Mediation Made Easier: 5 Things to Prepare So You Don’t Freeze, Fold, or Fail
Release Date: 10/08/2025
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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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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Smart Negotiation at Every Stage of Divorce: Do’s, Don’ts & Power Moves
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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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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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’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, and situations that may feel unsafe.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.
You’re about to head into mediation and the very thought of it makes your palms sweat. Maybe someone just mentioned “mediation” and now you’re spiraling — wondering what to say, what to bring, and how to keep calm. This episode is for you if you want to feel confident, organised, and prepared (instead of panicked) before you sit down at that mediation table.
Mum ( a family lawyer with over 35 years experience) and I walk you through the Top 5 things you need to do before mediation — practical, emotional, and strategic prep that will make a huge difference on the day. These aren’t just lawyer tips — they’re the real-world insights we’ve seen help countless people get through mediation feeling calmer, clearer, and more in control.
We’ll talk about what to do if your ex is high-conflict, avoidant, manipulative, or genuinely amicable; how to prepare your documents and disclosure; and why it’s so important to have a plan for both success and failure. Plus, we touch on how to handle mediation safely if there’s been family violence
Free Disclosure Checklist https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
⏱️ Episode Timeline – Mediation Preparation Tips
00:00 – What Is Mediation in Family Law?
A clear introduction to how mediation works in divorce and separation cases.
01:24 – Meet the Hosts: Family Law and Divorce Experts
Get to know your guides as they break down practical mediation strategies.
01:44 – Listener Stories and Divorce Mediation Experiences
Real listener insights and why mediation can be both powerful and stressful.
03:18 – Understanding the Mediation Process in Divorce
What happens during family law mediation — and how to get the best outcome.
05:17 – How to Prepare for Mediation: Know What You Want (and Don’t Want)
Tips for identifying your priorities before stepping into the room.
14:27 – Creating Your Divorce Negotiation Plan
Learn how to build a negotiation strategy based on your goals and your ex’s personality type.
23:06 – What Documents to Bring to Mediation
Essential paperwork and evidence to prepare for property or parenting mediation.
24:09 – Court-Ordered Mediation and Section 60I Certificates Explained
What happens if mediation is required before going to court.
27:24 – How to Write a Confidential Case Outline for Mediation
Preparing your case outline to stay focused and calm.
28:28 – Preparing for Financial Disclosure in Mediation
How to gather, label, and present financial documents effectively.
33:30 – Planning for Mediation Outcomes (Success or Failure)
What to do if mediation works — or doesn’t.
41:59 – Mediation and Family Violence: How to Stay Safe
When to use shuttle mediation, safety plans, or legal support.
45:13 – The Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Family Law Mediation
Our biggest takeaways to help you walk in calm and confident.
48:41 – Final Thoughts, Resources, and Next Steps
How to keep moving forward after mediation — whatever the outcome.
Resources
Central Practice Directions
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-cpd
Free Disclosure Checklist
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
Episode Links
MEDIATION OR MANIPULATION
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4P1DjaMtXTq2sbel4qywew?si=t8swCVk2SoG6xaqE9I-D9Q
Can you really mediate with a narcissist
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Vjl0I9xXUQruoAQKLVh11?si=MlD8Ku1FS02PjjLjjnlokw
Do you need a lawyer for mediation?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/37Zn59zn6sVlBIU0kePY7K?si=8Ih-0c5cRLuCKOPbzVVrqw
When Mediation goes wrong and what you can do next
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4WQhunLQVtWn02k5FT7Mpv?si=h9rJo77PR3qG7_YV9obAuQ
What happens after mediation - what if you change your mind
https://open.spotify.com/episode/00kTon70LllVE97X8zn9vK?si=EmjV30k1SQWp7IcqX9Yz4Q
🚨 Support Services:
-
1800 RESPECT (Family Violence Support – Australia)
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Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support – Australia)
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and situations that may feel unsafe.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.