Divorce and Defamation: What to Do When Your Ex Tries to Destroy Your Reputation
Release Date: 07/09/2025
Are We De Facto? What It Could Mean for Property, Proof, Time Limits & Your Potential Rights in Australia
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… You’re unsure whether your relationship legally counts as de facto Your ex is denying the relationship, the dates, or the level of commitment You want to know how de facto status impacts property settlement You’ve heard about the 2-year rule and want to know if it applies to you You’re wondering if having kids changes your legal rights You’re not married, but financially tangled, and don’t know where you stand You’re trying to prove you were (or weren’t) de facto You were “separated under one roof” and need clarity ...
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Dating During Divorce: What the Family Court Really Thinks About New Relationships
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if… You’re thinking about dating before your divorce, property or children’s matters are final Your ex has a new partner and you’re worried about parenting or property issues You’re unsure how the court sees new relationships in family law matters You want to know what’s okay, what’s risky, and what doesn’t matter at all Wondering if it’s okay to date while your divorce is still in progress? You’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack the legal, emotional, and strategic impacts of dating during divorce especially when children, property...
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From Fear to Freedom: Creating a Safety Plan Before You Need One
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if… You're in a relationship or home where you feel unsafe You’ve left but still don’t feel secure You’re not ready to leave yet but want to prepare You’re supporting someone who may be experiencing abuse You want to understand how to help a friend or loved one stay safe You have a court or mediation event you need to attend with an unsafe ex 📌 Please remember this episode is for general information only and does not replace individual legal or safety advice. For immediate support in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. When things feel...
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Divorce Holiday Survival Guide: How to Communicate When It’s Complicated
The Divorce Course Podcast
💡 Listen to this episode if... You’re navigating Christmas while going through separation or divorce You’re co-parenting and worried about holiday arrangements or conflict You feel pressure from family and don’t know how to handle it You’re confused about what to expect from lawyers or the courts over the break You’re worried about an emotional or legal crisis over the holidays ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer & Trigger Warning: This episode is for general education and discussion only. It is not legal advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified legal professional for...
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The Divorce Course Podcast
💡 Listen to this episode if... You're preparing for mediation or trying to negotiate privately What to learn the potential do’s and don’ts of negotiations in divorce You feel like your ex is “sitting pretty” and not engaging You want to know the difference between reasonable and risky offers You’ve made concessions early on and don’t know how to recover You want to avoid court, but still get a fair deal You are in court and want it over ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general education and discussion only. It is not legal advice. Always seek...
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The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if… You're feeling emotionally overloaded Everyone around you has an opinion and it’s stressing you out You're being pushed to make decisions faster than you’re ready for You’re not sure what’s a legal deadline vs. emotional urgency You’re feeling pressure from all sides to get things sorted You are overwhelmed 📌 Legal Disclaimer & Trigger Warning: 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....
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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...
info_outline🎧 Listen to This Episode If You…
💔 You’re worried your ex is badmouthing you during divorce
⚖️ Want to know how false allegations and smear campaigns affect family court
🧠 Need strategies to protect your mental health from the gossip
📚 Want practical legal and emotional steps to respond to defamation
😢 Feel isolated because family and friends are believing lies
💬 Need to know how to gather evidence if your ex spreads false stories at work, school, or online
Episode Summary:
Are you worried your ex is trying to destroy your reputation during your divorce? You’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack how smear campaigns and defamation show up in family law – from gossiping with family and friends to spreading lies at school, work, or even on social media.
Laura and her mum Lynne (a seasoned family lawyer) share why some exes resort to these tactics, how it can impact custody and property settlements, and what you can do emotionally and legally to protect yourself.
This episode is your roadmap to staying calm, gathering evidence, and keeping your credibility intact when you feel like your name is being dragged through the mud.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, false allegations, and reputational attacks.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is general discussion only and not legal advice. Always seek advice from a lawyer for your situation.
00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning
01:35 Understanding Smear Campaigns in Divorce
03:57 Defamation vs. Venting: Key Differences
04:45 Motivations Behind Smear Campaigns in Divorce
07:32 Family and Friends: Navigating Smear Campaigns in Divorce
14:04 School and Community: Protecting Your Reputation during divorce
19:54 Dealing with Professionals and Legal Implications during divorce
22:54 Workplace Challenges and Solutions during Divorce
25:48 Navigating Workplace and Family Law
27:02 Social Media Smear Campaigns during Divorce
31:07 Handling False Accusations in Family Court
36:37 Practical Steps for Self-Protection during Divorce
39:48 Defamation and Divorce
43:58 Maintaining Dignity and Focus During Divorce
Resources
Episodes Mentioned in this Podcast Episode
Narcisisst Playbook in Divorce
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0r7udkSJm30looYILBiNIL?si=_wp6ONRhRHGlwH9gKJvuMQ
Is it family violence
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cflNozwnWTSfqAQTjMspg?si=2Xe3F0KXTzeETCQhZ74wIw
Your child's school and divorce
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4u5SkU2R2DY0U1uyQfi7Cs?si=a5q_r3tgRs2I00S48OZXtA
Narcissistic Ex tells lies in Court, Mediation etc Seven Tips
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SdkXhj3vC2tfO3gDdkM6y?si=SYFT9JQ-Qziug0agbertog
Is your ex telling lies in the Family Court
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OpAGxXfx78iAO81TMPPxJ?si=_GAl64-WQtiks2pb6Tlh8g
DARVO: 8 ways to protect yourself in court
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JyfH5fCoqrUoxeDj6jCtu?si=a45z9W2WRe-yRCAy10bIRw
10 essential boundaries for a healthier divorce
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ecDTxw4rTc3zXBkcjuYpA?si=7uT3sL5EQySxdUttlMk0Kg
Navigating Parental Trash Talking
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bxqn5I6B1HCzO9r0zKnxY?si=qjg7VTrDQw-FBu0IJOJUcQ
🆘 Emergency & Support Contacts:
💜 Women’s Shelter: 1800 811 811
📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis): 13 11 14
👨👧 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
👧 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
🚨 DV Hotline: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Divorce and Defamation:What to Do When Your Ex Tries to Destroy Your Reputation