The Divorce Course Podcast

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...

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 emotiona...

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...

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, dur...

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 empowe...

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 separati...

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...

When going through a divorce or de facto separation, one of the biggest questions you'll face is: Should I settle, or should I go to court? In this episode, we take an in depth look into the reasons why people choose to settle and why others decide to hold out for court. We discuss the risks, costs, and personal factors that play into this decision, while also highlighting potential pitfalls and t...

This is a legal and emotional boundary check episode for you where we discuss 10 critical legal and emotional boundaries that are essential to maintain during this process. From communication and financial boundaries to setting clear limits on social media and handling high-conflict exes, this episode is packed with practical tips to help protect your emotional well-being and legal standing. Wheth...

What happens to your income, expenses and savings in the time between breaking up and official separation and getting final property orders? In this episode we take a look into what happens to your income, expenses, and savings during this in-between period. We discuss how the Family Court of Australia usually treats savings, the importance of documenting expenses, and how your wages may be consid...

Do you ever wish you had a time machine to go back and give yourself advice before starting your divorce journey? In this episode, we share valuable insights and tips from listeners who have gone through it all. Together, we will break down some of the most important things people wish they had known before starting the process, from not rushing into decisions to custody issues. They also discuss...

Listen to This Episode If You: 🌟 Are navigating a parenting plan or consent or court orders for children at different stages of development. ❓ Want to understand how the court views plans for babies and the differing age groups all the way to teenagers. 💡 Are trying to figure out how to create a flexible and adaptable parenting plan as your child grows. 🛡 Are dealing with high-conflict ex-partn...

When going through a divorce and dividing assets, there's an essential factor that many people overlook or have no idea about: future needs. In this episode, we discuss what "future needs" mean in family law in Australia, how they are considered by the court, and how they can significantly affect the division of property. From your health and age to your earning capacity and children's future, und...

Are you wondering if you really need a lawyer for mediation or family dispute resolution? In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of mediation and whether you really need a lawyer by your side. Explore the different types of meditations, the pros and cons of having legal representation, and pick up some helpful tips for those on a tight budget who may not be able to afford a lawyer. If you're...

The DARVO method—Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender—is a tactic often employed by narcissists in legal battles, particularly during divorce or family court cases. In this episode, we shed light on the DARVO strategy and share eight essential ways to protect yourself against it. Whether you're facing family violence court, property settlement agreements, or a child custody battle, these insi...

Are you feeling like your lawyer isn't telling your full story? In this episode, Laura and Lynette dive into the issue of legal gatekeeping and how it can impact your divorce case. They discuss why it's crucial for your lawyer to present all the relevant facts, including those that might be uncomfortable or distressing about Family Violence or Coercive Control. With new property legislation potent...

In every divorce, there are two primary positions people find themselves in: sitting pretty or completely overstressed. In this episode, Laura and Lynette break down these common divorce dynamics and provide strategies to help you navigate whichever position you're in. Whether you're feeling trapped in a gilded cage with everything provided for you, or you're overwhelmed with stress, paying the bi...

Divorce is often described as a journey, and just like any journey, it requires navigation tools to get to your destination successfully. In this episode, Laura and Lynette use the analogy of driving a car to discuss how to handle the emotional and practical challenges of divorce. They break down the five essential "tools" you need to navigate this journey: your handbrake, gas pedal, reverse, stee...

Divorce & property settlements are confusing enough, especially when it comes to recognizing all contributions. Educate yourself about some of the most overlooked non financial contributions you may have made that will help increase your percentage of the property pool.  In this episode, we discuss the often-overlooked aspects of contributions in property settlements, focusing on non-financial par...

Are you struggling to document and present your experiences of coercive control or family violence in your paperwork or to your lawyer, mediator , police, court or counsellor? Feel like you have to KEEP telling your story and you wish there was a better way? Whether you're preparing for mediation, court, or consultations with your lawyer, effectively communicating these experiences is crucial for...

Custody handovers can be one of the most stressful aspects of co-parenting, often referred to as "handover hell." Whether it's a tense interaction with your ex or the emotional strain on your children, it's crucial to find ways to make these transitions as smooth as possible. In this episode, Laura and Lynette dive into practical strategies for handling custody handovers, discussing everything fro...

Are you in the process of getting divorced and need to find the right lawyer for your case? Choosing the right legal representation can be daunting, especially during an emotionally charged time. In this episode, Laura and Lynette dive into the ten essential steps and questions you need to consider when selecting a lawyer. They discuss the importance of finding a lawyer whose experience, ability,...

Struggling with what to do with your ex's stuff after a separation or divorce? Whether it's a garage full of clutter, valuable memorabilia, or just everyday items left behind, dealing with an ex's belongings can be frustrating and emotionally draining. In this episode, Laura and Lynette discuss practical strategies for handling your ex's stuff, from boxing it up to negotiating its removal, all whi...

Are you struggling with understanding parental responsibility after a divorce or separation? Need strategies for handling parenting disagreements about major or minor decisions for your children? In Australia, who makes decisions for the children before there is a parenting plan or court order? What happens if you and your ex can't agree on a school, medical, or other major issue?  In this episode...

Are you navigating a difficult divorce or separation? In this insightful episode, Laura and Lynette share five crucial steps to help you empower yourself through your divorce or de facto journey. They discuss how your actions, boundaries, self-affirmation, and standing up for yourself can significantly impact the outcome of your case. With practical legal education and empowering strategies, this...