Family Law Mediation Secrets – What Your Mediator Wish You Understood
Release Date: 05/21/2025
Family Law Myths: Don’t Fall for These 5 During Separation
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if… You're in the middle of a separation and unsure what advice to follow Friends, family, or Facebook have told you "what to do" You’ve heard you can’t leave the house without losing everything You feel pressured not to bring up domestic violence You’re confused about disclosure, super splitting, or property rights 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances. This discussion is based in Australia. ALSO TRIGGER WARNING...
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Child Inclusive Mediation: Risks, Realities, and Red Flags
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if... You’ve been offered child inclusive mediation and don’t know what to expect You’re worried about how separation is affecting your child You’re in a high-conflict co-parenting situation or dealing with coercive control You’ve been told that involving your child in mediation will “help” You want to make informed, child-centered decisions in your family law journey 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances. This...
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Co-Parenting Without Court Orders: The Real Rules and Red Flags You Need to Know
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if... You’re newly separated and trying to figure out parenting arrangements. You don’t have court orders yet and things are already getting tense. Your ex is unreliable, manipulative, or emotionally unpredictable. You're feeling pressured to agree to arrangements that feel unsafe or unfair. You want to avoid court but don’t want to be taken advantage of. Trying to co-parent after separation without court orders? This episode offers a general discussion that may help you better understand the common challenges many face during this stage. Mum and I...
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Business Tricks in Divorce: 10 Sneaky Tactics to Watch Out For and Outsmart!
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if... You're divorcing or separating from someone who owns or runs a business. You're in a family business with your ex and things are getting murky. You suspect your ex is hiding assets or undervaluing the business. You’re overwhelmed by the complexity of business valuations in divorce. You're preparing for mediation or court and want to understand your options. 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances. Divorcing a business...
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Is My Co-Parent a Narcissist? Warning Signs, Boundaries & How to Protect Your Kids
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… You constantly walk away from conversations with your ex feeling drained, confused, or second-guessing yourself. Co-parenting feels more like a battleground than teamwork. You suspect your ex might be narcissistic or manipulative, but you’re not sure what to do about it. You want to learn how to protect your children emotionally while staying calm and in control. You’re tired of being baited into fights and want tools to respond, not react. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and trauma...
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The Post-Divorce Glow-Up: Steps to Emotional Recovery after Abuse
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… 💔 You’ve left an abusive relationship but still feel stuck, numb, or confused. 🧠 You’re trying to understand why you still feel controlled, scared, or exhausted. 💬 You want to know what healing actually looks like and how long it takes. 💪 You’re ready to start finding yourself again after years of walking on eggshells. 🌸 You want to rebuild your confidence, identity, and hope for the future. 💫 You just need to hear that full recovery is possible ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and trauma...
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Mediation Made Easier: 5 Things to Prepare So You Don’t Freeze, Fold, or Fail
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… 💬 You’ve got mediation coming up and don’t know where to start. 😰 You’re feeling stressed or unprepared to face your ex about custody or property. 📑 You want to know what to bring and how to prepare your documents. ⚖️ You need tips for negotiating calmly and confidently. 🚩 You’re dealing with a high-conflict or manipulative ex. 💸 You want to avoid costly mistakes and stay out of family court. 🧠 You just want to feel ready and in control on the day. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control,...
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Percentages in Divorce Property Settlements Explained
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to This Episode If You… 🏠 Have been told divorce property settlements are always 50/50 🤔 Want to understand how contributions (financial and non-financial) are weighed ⚖️ Are trying to figure out how your future needs affect your share 💰 Suspect your ex has wasted or hidden money and want to know what that means 📝 Need to know whether you can work out percentages yourself or need a lawyer 🧾 Are preparing for mediation or property negotiations and want strategies to stay strong 👶 Want to know how parenting responsibilities and children’s needs affect percentages...
