:00 – Children’s Contact Centres: mandatory accreditation and safety focus 33:00 – Less Adversarial Approaches: what’s changing and what’s not 38:00 – Does this apply to your case if you're already in court? 41:00 – How these changes can help—or hurt—you depending on your approach 46:00 – Final wrap-up: What to do now and what to watch for next 🔑 Key Topics Discussed in This Episode The biggest Family Law reforms in 20+ years — and what triggered them How coercive control and economic abuse will now factor into property settlements Why “wastage” matters (and how post-separation spending could impact outcomes) The real legal status of pets in 2025 — not just “property” anymore! New financial disclosure rules and how they’ll change the game The pressure on lawyers to address family violence properly Why Children’s Contact Centres are changing — and becoming saferThe shift towards less adversarial approaches in court Whether these changes apply to your existing case What to do now to prepare if you’re currently separated or about to file 🔗 Links & Resources 📄 Download the updated Central Practice Direction 📄 Link to the Attorney-General's 2025 Family Law fact sheets https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/family-law-property-changes-10-june-2025-fact-sheet-separating-couples https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/family-law-changes-june-2025-information-family-law-professionals ☎️ 1800 RESPECT – Family/domestic violence support ☎️ Lifeline: 13 11 14 – For emotional support 📧 Email the show: [email protected] ⚠️ Emergency Contacts & Support Services: 💜 Women’s Shelter Service: Call 1800 811 811 ⚖️ Legal Aid: Visit Legal Aid Website 📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support): Call 13 11 14 👨‍👦 Mensline Australia: Call 1300 789 978 👧 Kids Help Line: Call 1800 551 800 🚨 National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 RESPECT): Call 1800 737 732 🖤 Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1800 019 123 🎙️ Related Episodes: Does Domestic Violence Effect Property Settlement https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ByQsXAVUNYQyLVspOFF37?si=WbBHNF5GRACQ4Od20K05FA Disclosure Checklist https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist Overcoming Disclosure Dilemmashttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0uOO8dKYV4NWlCfyu8FZEh?si=Vin4YgpKT020Aout1aWXzA Episode 194: What the 2025 Family Law Reforms Mean for You (Pets, Property & Power Plays)  #FamilyLawAustralia #DivorceSupport #PropertySettlement #EconomicAbuse #CoerciveControl #FamilyViolence #FamilyCourtReform #KnowYourRights #SeparatedAndStrong #DomesticViolenceAwareness #LegalUpdates2025 #SharedParenting #CustodyAndProperty #ProtectYourPeace #DivorceAustralia  

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• Beyond 50/50: Creative & Legal Ways to Settle Property in Divorce in Australia

