What the 2025 Family Law Divorce Reforms Might Mean for You
Release Date: 04/30/2025
Super Split Myths: Why Equalising Isn’t Always Fair in Divorce
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You: 💼 You're negotiating your super split after divorce in Australia 🧐 You've been told “let’s just equalise super — it’s fair” 😵💫 You’re confused about what super is worth vs. cash 💸 You’re worried about being left worse off long-term 🧾 You’ve made non-financial contributions (like parenting or homemaking) ⚖️ You want to make sure your property settlement is legally fair 👀 You suspect you’re being pressured into a bad deal Are you about to deal with your superannuation in your divorce or separation? Before you sign...
info_outline
Divorce Deals 101: What to Know Before You Make or Accept a Deal With Your Ex
The Divorce Course Podcast
One of the most underestimated parts of separation are— settlement offers. Whether you’re negotiating parenting arrangements, property division, or both, knowing how and when to make (or respond to) an offer can save you stress, time, and serious money. We break down how settlement offers work, when to consider using Calderbank letters, how Section 117C of the Family Law Act affects legal costs, and the emotional traps that can trip you up during negotiation. We also talk about avoiding lowball traps, the risks of ignoring offers, and what to do if you’re dealing with an avoidant or...
info_outline
What the 2025 Family Law Divorce Reforms Might Mean for You
The Divorce Course Podcast
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...
info_outline
Beyond 50/50: Creative & Legal Ways to Settle Property in Divorce in Australia
The Divorce Course Podcast
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...
info_outline
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
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
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!
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
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
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_outlineMajor 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
☎️ 1800 RESPECT – Family/domestic violence support
☎️ Lifeline: 13 11 14 – For emotional support
📧 Email the show: [email protected]
⚠️ 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