The Divorce Course Podcast Laura & Lyn

Are you facing a challenging divorce or separation and looking for ways to save on legal fees by doing some of it yourself? Do you want to take control of your situation and handle some aspects independently? Listen to this episode to discover "Five Things You Can Do Yourself Without Lawyers to Keep Your Costs Down." Laura, a divorced mother of three, and her mother Lynette Galvin, a family law expert with 35 years of experience, share practical steps you can manage on your own. From writing letters to attending mediation, this episode is packed with tips to help you navigate some of your separation on your own with confidence. Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different.
Listen to this episode if you:
Are navigating a divorce or de facto separation.
Want to reduce your legal costs.
Feel overwhelmed by the legal process and want to take proactive steps.
Need practical education on handling parts of your divorce independently.
Are looking for ways to reduce stress and gain confidence during this challenging time.
Are worried that the disclosure process or mediation process is going to drain away all the money you’ve got for legal fees.
Smart Divorce Moves: Five Cost-Saving Tasks You Can Handle
Key Points:
Writing Letters: Tips on how to draft letters to your ex regarding your separation and property settlement.
Figuring Out Your Property Pool: Get an overview of how to identify and value your assets and debts.
Full Disclosure: Discover the importance of full disclosure and how to gather and organise necessary documents with or without your lawyer.
Attending Mediation: Tips on attending mediation without a lawyer and what to expect might happen.
Creating Parenting Plans: How to draft a parenting plan.
Overcoming Barriers: Build confidence to tackle these tasks independently and save money.
Seeking Legal Advice: Reminder to get professional legal advice tailored to your situation when necessary.
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case.
 
For Full Show Notes, go to www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
For more support, visit www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
Episodes Mentioned
Can you really mediate with a narcissist?
Creating your own parenting orders or parenting plans with the 12 agreements
DIY Divorce Disclosure and Discovery, for property settlement & child support
 
Useful Resources:
Click here for our free before you leave checklist 
Click here for our free mediation checklist
Sign up here for our next free online webinar
 
Emergency Contacts:
WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE 
LEGAL AID
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
Relationships Australia 
Police on 000
DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill
DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636
National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
 
Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on our upcoming practical steps and guidance for your divorce or de facto separation. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a rating and a review to help others. Thank you.
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different.

🤔 Are you facing a challenging divorce, separation, or co-parenting situation with a difficult ex-partner? Are you seeking effective strategies to handle criticism, control, and over-explaining in your communications?
🎧 Listen to this episode to learn how the JADE Method can assist you in navigating these complexities, while being careful not to make mistakes that could come back to bite you in the Family Court or at Mediation with this ever-increasingly popular method.
💼 Learn about practical approaches to maintain composure, protect yourself from post-separation abuse, and respond calmly amidst conflict from a family law specialist with over 35 years of experience who has seen it all.
Listen to this episode if you:
Are navigating a divorce, separation, or co-parenting, especially if it involves a difficult ex-partner. Want strategies for dealing with criticism, control, and over-explaining in communication with your ex. Are breaking out of a coercive control situation while going through the divorce or separation process. Are dealing with post-separation abuse after separation. Are co-parenting with a narcissistic ex. Are interested in understanding recent changes in family law regarding decision-making responsibilities for children. Key Ideas:
An introduction to the JADE method (Justify, Argue, Defend, Explain) and its application in dealing with difficult ex-partners.
Discussion on the importance of not falling back into patterns of over-explaining or justifying oneself, especially if the relationship was characterised by criticism and control.
Explanation of recent changes in family law regarding decision-making responsibilities for children, emphasising the distinction between major long-term decisions and day-to-day matters.
Strategies for responding calmly and rationally rather than reacting impulsively in communication with an ex.
Importance of taking care of one's own well-being and seeking support during the divorce or separation process.
Reminder to seek individualised legal and psychological support as needed.
ARTICLE LINK
Jade Method Article by PsychCentral 
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case.
For Full Show Notes, go to www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
For more support, visit www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
Episodes Mentioned
 
(Do I really need to respond to that?! When co parenting communication becomes tricky during divorce proceedings.)
 
Recent Reforms Episode
 
Word Salad Checklist and Method 
 
(The importance of record keeping during divorce & separation: the what, why, when and how to help yourself in mediation, family court or even just in negotiation.)
 
