loader from loading.io

Do You Really Need a Family Lawyer for Mediation? Pros and Cons Explained

The Divorce Course Podcast

Release Date: 09/10/2024

Child Custody In Divorce: The 10 Most Common Questions show art Child Custody In Divorce: The 10 Most Common Questions

The Divorce Course Podcast

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...

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

The Divorce Course Podcast

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....

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

The Divorce Course Podcast

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...

info_outline
Divorce Myths That Could Cost You – Debunked! show art Divorce Myths That Could Cost You – Debunked!

The Divorce Course Podcast

Think you know what divorce looks like in Australia? Think again. In this episode, we're busting some of the most common myths that trip people up emotionally, financially, and legally during separation and divorce. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or knee-deep in negotiations, these misunderstandings could be holding you back or costing you big. Join Laura and her mum, Lynette Galvin — a family lawyer with 35+ years of experience — as they unpack 13 myths they hear all the time, including ones that cause fear, confusion, and prevent people from getting what they’re entitled...

info_outline
Is Your Ex Hiding Assets? How to Uncover the Truth in Divorce Disclosure show art Is Your Ex Hiding Assets? How to Uncover the Truth in Divorce Disclosure

The Divorce Course Podcast

💰 Is your ex hiding assets? Are they draining joint accounts, concealing super, or transferring money to family and friends? You're not alone, and there are legal ways to uncover what's yours. Learn about the most common ways people try to hide assets in divorce, including trust funds, cash jobs, disappearing assets, and hidden overseas accounts. Find out how the Australian Family Court courts handle these cases, what legal tools you can use to track down missing assets, and what to consider doing before mediation or family court. If you’re frustrated by a lack of financial disclosure or...

info_outline
Is It Emotional Abuse? How to Identify & Protect Yourself in Divorce show art Is It Emotional Abuse? How to Identify & Protect Yourself in Divorce

The Divorce Course Podcast

Explore the tactics abusive partners use to maintain control, how emotional abuse can impact divorce and custody proceedings, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself, rebuild your confidence, and move forward with clarity. When emotional abuse in your relationship or divorce, it becomes confusing, isolating, and overwhelming. Many people don’t realize that abuse isn’t always physical—disrespect, manipulation, and control can be just as damaging, especially during separation. In this episode, we’re joined by Krasi Kirova, a clinical psychologist specializing in complex trauma,...

info_outline
How Covert Narcissists Weaponise Divorce (And What You Can Do About It) Episode 186 show art How Covert Narcissists Weaponise Divorce (And What You Can Do About It) Episode 186

The Divorce Course Podcast

Have you just realized your ex might be a covert narcissist? Thought your separation was amicable,only to find yourself blindsided by manipulation and deceit? In this episode, we break down the six key signs of a covert narcissist during divorce, property settlement or coparenting. From playing the victim to using the legal system against you, we’ll help you spot the red flags and protect yourself. Listen to This Episode If You: ✅ Are going through a divorce or property settlement and feel like something is off. ❓ Want to understand the subtle tactics of a covert narcissist. 💰 Need to...

info_outline
Consent Order or BFA? & How to Make Sure Your Settlement Sticks show art Consent Order or BFA? & How to Make Sure Your Settlement Sticks

The Divorce Course Podcast

Are you going through a divorce property settlement and unsure whether to choose a Consent Order or a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA)? In this episode, we break down what they are and the key differences between the two. We also discuss the pitfalls and risks to keep in mind when navigating this.  Listen to This Episode If You: ✅ Are going through a separation and need to divide property fairly. ❓ Want to know whether a Consent Order or a Financial Agreement is the better choice. 💰 Need to understand the costs involved in each option. ⚖️ Want to protect yourself from future...

info_outline
Child Support Battles: What They Don’t Tell You & How to Fight Back show art Child Support Battles: What They Don’t Tell You & How to Fight Back

The Divorce Course Podcast

Child Support Battles: What They Don’t Tell You & How to Fight Back Are you struggling with child support? Whether you’re battling a non-paying ex, dealing with inconsistent advice from child support agencies, or feeling overwhelmed by legal loopholes, you’re not alone. In this episode, Crystal Padooch, founder of Child Support Consultants, reveals the five critical things every parent should know about child support. With 14 years of experience, Crystal explains how the system really works, the common tactics some parents use to avoid paying, and what steps you can take to protect...

info_outline
Parental Alienation False Allegations: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183 show art Parental Alienation False Allegations: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183

The Divorce Course Podcast

False Allegations of Parental Alienation: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183 Learn about how abusers use parental alienation allegations to deflect from their abusive behavior and maintain their power. Explore how accusations of parental alienation can be weaponized against the healthy parent to continue coercive control or abuse, often leaving the targeted parent in a difficult legal and emotional battle. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer for guidance tailored to your...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

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 wondering how to approach mediation in your divorce journey—whether it’s about property settlements or children's matters—this episode will provide valuable insights to help you make a decision.

Listen to This Episode If You:

  • 🌟 Are considering mediation but unsure if you need a lawyer.
  • ❓ Want to know what happens during mediation and the role a lawyer plays.
  • 💡 Need strategies for navigating mediation on your own or with minimal legal assistance.
  • 🛡 Want to weigh the pros and cons of bringing legal support to your mediation.
  • 📚 Are on a tight budget and looking for ways to handle mediation cost-effectively.

Key Ideas Discussed in This Episode:

  • Types of Mediation: The different stages of mediation, from initial discussions to court-appointed mediation.
  • Do You Need a Lawyer?: The advantages and disadvantages of having a lawyer during mediation.
  • Cost Considerations: How to handle mediation if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford legal representation.
  • Mediation Preparation: Tips on how to prepare for mediation and what documents to gather.
  • Self-Representation: How to navigate mediation without a lawyer, including understanding the process and legal expectations.
  • High Conflict vs. Amicable Mediation: How the nature of your relationship with your ex can impact whether or not you need a lawyer present.
  • Settler’s Remorse: What happens if you agree to something in mediation and regret it later, and how to avoid this.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

  • Related Episodes:

    • https://link.chtbl.com/DivorceEpisode166 (Understanding Legal Gatekeeping: Is Your Lawyer Telling Your Full Story in Divorce?)

    • https://link.chtbl.com/divorceepisodefour (How to negotiate an agreement after divorce.)

    • https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcasttwentytwo (Convincing the unconvincible in divorce negotiations for family law0

    • https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastfiftyfour (FDR, Conciliation Conference & Mediation: the what, how, when, who, why of your family dispute resolution)

    • https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcasteightyone (10 things that could happen legally and emotionally after mediation (in the family court or privatley)

 

  • https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastonehundredtwo (What Is Mediation & Am I Ready For It? Navigating mediation during your divorce or de facto separation.)

  • https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastninetythree (Can you really mediate with a narcissist? Mediation and negotiation tips for divorcing an ex with narcissistic behaviours.)

  • https://link.chtbl.com/DivorceEpisode125 (when you mediation goes wrong and what to do next in your divorce, custody or property negotiations)

  • https://link.chtbl.com/DivorceEpisode136 (The real deal with mediation: dispelling 5 myths)

 

Webinars and Courses:

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: 000
  • DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
  • DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636
  • National DV line: 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)

Thank you for tuning in to this episode on mediation and legal representation. Remember, your situation is unique, and weighing the pros and cons is crucial to making the right decision. If you found this episode helpful, please rate, review, and subscribe. Your support helps others find the help they need. Stay strong and take care.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode provides general legal education for Australians and is not a substitute for legal advice. Every situation is different, and it is important to seek independent legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.