The Ex-Files - The Divorce and Separation Podcast

Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald
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  • Kids & Family
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The Ex-Files: The Divorce and Separation Podcast Separation can feel overwhelming, confusing and lonely. The Ex-Files is an Australian podcast designed to help you navigate divorce, separation, parenting arrangements, property settlements and other family law issues with confidence. Hosted by experienced family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald, each episode explores the legal, practical and emotional aspects of separation in a way that is clear, accessible and easy to understand. We answer the questions people are often too afraid to ask, bust common myths, explain how the family law system works, and share practical tips to help you make informed decisions during one of life's most challenging transitions. Topics include: • The first steps after separation • Parenting arrangements and children's issues • Property settlements and financial separation • Divorce and de facto relationships • Family violence and safety concerns • Mediation and dispute resolution • Child support and financial obligations • Common mistakes and costly traps • Court processes and alternatives to litigation • Practical strategies to reduce conflict and move forward Whether you are considering separation, recently separated, in the middle of a dispute, or supporting someone who is, The Ex-Files provides trusted information to help you understand your rights, your options and the road ahead. Our goal is simple: to help people separate better, make informed decisions, and move forward with greater confidence and less uncertainty. New episodes released regularly. The information discussed in this podcast is general information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain independent legal advice about your own circumstances.

  1. 5d ago

    From Negotiation to Court: The Step-by-Step Family Law Pathway You Should Follow

    Many people think the hard part of a property settlement is reaching an agreement. In reality, reaching an agreement is often only the beginning.   In this episode of The Ex-Files – The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald discuss what happens after the negotiations end and why properly formalising a property settlement is one of the most important steps in the entire process.   They explain the different pathways available to separating couples, including negotiation, mediation, consent orders, binding financial agreements and litigation.   In this episode, we discuss:   • Why reaching an agreement is not the end of the property settlement process. • The different pathways available for resolving property matters. • Negotiation, mediation and family dispute resolution. • Consent Orders and when they may be appropriate. • Binding Financial Agreements and the risks of getting them wrong. • The Priority Property Pool process for smaller asset pools. • When litigation may become necessary. • Why informal agreements can unravel. • The importance of properly formalising a settlement. • The impact of family violence and financial abuse in property matters. • Practical steps to take before agreeing to any settlement proposal.   Key Takeaways   • Reaching an agreement is only the starting point — it still needs to be properly documented. • Informal agreements, emails and handshake deals may not provide legal protection. • Understanding the available settlement pathways can help reduce cost, delay and conflict. • Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements each have advantages and limitations. • Full and frank financial disclosure remains essential throughout the process. • Gathering the right documents early can save significant time and legal costs. • Family violence and financial abuse may be relevant considerations in property settlements. • A property settlement is not finalised until it is properly formalised and implemented.   Chapters   00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - Understanding the Property Settlement Journey 01:16 – Negotiating Agreements Post-Separation 02:29 - Formalising Agreements and Negotiation Strategies 06:56 - Mediation as a Pathway to Resolution 13:06 - Court Orders vs Financial Agreements 19:52 - Litigation as a Last Resort 24:29 – Recap and Final Thoughts   Contact (Email)   • Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au • Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au   Keywords   property settlement, family law, divorce, separation, Australian family law, consent orders, binding financial agreements, BFA, mediation, family dispute resolution, financial disclosure, property division, superannuation splitting, financial abuse, family violence, property settlement process, separation advice, family court Australia   Disclaimer   This podcast provides general educational information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice specific to your circumstances before making legal or financial decisions.