(Affidavits for Divorce Settlement in the Family Law Court)
 
(Pitfalls of premature percentages negotiations in divorce)
 
Useful Resources:
Click here for our free before you leave checklist 
Click here for our free mediation checklist
Sign up here for our next free online webinar
 
Emergency Contacts:
WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE 
LEGAL AID
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
Relationships Australia 
Police on 000
DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill
DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636
National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
 
Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on our upcoming practic

👥 Are you facing a divorce or family violence legal battle but are feeling financially overwhelmed? Tune in as Laura and Lyn discuss with special guest Kara Cook the vital role of legal aid and community legal services in providing support during divorce and domestic violence situations for those who cannot afford a lawyer.
💼 Worried about facing your ex in backed by a team of expensive lawyers in court? Kara, a community legal service expert, debunks the myth that legal representation guarantees victory, emphasising that the law is the ultimate arbiter and will help put your mind at ease.
⚖️ Learn about the recent legislative changes, including ten days of paid domestic violence leave, empowering survivors to seek support without fear of repercussions at work.
🏫 Discover the tips and steps to take to access a community legal service in your area. 
Navigating Legal Aid & Community Legal Services: Your Lifeline for DV & Divorce
Listen to this episode if you:
Need guidance on legal aid and community services.
Want to understand how community legal services or legal aid works.
Seek insight into workplace entitlements if going through family violence.
Are interested in remote legal assistance.
Require help navigating family law.
 
Key Ideas:
Access to legal aid and community legal services for domestic violence and divorce.
Geographic accessibility and remote assistance via technology.
Legal safeguards regardless of legal representation.
Proportionality in legal representation and judicial scrutiny.
Workplace rights and entitlements for those experiencing domestic violence.
Availability of ten days of paid domestic violence leave in Australia.
Supportive workplace cultures and confidentiality.
Multifaceted challenges faced by individuals navigating domestic violence situations.
 
This episode provides valuable guidance for anyone looking to get help through community legal programs, women's legal services or legal aid. 
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case.
 
For Full Show Notes, go to www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
For more support, visit www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
 
Useful Resources:
Click here for our free before you leave checklist 
Click here for our free mediation checklist
Sign up here for our next free online webinar



Emergency Contacts:
WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE 
LEGAL AID
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
Relationships Australia 
Police on 000
DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill
DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636
National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
 
Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on our upcoming practical steps and guidance for your divorce or de facto separation. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a rating and a review to help others. Thank you.
 
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different.

Listen to this episode if you:
Are frustrated with a disclosure issue in your divorce proceedings.
Feel stumped by disclosure hurdles on your journey to freedom.
Key Ideas:
Reframing Full Disclosure: Learn why the term "full disclosure" can be ambiguous and potentially derail your settlement negotiations.
Importance of Specificity: Understand the significance of specifying the exact documents or information necessary for your case rather than demanding blanket "full disclosure."
Leveraging Lack of Disclosure: Discover how the absence of disclosure from the other party can sometimes work to your advantage in court proceedings.
Taking Proactive Steps: Explore proactive strategies for navigating disclosure issues and maintaining control over your divorce process.
Reality Check: Gain insights into conducting a reality check on the importance of requested documents and the potential consequences of withholding them.
Overcoming Disclosure Dilemmas: Your Path to Divorce Victory
This episode provides valuable guidance for anyone grappling with disclosure challenges in divorce proceedings, offering practical tips and a fresh perspective on navigating this often-frustrating aspect of the legal process.
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case.
For Full Show Notes, go to www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
For more support, visit www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case.
Other Podcast Episodes Mentioned 
 
https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastforty (DIY Divorce Disclosure and Discovery, for property settlement & child support)
 
https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcasteightynine (Disclosure: the what, why, when & how of disclosure for divorce or de facto separation.)
 
https://link.chtbl.com/DivorceEpisode116 (Deadlocks in Divorce Strategies for Non-Disclosure, Valuation Fights and Stonewalling)
 
Useful Resources:
Click here for our free before you leave checklist 
Click here for our free mediation checklist
Sign up here for our next free online webinar
 
Emergency Contacts:
WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE 
LEGAL AID
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
Relationships Australia 
Police on 000
DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill
DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636
National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
 
Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on our upcoming practical steps and guidance for your divorce or de facto separation. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a rating and a review to help others. Thank you.
 
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different.
 