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The Hidden Connection: Custody Battles & Property Splits in Divorce
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You… ✨ Are in the middle of property and custody negotiations ⚖️ Have an ex who’s threatened to push for more custody unless you agree to property terms 🏡 Want to understand how family courts consider housing and children’s needs in property settlement 😟 Are worried about being pressured or manipulated during mediation 💡 Want practical strategies to protect your kids’ best interests and your financial future ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and situations that may feel unsafe. 📌...
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Stuck Under One Roof After Break Up or Divorce: What Are The Options?
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You… You’re separated but can’t afford to move out of the family home. You’re afraid leaving means you’ll lose your rights to the house. Your ex refuses to cooperate, acknowledge the separation, or leave. You’re experiencing coercive control or financial abuse after separation. Episode Summary Separation is hard enough — but what happens when you and your ex are still living under the same roof? For many, moving out simply isn’t an option: finances are tight, safety is uncertain, and myths about “losing the house” keep people trapped in...
info_outline🎧 Listen to This Episode If You:
🚪 You’re about to go to mediation and don’t know what to expect
📝 You want to know what documents and disclosures you actually need
😵💫 You’re anxious about seeing your ex in the same room
🧠 You want practical tips to mentally and emotionally prepare
⚖️ You want to give yourself the best chance of settling
👀 You’re worried your ex is manipulative or controlling
🎯 You want a checklist of exactly what to do before the big day
Mediation can be one of the most powerful tools in your separation or divorce journey — but only if you’re properly prepared. In this episode, I sit down with my mum Lyn (a seasoned family lawyer) to reveal the top 5 things mediators wish people knew before walking into mediation.
Whether you’re facing property division, parenting negotiations, or dealing with a high-conflict or manipulative ex, we’re giving you practical, real-world strategies to set you up for success. From shuttle rooms to knowing your must-haves vs nice-to-haves, this episode is your ultimate mediation prep guide.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of family and domestic violence.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice for your situation.
⏱️ Episode Timeline:
00:00 Introduction to Mediation
00:10 Top Five Things Mediators Wish You Knew
01:18 Separate Rooms for Mediation -Do you have to be in the same room with your ex? (Hint: no!)
07:03 Compromise is Key - Why compromise is crucial — and how to prepare for it
11:52 Be Prepared with Documents - Clear goals vs nice-to-haves: how to prep like a pro
17:17 Anticipate Your Ex's Roadblocks
21:53 Navigating Conversations About Your Ex
22:20 Understanding Your Role in Mediation
22:29 Join Our Free Webinar
23:06 The Mediation Experience
24:13 Handling Pressure During Mediation
27:07 Preparing for Mediation -Your must-have mediation prep checklist
29:55 Dealing with Different Divorce Personality Types
34:00 Tips for staying calm and focused with difficult exes
36:26 Managing Manipulative and Controlling Exes
40:26 Where to get free mediation and disclosure checklists
🔑 Key Topics Discussed:
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The 5 things mediators wish you knew
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How to emotionally prepare for mediation
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What to do when you’re dealing with coercive control or narcissism
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Practical tips for organising your evidence and disclosures
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The power of clear goals and flexible thinking
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How to keep calm and avoid being derailed
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The truth about compromise — and how to protect yourself while doing it
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Why you’re still in control, even if you feel overwhelmed
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Using mediation as a tool — even if your ex is impossible
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The role of support people, tech tips, and being emotionally ready
📚 Related Episodes:
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🎙️ Can You Mediate With a Narcissist? https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Vjl0I9xXUQruoAQKLVh11?si=pQpMWvz_RHKapxZ07AgkoA
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🎙️ Mediation or Manipulation? https://open.spotify.com/episode/4P1DjaMtXTq2sbel4qywew?si=EeVPhl6dTDiphTLXhoeTaA
🆘 Support Services:
💜 Women’s Shelter Service: 1800 811 811
⚖️ Legal Aid: Visit your state’s Legal Aid website
📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support): 13 11 14
👨👦 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
👧 Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
🚨 National DV Hotline: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
🖤 Aboriginal Family DV Hotline: 1800 019 123