    25 min

  2. Jun 8

    The Biggest Property Settlement Mistakes

    Many of the most expensive mistakes in family law happen after people think they have already reached an agreement.   In this episode of The Ex-Files – The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald discuss the biggest property settlement mistakes people make after separation and how those mistakes can affect their financial future.   They explain why informal agreements can unravel, why disclosure is critical, how valuation and tax issues are often overlooked, and why understanding the legal framework before negotiating can save significant time, stress and money.   Whether you are considering a property settlement, negotiating an agreement, or have already reached an informal arrangement, this episode provides practical guidance on avoiding some of the most common and costly mistakes.   In this episode, we discuss:   • Why delaying a property settlement can create significant legal risks. • Time limits for married and de facto couples. • The dangers of handshake deals and informal agreements. • Why property settlements should be properly documented. • The importance of full and frank financial disclosure. • What happens when assets, liabilities or financial resources are overlooked. • Common mistakes involving valuations, capital gains tax and superannuation.   Key Takeaways   • A property settlement is not a conversation – it is a legal outcome. • Time limits apply and missing them can create significant complications. • Informal agreements may not be legally enforceable. • Full and frank financial disclosure is essential and ongoing. • Property pools can be hard to get right. • Valuation, taxation and superannuation issues can significantly affect outcomes. • Obtaining legal advice before signing an agreement can help avoid costly mistakes. • Properly documenting an agreement is critical to achieving finality.   Chapters   00:00 – Introduction 01:57 – Common Mistakes in Property Settlements 08:55 – The Importance of Formal Agreements 14:27 – The Necessity of Full Disclosure 19:57 – Understanding the Property Pool 23:51 – Valuation Challenges in Property Settlements 25:40 – Bad Maths   Contact (Email)   • Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au • Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au   Keywords   property settlement, family law, divorce, separation, Australian family law, property settlement mistakes, consent orders, binding financial agreements, financial disclosure, family violence, financial abuse, superannuation splitting, capital gains tax, asset division, property pool, family court, separation advice, family law Australia   Disclaimer   This podcast provides general educational information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice specific to your circumstances before making legal or financial decisions.

    30 min

  3. Jun 1

    How Property Settlement Actually Works in Australia

    One of the biggest myths in family law is that property settlements are automatically divided 50/50 after separation. In this episode of The Ex-Files – The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald explain how property settlement actually works in Australia and why every case is different. They break down the four-step process used by the Family Court, including how assets and liabilities are identified, how contributions are assessed, the role of future needs, what justice and equity means, and how recent changes to the Family Law Act have increased the recognition of family violence in property matters. Whether you're starting a property settlement or already negotiating one, this episode provides a practical overview of the principles that guide family law property outcomes. In this episode: • The myth of automatic 50/50 property settlements • What forms part of the property pool • Assets, liabilities, superannuation, trusts and financial resources • Financial and non-financial contributions • Initial contributions and relationship length • Future needs and earning capacity • Family violence and recent legislative changes • The role of children in property settlements • The "just and equitable" requirement • Why every property settlement outcome is different Key Takeaways • Property settlements are not automatically divided 50/50 • Contributions include financial, non-financial, homemaking and parenting contributions • Future needs can significantly affect outcomes • Family violence is now expressly recognised in property settlement considerations • Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances • Early legal advice can help avoid costly mistakes Chapters 00:05 – Introduction to Property Settlements 01:46 – Understanding Property Pools 04:36 – Contributions in Property Settlements 09:25 – Future Needs and Property Settlements 15:52 – Health, Age and Financial Outcomes 18:27 – The Impact of Children 19:53 – Just and Equitable Outcomes 23:00 – Practical Next Steps Resources • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) • Family Law Property Changes (10 June 2025) Fact Sheet Contact Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au Keywords property settlement, family law, divorce, separation, Australian family law, asset division, property pool, contributions, future needs, family violence, superannuation splitting, financial resources, family court Disclaimer This podcast provides general educational information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice specific to your circumstances before making legal or financial decisions.

