loader from loading.io

Affording a Family Lawyer Without Going Broke: Divorce Cost-Saving Tips

The Divorce Course Podcast

Release Date: 09/02/2025

Family Law Myths: Don’t Fall for These 5 During Separation show art 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...

info_outline Child Inclusive Mediation: Risks, Realities, and Red Flags show art 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...

info_outline Co-Parenting Without Court Orders: The Real Rules and Red Flags You Need to Know show art 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...

info_outline Business Tricks in Divorce: 10 Sneaky Tactics to Watch Out For and Outsmart! show art 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 Is My Co-Parent a Narcissist? Warning Signs, Boundaries & How to Protect Your Kids show art 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...

info_outline The Post-Divorce Glow-Up: Steps to Emotional Recovery after Abuse show art 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...

info_outline Mediation Made Easier: 5 Things to Prepare So You Don’t Freeze, Fold, or Fail show art 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,...

info_outline Percentages in Divorce Property Settlements Explained show art 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...

info_outline The Hidden Connection: Custody Battles & Property Splits in Divorce show art 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. 📌...

info_outline Stuck Under One Roof After Break Up or Divorce: What Are The Options? show art 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
 
More Episodes

Listen to This Episode If You…

💸 Can’t afford a lawyer full-time but still need legal support
📑 Are drowning in legal letters or excessive disclosure requests from your ex
👶 Want to protect your kids while keeping costs manageable
⚖️ Are considering mediation but don’t know when it’s safe to go without a lawyer
🧾 Want to learn how to organise your documents to save money
😟 Are worried your ex is using legal abuse or post-separation tactics to wear you down

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family and domestic violence, coercive control, and financial abuse.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek independent advice for your specific situation.

Affording a Lawyer Without Going Broke: Divorce Cost-Saving Tips

Are you stuck in the “missing middle”... earning too much for legal aid, but nowhere near enough to pay endless legal bills? You’re not alone. For many separating couples, the cost of family law can feel like a second punishment, especially when an ex uses the system as a weapon of financial abuse or coercive control.

In this practical and empowering episode, Laura and Lyn (a seasoned family lawyer) break down the real costs of divorce, why legal bills skyrocket, and the smart strategies you can use to keep costs under control. From disclosure to parenting arrangements, mediation to negotiation, you’ll discover what you can safely do yourself—and where it’s worth paying for expert legal help.

If you’re overwhelmed by fees or worried your ex is driving up costs on purpose, this episode gives you the tools, insights, and confidence to navigate the system without draining your financial future.

⏱️ Episode Timeline – What We Discuss

  • 00:00 – What you need to know before listening: Introduction and trigger warning

  • 01:02 – What is the “Missing Middle” in Family Law and Divorce? (Legal aid limits and financial strain explained)

  • 03:14 – How much do Family Law and Divorce lawyers cost in Australia? (Understanding legal fees)

  • 07:56 – How do high-conflict exes use Family Law and Divorce to create legal abuse and drive up costs?

  • 13:36 – What Family Law and Divorce strategies actually help keep legal costs down?

  • 21:49 – Best Family Law co-parenting apps to cut conflict and reduce divorce lawyer bills

  • 23:10 – What is the DIY Divorce Blueprint and how can it save you money in Family Law?

  • 23:54 – Can you negotiate a Family Law divorce settlement without a lawyer?

  • 24:35 – Family Law mediation tips: When mediation works in divorce and when it’s unsafe

  • 28:12 – What are Family Law pre-court procedures in divorce? (Self-representation tips)

  • 30:28 – How to organise your Family Law divorce case and manage legal costs like a pro

  • 34:57 – Real Family Law success stories: How preparation cut divorce costs in half

  • 36:32 – Final thoughts: Encouragement for staying strong during Family Law and Divorce

📌 Links & Resources Mentioned

 

🆘 Support Services

💜 1800 RESPECT – Domestic and Family Violence Support
📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 Crisis Support)
⚖️ Legal Aid – Visit your state’s Legal Aid website
👧 Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800