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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineWhen 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 traps that could influence you to settle too early or too late. Whether you’re in the early stages of property settlement or nearing mediation, this episode will help you think critically about your own situation.
Listen to This Episode If You:
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🌟 Wish you could speak to others about their decisions to settle or go to court.
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❓ Want to understand the risks and costs involved in going to court versus settling.
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💡 Need insights on how to others have avoided settling for a bad offers or been pressured into an agreements.
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🛡 Are navigating a high-conflict divorce and worried about making the right financial decisions and want to listen to what others have done in the past.
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📚 Want to better understand how lawyers play a role in helping you decide when to settle.
Key Ideas Discussed in This Episode:
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Reasons to Settle: When taking your lawyer’s advice, financial risks, and emotional well-being make settling the best option.
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Risks of Going to Court: The potential for additional costs, including paying for your ex’s legal fees, and how this can impact your decision.
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Understanding Costs: How court costs and lawyer fees add up, and why it’s crucial to factor in these expenses when making your decision.
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Section 117 Offers: What they are, how they work, and why you should think carefully before rejecting a reasonable offer.
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Emotional Factors: How guilt, pressure, or anger can cloud judgement and lead to poor settlement decisions.
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Disclosure Issues: Why it’s essential to have financial disclosure before settling and how to handle situations where your ex isn't sharing all the information.
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Post-Separation Abuse: How ongoing manipulation and control can affect your or their decision to settle, and strategies to protect yourself from further harm.
Links & Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:
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Related Episodes:
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Understanding Legal Costs and Risks COSTS & CALDERBANK OFFERS
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog/costscourtcalderbankoffer
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Divorce Myths
https://open.spotify.com/episode/33mBdotbKK4yLH586ZaWko?si=czer_l9VRIOVWxWxGSiJjg
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The Premature Pitfalls of Percentage Negotiations
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6bxTgrdymCeW16Q7z5njUe?si=UPG5F5vtSNuHWCKwWWg32g
Choosing your lawyer
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0XQOMoxqaSpf5YrxTc50eR?si=KUq4BzFPQaeIndch9p-3QA
Red Flags when choosing a lawyer
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6fR3jP75Z4amMlRCsEOAhJ?si=66f50b888bb44784
Emergency Contacts:
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WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE
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LEGAL AID
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Lifeline: 13 11 14
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Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
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Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
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Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800 019 123
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Relationships Australia
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Police: 000
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DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
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DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636
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National DV line: 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)
Thank you for listening to this episode. We hope it helps you think critically about when to settle and when to go to court, while also providing the knowledge you need to protect yourself during your divorce journey. If you found this episode helpful, please rate, review, and subscribe. Your support helps others find the guidance 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.
00:00 Introduction to Settling in Divorce
01:43 Understanding the Role of Lawyers in Settling
06:00 Cost-Benefit Analysis in Court Cases
10:21 Risks of Going to Family Court
16:25 Bad Reasons for Settling
19:52 Navigating Emotional Decisions in Divorce
20:30 Reasons People Settle in Divorce
21:34 Understanding the Family Law Act in your Divorce
22:49 Challenges with Disclosure in Property Settlement and Divorce
25:27 Unrealistic Expectations in Divorce outcomes
29:24 Dealing with Anger and Abuse during the divorce process
32:05 Denial and Acceptance in Divorce
34:26 Final Thoughts