    25 min

  4. May 25

    What to Do in the First 30 Days After Separation

    Separation can feel overwhelming — especially in the first few weeks when emotions, parenting concerns, finances and practical decisions all collide at once.   In this new episode of The Ex-Files - The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald discuss the most important things to focus on in the first 30 days after separation.   They cover practical safety considerations, communicating with children, protecting important financial information, managing conflict, and the legal mistakes people commonly make early after separation.   This episode is designed to provide calm, practical guidance for people navigating one of the most difficult periods of their lives.   In this episode, we discuss: • What to do immediately after separation. • Safety and family violence concerns. • Separation under one roof. • Protecting financial information and important documents. • Parenting and supporting children through separation. • Property settlement considerations. • When to seek legal advice. • Common mistakes to avoid in the early stages.   Key Takeaways • Prioritise safety for yourself and your children. • Avoid making major legal or financial decisions in the heat of emotion. • Gather important financial and personal documents early. • Keep children out of adult conflict wherever possible. • Good early advice can help prevent expensive mistakes later.   Chapters 00:05 – Introduction to The Ex-Files 01:07 – Navigating the First 30 Days of Separation 02:24 – Safety and Practical Considerations During Separation 06:35 – Stabilizing the Situation for Children 09:51 – Understanding the Grief Cycle in Separation 11:31 – Financial Preparations for Separation 15:07 – Legal Aspects of Divorce and Separation 16:59 – Navigating Separation Under One Roof 19:32 – The Importance of Legal Advice During Separation 23:31 – Understanding Power Dynamics in Relationships 24:53 – Addressing Family Violence and Safety Concerns 28:45 – What Not to Do After Separation 31:33 – Planning for the Future Post-Separation   Resources • 1800RESPECT – https://www.1800respect.org.au • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law section) - https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl • Services Australia – https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au   Contact (Email)   • Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au • Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au   Keywords family law, separation, divorce, Australian family law, parenting arrangements, property settlement, separation advice, first 30 days after separation, family violence, children and separation, legal advice, separation under one roof   Disclaimer This podcast provides general educational information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice specific to your circumstances before making legal or financial decisions.

    34 min

  5. 05/26/2025

    Property Settlement: Part 2 – Delays, Disputes & Disasters

    In Part 2 of this deep dive into Property Settlements, Alex and Liza explore the cases that drag on... and on… and on. From high-conflict couples and judicial missteps to multi-jurisdictional property battles and sham trusts, this episode is a guided tour of what not to do if you want to settle your property dispute efficiently. Topics include: The real timeline of a property case (hint: it's rarely 9 months)The infamous Stanford v Stanford and why courts ask: “Should we even divide anything?”Bevan v Bevan and Liza’s own jaw-dropping 26-year delay storyWhat happens when one party hides money, moves assets, or just refuses to cooperateWhy family trusts, forensic accountants, and third-party players can blow things upThe hidden cost of delays: financially, emotionally, and legallyWhen a judge gets it wrong, and what that means for your caseIf you're wondering why your matter isn’t moving—or want to avoid becoming a cautionary tale—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now for the courtroom chaos, lawyer banter, and the lessons you can actually use. Contact Alex and Liza: 📧 Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au 📧 Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au 🔗 Follow us on Facebook

    35 min

  6. 05/19/2025

    Property Settlement: How to Skip the Queue and Get It Done

    Property settlements can be slow, frustrating, and emotionally exhausting, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, Alex and Liza dive into the most common delays, mistakes, and pain points that get in the way of a fast and fair outcome, and how you can avoid them. Whether you're dealing with hidden assets, emotional roadblocks, or just waiting in the court queue, this episode gives you the insider knowledge you need to speed things up and stay on track. You’ll hear about: The biggest delays in property matters (spoiler: it’s often disclosure)Why “just wanting it to be fair” can actually slow everything downHow grief, anger, and denial derail otherwise simple negotiationsThe reality of court delays and how long it really takes to get a trial dateWhy arbitration might be a faster (and smarter) alternativeWhy involving third parties can be more trouble than it's worthThe importance of legal advice, even before you think you need itWhether you’ve just separated or you’ve been stuck in a property dispute for months, this episode will help you understand what’s going wrong and how to fix it. 🎧 Tune in now and get your property settlement moving. Contact Alex and Liza: 📧 Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au 📧 Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au 🔗 Follow us on Facebook #TheExFilesPodcast #PropertySettlement #FamilyLaw #DivorceSupport #LegalAdvice #SeparationTips #DisclosureMatters #AvoidCourtDelays #MediationMatters #FinancialSeparation