  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 absolutely nothing — this episode is your go-to guide for understanding your options. If you’ve been wondering how the Family Court might view your proposed agreement, or you just want clarity before making any big decisions, this one’s for you. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: We do talk about separation, divorce, and family and domestic violence in this episode. 📌 Legal Disclaimer: Everything shared here is general info only — not legal advice. Always speak to your own lawyer about your unique situation before making any decisions or signing anything.     🎧 Listen to This Episode If You: 🏡 You’re separated and thinking about how to split your assets 🤔 You’ve heard “it’s always 50/50” and you’re not sure if that’s true 🔑 You’re trying to keep the house, super, or a specific asset 😵‍💫 You’re overwhelmed by all the legal options 😟 You’re scared of doing the “wrong” thing with your property settlement ⚖️ You want a fair deal that protects your financial future 🧠 You’re a visual thinker and need real examples to understand your options DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE just a discussion about Australian Family Law and Divorce or DeFacto Separation.   🔑 Key Topics Discussed in This Episode What a property settlement actually is – and why it matters after separation Common myths about property division – including the truth behind “it’s always 50/50” The 8 different ways you can reach a property settlement – from informal agreements to full court proceedings How to decide which option is right for you – based on your safety, finances, and communication with your ex The risks of doing nothing – and why delays can cost you more than just money Keeping the house, super, or other assets – what’s realistic and what the court considers How to protect yourself legally and financially – especially in high-conflict or coercive control situations When and how to get legal advice – and how to prepare for it Case examples to help you understand what each option might look like in real life What to do if your ex won’t cooperate or communicate   🎙️ Related Episodes: Consent Orders vs BFAs: What’s Best for You https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qgGhdAl5UaOo7LHb2Yf5Y?si=1d87hZ-iQ2iPadSuzyHBAQ I Really, Really Want to Keep the House https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TzW9skKgvO8fjm0gcFPRg?si=uz9H0V3eRsaXzKKoLlMfaA Selling the House in Divorce: What You Need to Know https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YUc34CVu6aCmunjQT1Sp6?si=7I8graLWQrm3PD_4brxOng   ⚠️ Emergency Contacts & Support Services: 💜 Women’s Shelter Service: Call 1800 811 811 ⚖️ Legal Aid: Visit Legal Aid Website 📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support): Call 13 11 14 👨‍👦 Mensline Australia: Call 1300 789 978 👧 Kids Help Line: Call 1800 551 800 🚨 National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 RESPECT): Call 1800 737 732 🖤 Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1800 019 123     ⏳ Episode Timeline: 0:00 – Trigger warning and legal disclaimer 1:00 – What are we covering in today’s divorce property settlement episode? 2:00 – What is the classic percentage split in a divorce—and how does it work? 3:30 – Why isn’t property always divided 50/50 in a divorce? What factors do courts consider? 5:30 – What are the risks of saying “You take the house, I’ll take the super” during divorce? 7:00 – When would this kind of divorce agreement be rejected by the court? 9:00 – Should we just sell everything and divide the cash after a divorce? 11:30 – Why can selling assets post-divorce shrink your overall property pool? 13:00 – What happens if one person buys the other out in a divorce settlement? 15:30 – How do you make sure the house is valued fairly during divorce proceedings? 17:00 – Can we trade assets like cars for cash or super for shares in a divorce? 18:30 – Is super always equal in value when dividing assets in divorce? 20:00 – What is superannuation splitting—and how does it work in a divorce? 22:00 – Is equalizing superannuation always a fair solution in divorce settlements? 23:30 – Can one person take on debt in exchange for more assets—and is that safe in a divorce? 25:00 – What are the legal risks when one partner takes on joint debt after divorce? 27:00 – What happens if we leave everything as it is and avoid a divorce property settlement? 29:30 – What real divorce stories show why doing nothing can go wrong? 33:00 – What are the new 2025 divorce-related laws—and how does post-separation spending affect your case? 34:30 – How can you figure out what’s fair in your unique divorce situation?       Episode 193 Beyond 50/50: Creative & Legal Ways to Settle Property in Divorce in Australia    #DivorceSupport #PropertySettlement #FamilyLawAustralia #SeparationSupport #DivorceTips #KeepTheHouse #SuperSplit #FinancialAbuseAwareness #FairDivorce #LegalHelp #SplitAssets #CoParentingSupport #EqualPropertySplit #FamilyCourtMatters #DivorceCoursePodcast  

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• Child Custody In Divorce: The 10 Most Common Questions