Has your ex just told you that they are the bread winner so therefore in the divorce they will get most of the property settlement? Has your ex just quit their job so they avoid paying child support? Has your ex downplayed your contributions in the marriage. Or are you just plain confused about what is considered in divorce when it comes to income/salary/wages. Well this episode is for you.
Learn about how salary and earnings impact property division and child support in divorce proceedings. We aim to demystify the most common misconceptions floating around at the moment and put your mind at ease. 
Join our insightful discussion around the concept of earnings, and let us shed light for you on how the courts assess both financial and non-financial contributions when dividing assets. Additionally, learn about the concept of "future needs," which encompasses various factors such as earnings, age, health, and childcare responsibilities. 
By the end of the episode, listeners will gain valuable knowledge and a clearer understanding of how the court strives for equitable, rather than necessarily equal, distribution in divorce cases.
Key Points:
Debunking the myth that higher income guarantees a larger share of the property pool.
Understanding how courts evaluate financial and non-financial contributions during property division.
Exploring the concept of "future needs" and its significance in divorce settlements.
Recognizing the court's aim for equitable distribution, considering various factors beyond income alone.
Learning about the word “CAPACITY” and what it means in the court and what it means for CHILD SUPPORT & PROPERTY SETTLEMENT
Listen to this episode if you want to:
Gain clarity on how salary and earnings impact property settlement and child support.
Understand the factors considered by courts when dividing assets in divorce cases.
Learn about the concept of "future needs" and its role in achieving fair outcomes in divorce settlements.
Learn about what to do if your ex quits their job to try not pay child support.
For Full Show Notes, go to www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
For more support, visit www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case.
Other Podcast Episodes Mentioned 
Your Future Needs and how it affects your divorce and property settlement Part 3: Sorting your property settlement in divorce
 
How to divorce a statue: 7 tips to divorce an avoidant ex even if they stonewall you or disappear.
 
Surprising issues that are irrelevant in divorce & separation proceedings. So you can focus all your efforts on the things that your mediator, divorce lawyer or judge will actually care about.
 
Property Settlement: What is Fair?
 
Useful Resources:
Click here for our free before you leave checklist 
Click here for our free mediation checklist
Sign up here for our next free online webinar
 
Emergency Contacts:
WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE 
LEGAL AID
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
Relationships Australia 
Police on 000
DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill
DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636
National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
 
Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on our upcoming practical steps and guidance for your divorce or de facto separation. If

Everyone seems to start talking about the percentage split in divorce for property straight away. In this episode, you will learn about the dangers of negotiating property split percentages prematurely in your divorce proceedings. We aim to help you discover why it's crucial to prioritise understanding the property pool before discussing percentages, as well as the potential financial and emotional costs of jumping into percentage negotiations too soon. 
Understand how focusing on property pool valuations can lead to smoother negotiations and prevent misunderstandings down the line. 
Listen to gain practical tips for dealing with different divorce personality types, from amicable to high conflict, and learn strategies for navigating negotiations effectively. With valuable insights and cautionary tales, this episode provides essential guidance for anyone facing divorce negotiations, helping you avoid costly mistakes and achieve a fair outcome.
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case.
Listen to this episode if you want to:
Learn why negotiating percentages early in divorce proceedings can be detrimental
Understand the importance of focusing on the property pool before discussing percentages
Gain practical tips for dealing with different divorce personality types
Avoid costly mistakes and achieve a fair outcome in divorce negotiations
 
The Pitfalls of Premature PERCENTAGE NEGOTIATIONS in Divorce property settlement
Don't Miss Out On These Key Points:
The dangers of negotiating percentages prematurely in divorce proceedings
The importance of understanding the property pool before discussing percentages
Potential financial and emotional costs of jumping into percentage negotiations too soon
Practical advice for dealing with different divorce personality types
Strategies for navigating negotiations effectively and achieving a fair outcome
For Full Show Notes, go to www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
For more support, visit www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case.
 
Other Podcast Episodes Mentioned 
Untangling the Value: How to Navigate Valuations in Divorce & De Facto Separation property Settlements
 
Five Proven Steps you can take to finally get that agreement for property settlement or parenting consent orders
 
Your Future Needs and how it affects your divorce and property settlement Part 3: Sorting your property settlement in divorce
 
Sorting your property settlement in divorce: Part 2 Non financial & financial contributions during and after marriage
 
Sorting your property settlement in divorce: Financial Contributions before cohabitation and how it affects your property settlement
 
Useful Resources:
Click here for our free before you leave checklist 
Click here for our free mediation checklist
Sign up here for our next free online webinar
Emergency Contacts:
WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE 
LEGAL AID
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
Relat