    33 min

  7. 05/12/2025

    Surviving Separation: A Dad's Guide to Family Law

    In this special episode of The Ex Files, Alex takes the reins to walk Dads through the Top 10 Tips for Surviving Divorce and Separation. Joined by producer Matt, Alex shares personal insights and a bit of humour as he lays out the roadmap for dads navigating the emotional and legal complexities of family breakdowns. In this episode, Alex covers: Put Your Oxygen Mask On First: Why looking after your own mental and physical health is crucial for your kids.Be Organised: The power of lists, calendars, and decluttering your life during separation.Plan for the Future: Setting goals, building financial stability, and thinking long-term.Communicate Effectively: How to stay calm, respectful, and focused when communicating with your ex.Stay Involved: Why being present in your kids’ lives—school events, sports, and daily routines—matters more than ever.Expect the Unexpected: Navigating surprises like protection orders or sudden changes with grace.Find the Right Lawyer: Why choosing the right legal representation is a game-changer.Ask for Help: Breaking the stigma around seeking support, both emotionally and practically.Educate Yourself: The value of parenting courses, financial planning, and understanding family law.Don’t Panic: How to stay grounded when things get overwhelming, with a little help from Winston Churchill.Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or right in the middle, these 10 tips are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps to move forward. Tune in now for enlightening discussions and real-world strategies that make a difference. Contact Alex and Liza: 📧 Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au 📧 Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au 🔗 Follow us on Facebook #TheExFilesPodcast #DadsDivorce #FamilyLaw #ParentingAfterSeparation #CoParentingTips #FatherhoodMatters #DivorceSupport #LegalAdvice #SeparatedDads #FamilyLawMatters

    50 min

  8. 05/05/2025

    Toxic Positivity and Divorce: Why It’s OK to Be Angry

    In this powerful episode of The Ex Files, Alex and Liza dive headfirst into the often-ignored emotional minefield of toxic positivity during separation and divorce. When everyone says “stay amicable” or “just be the bigger person,” what happens to the very real, very raw feelings of anger, grief, and betrayal? Together, they unpack how suppressing those emotions, especially under pressure from professionals, social media, or well-meaning friends, can actually make the legal and emotional journey harder. From parenting dynamics to courtroom behaviour, they explore why acknowledging your anger (and finding safe ways to express it) is not only okay, it’s vital. This is an honest, practical, and emotionally intelligent look at what happens when positivity goes too far. Need someone to talk to? Support is available: MensLine Australia1800RespectKids HelplineContact Alex and Liza on the emails below or check them out on social media:  Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au  Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au  Follow us on Facebook

    45 min
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About

The Ex-Files: The Divorce and Separation Podcast Separation can feel overwhelming, confusing and lonely. The Ex-Files is an Australian podcast designed to help you navigate divorce, separation, parenting arrangements, property settlements and other family law issues with confidence. Hosted by experienced family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald, each episode explores the legal, practical and emotional aspects of separation in a way that is clear, accessible and easy to understand. We answer the questions people are often too afraid to ask, bust common myths, explain how the family law system works, and share practical tips to help you make informed decisions during one of life's most challenging transitions. Topics include: • The first steps after separation • Parenting arrangements and children's issues • Property settlements and financial separation • Divorce and de facto relationships • Family violence and safety concerns • Mediation and dispute resolution • Child support and financial obligations • Common mistakes and costly traps • Court processes and alternatives to litigation • Practical strategies to reduce conflict and move forward Whether you are considering separation, recently separated, in the middle of a dispute, or supporting someone who is, The Ex-Files provides trusted information to help you understand your rights, your options and the road ahead. Our goal is simple: to help people separate better, make informed decisions, and move forward with greater confidence and less uncertainty. New episodes released regularly. The information discussed in this podcast is general information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain independent legal advice about your own circumstances.

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