  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 parenting plans this episode helps you gain a better understanding of what's what in child custody issues.   🎧 Listen to This Episode If You... Are recently separated and unsure where to start Want to learn how to understand your parental rights in court Are co-parenting with someone difficult, absent, or controlling Are trying to protect your child from a harmful environment Need clarity around parenting plans vs court orders Are preparing to go to family court Feel overwhelmed by legal jargon and want straight answers ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions about family and domestic violence. 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family law case is different, and you should always seek professional legal support specific to your circumstances.     📌 Episodes Mentioned in This Episode: Official Parenting Orders: Do I really need them? 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xeIIHEDcFPKwtVZ54fM67?si=vwYKXPZHRRCISokEuc2D-Q Case Mentioned: Isles & Nelissen [2022] FedcFAMC1A 97 – an “unacceptable risk” family court case     📚 Links & Resources 🧾 Word Salad Checklist (Download) - https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/wordsaladchecklist   📞 1800 RESPECT – Support for family and domestic violence 📞 Lifeline (13 11 14) – Mental health and emotional support 📞 000 – In case of immediate danger     ⏱️ Timeline Summary 00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warnings 01:02 Understanding Child Custody 02:08 Immediate Steps After Separation 03:19 Consent Orders vs Parenting Plans 04:33 High Conflict Situations 05:56 What is the Best Interests of the Child 15:07 What is the difference between Legal vs Physical Custody 18:39 Domestic Violence and Custody 23:33 Surgical Risk and Legal Analogies 24:21 Can My Child Decide Who They Want to Live With? 24:26 Webinar Invitation: Empower Yourself Through Divorce 25:40 Can I Relocate with my child and Custody: Legal Insights 27:14 What can I do if my ex is Threatening of International Relocation 27:54 Joint Custody: Pros, Cons, and Realities 30:18 Proving an Ex is Unfit for Custody 31:26 How do you Modify and Enforce Custody Arrangements 33:30 How to Deal with Manipulative and Controlling Exes 34:08 High Conflict Custody Situations 36:20 Avoidant Exes and Custody Challenges 38:08 Final Thoughts and Support Resources       🔖 Hashtags (for Social Media) #ChildCustody #FamilyLawAustralia #ParentingAfterSeparation #HighConflictDivorce #CoParenting #FamilyCourt #LegalParenting #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SharedParenting #CustodyBattle #DivorceSupport #ConsentOrders #ParentingPlan #FamilyLawHelp #ProtectiveParenting     📌 Final Disclaimer: Nothing discussed in this episode should be taken as legal advice. Please speak with a qualified legal professional who understands your personal situation and jurisdiction. 🎙️ Episode Title: Top 10 Child Custody Questions Answered (What Parents Need to Know)

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• What your Lawyer Might Forget to Tell You: Unlocking Funds Before Divorce PROPERTY SETTLEMENT is Final

  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 funds, this episode is full of practical ideas to help you understand some options. We’ll walk through how it works, who it can help, how to ask for it, and what to do if you’re facing financial abuse or coercive control. If even one person hears this and realizes they can ask for access to their own money — then this episode has done its job. Legal Disclaimer: This is not legal advice please see a lawyer before making any decisions. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses financial abuse and coercive control. If you find this triggering, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT.     🎧 Listen to this episode if… You’ve separated from your partner but are still waiting for the property to be divided You’re struggling financially and wondering if you can access money now You’re living under the same roof as your ex and things are tense or unsafe You’ve heard “you just have to wait” from a lawyer or friend You’re dealing with financial abuse or coercive control You want to understand your rights and feel more empowered in the process You’re looking for a way to shift the balance in negotiations or court     ⏱️ Episode Timeline 0:00 - A warm welcome and why this episode matters if you’re stuck during property settlement 2:00 - What is early distribution of funds, and why more people should know about it 4:00 - Who qualifies? Scenarios from both wealthy and struggling couples 5:45 - Why financial abuse and coercive control may be stopping you from accessing your money 8:00 - The new definition of family violence and how it can work in your favour 10:30 - How to structure your request so it’s fair and has a better chance of success 12:45 - The mindset shift: realizing you’re entitled to ask 14:30 - What the courts consider when deciding to release funds early 16:30 - Step-by-step: how to apply and what documents you’ll need 19:45 - Going to court: what to expect, what to say, and how to prepare 23:30 - Common misconceptions and sneaky tactics to watch for 26:45 - Can superannuation be released early? (Spoiler: unlikely!) 28:00 - Risks of early distribution: What you need to know before you ask 29:30 - How releasing funds can shift power and break negotiation deadlock 31:45 - How to approach this with different ex-partner personality types in Divorce 36:00 - The quote Mum wants on a cushion: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”     🔗 Links & Resources 📘 Definition of Family Violence – Family Law Act (Section 4AB) 🧠 Free checklists and resources — mediation prep, disclosure, and more 🎧 Episode on Balancing the Unbalanced in family law negotiations https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YbIll7Ti69WGd9OpbmjDb?si=JlxhC1wBTkaOILAIVYdYaw 🎧 Episode on Response to Initiating Application (for court document guidance) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JV5mcqDB7Wu6lEAFVO2w1?si=-VMYcvlpSSqxn-RrDeJgCg Definition of Family Violence https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s4ab.html     📝 Closing Thoughts This episode is your reminder that you have options — and you don’t have to wait until the final property settlement to start rebuilding your life. If you’re in a tough spot financially, please talk to your lawyer about an early distribution. And if they say no, ask why. You deserve to feel safe and supported through this process. If you found this episode helpful, we’d be so grateful if you could rate, follow, and share the podcast. You never know who else out there might need this information right now. 💛

