The Divorce Course Podcast

By: Laura & Lyn
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  • Summary

  • This Mother and Daughter duo discuss and cover the legal stages and steps that you will face on your way to freedom through divorce. These are practical and real discussions with Lyn Galvin a family lawyer of 35 years experience and her daughter Laura a divorced mother of three. Laura helps turn her mother's lawyer jargon into something everyone will understand. Lyn shares all her tips and practical advice on separating. Through this podcast they aim to help you through your Australian divorce or de-facto separation to make it more cost effective and less stressful. instagram @thedivorcecourse
    Copyright 2024 The Divorce Online Course & Podcast
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Episodes
  • What the 2025 Family Law Divorce Reforms Might Mean for You

    What the 2025 Family Law Divorce Reforms Might Mean for You
    Apr 30 2025
    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: thedivorcecoursepodcast@gmail.com ⚠️ 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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    47 mins
  • Beyond 50/50: Creative & Legal Ways to Settle Property in Divorce in Australia

    Beyond 50/50: Creative & Legal Ways to Settle Property in Divorce in Australia
    Apr 23 2025
    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 ...
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    34 mins
  • Child Custody In Divorce: The 10 Most Common Questions

    Child Custody In Divorce: The 10 Most Common Questions
    Apr 15 2025

    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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    41 mins

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Thank you!!

Thank you so much for all your insights and knowledge!
In my 12th year of post sep abuse. I wish I had found you 10 years ago

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Profile Image for Rebecca Huth

Clear information presented well.

This Mum and daughter team do a great job at supporting and educating their listeners in the hardest times if their life. I have genuinely appreciated the advice and information that has been shared in my own divorce and family breakdown journey. Thanks HEAPS Laura and Lyn

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.