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• Are You a Victim of FINANCIAL Abuse? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore & What the New Laws Might Mean for You

  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 Warning: This episode discusses economic abuse and coercive control, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline for confidential advice and assistance.     🎧 Listen to This Episode If You: ✅ Feel like your partner controls your money or financial decisions ❓ Have been told you’re “bad with money” or pressured into signing financial documents 💡 Are worried that financial abuse is continuing after separation 🛡 Want to understand how the new legal changes address economic abuse 📚 Need advice on documenting financial control and seeking help 💔 Are experiencing financial stress during or after separation DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE just a discussion about Australian Family Law and Divorce or DeFacto Separation.   Key Topics Discussed in This Episode: What is Economic and Financial Abuse? Signs and Red Flags of Economic Abuse How Economic Abuse Is a Form of Coercive Control Legal Changes: Economic Abuse Recognized as Family Violence Impact on Property Settlements and Financial Outcomes How to Protect Yourself from Economic and Financial Abuse Support Services and Resources for Victims       📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: 🔗 1800 RESPECT – Support for family and domestic violence: Website: 1800respect.org.au Phone: 1800 737 732 🔗 National Debt Helpline – Financial counselling and support: Website: ndh.org.au Phone: 1800 007 007 🔗 Men’s Referral Service – Support for men using or experiencing violence: Website: mrs.org.au Phone: 1800 943 539 🔗 Understanding Coercive Control – Australian Government Resource: Website: Australian Government Resource on Coercive Control     🎙️ Related Episodes: Recognizing Coercive Control: How to Protect Yourself https://open.spotify.com/episode/12jgZw1IwIFLK5oPlp0its?si=CvxdW85YRJ6e9pX1katgPQ Navigating Financial Disclosure in Family Court https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist Understanding Emotional Abuse: Signs, Impact, and Recovery https://open.spotify.com/episode/2bSCQ3JdcU4xxW7D4LJUxG?si=ujMpXOD8QzeLbeA_rlC4Ew How to Tell Your Story and Communicate Coercive Control in Your Documents https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Ci0M4DqznBf1L1kcZM3vY?si=rO-DnFixQqKTPMCbkpe3jA ⚠️ Emergency Contacts & Support Services: 💜 Women’s Shelter Service: Call 1800 811 811 ⚖️ Legal Aid: Visit Legal Aid Website 📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support): Call 13 11 14 👨‍👦 Mensline Australia: Call 1300 789 978 👧 Kids Help Line: Call 1800 551 800 🚨 National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 RESPECT): Call 1800 737 732 🖤 Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1800 019 123     ⏳ Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Economic Abuse 00:24 Recognizing the Signs of Economic Abuse 01:09 Trigger Warning and Support Resources 01:57 Understanding Economic Abuse in Family Law 02:28 Examples of Economic Abuse 04:23 Subtle Forms of Financial Control 12:12 Post-Separation Financial Abuse 15:25 Questions to Identify Financial Abuse 21:30 Coercive Control and Financial Dependence 24:29 Understanding Coercive Control and Financial Abuse 25:34 Real-Life Examples of Financial Abuse 27:06 Legal Definitions and Changes in Family Law 30:37 Proving Financial Abuse in Court 32:03 Steps to Escape Financial Abuse 40:39 Support and Resources for Victims 42:53 Encouragement and Final Thoughts     Are You a Victim of FINANCIAL Abuse? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore & What the New Laws Might Mean for You  

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  46:53

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