Business Tricks in Divorce: 10 Sneaky Tactics to Watch Out For and Outsmart!
Release Date: 10/29/2025
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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💡 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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💡 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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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_outlineListen to this episode if...
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You're divorcing or separating from someone who owns or runs a business.
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You're in a family business with your ex and things are getting murky.
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You suspect your ex is hiding assets or undervaluing the business.
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You’re overwhelmed by the complexity of business valuations in divorce.
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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 owner or running a business with your soon-to-be ex? You must hear this. In this eye-opening episode, Mum and I dive into the most common and sneaky tricks business owners use during separation and how to stay one step ahead.
From manipulating business valuations to hiding assets in clone companies, refusing disclosure, and even dragging staff into the mess, we break down each tactic with real-world examples and strategies you can use. Whether you're preparing for mediation or already deep in the property settlement process, this is a must-listen for anyone who suspects their ex isn't playing fair when a business is involved.
Episode Timeline Summary: Business Tricks in Divorce: 10 Sneaky Tactics to Watch Out For and Outsmart!
00:00 – Intro: Divorce and Business Ownership
Understanding why divorcing a business owner is uniquely challenging.
01:06 – Real-Life Divorce Scenarios with a Business Involved
What happens when you're in business with your ex—or they own one.
03:02 – Trick #1: Making the Business Seem Worthless
How business owners hide value before property settlement.
08:12 – Trick #2: Starting a New Business to Hide Assets
The “mirror business” strategy and how to uncover it.
09:26 – Trick #3: Issuing New Shares to Dilute Ownership
What to do when your share of the business suddenly shrinks.
12:41 – Trick #4: Hiding Income and Creating Fake Tax Debts
How income manipulation affects child support and property division.
17:58 – Trick #5: Refusing to Allow a Business Valuation
Steps to take when your ex delays or avoids business valuation.
19:58 – Legal Disclaimer: General Education Only
Reminder to seek personal legal advice for your situation.
20:39 – How Courts Handle Business Valuation & Disclosure
Why you don't need full financial disclosure to move forward.
21:31 – Trick #6: Cooking the Books & Cash Deals
Spotting hidden income, second books, and cash-based deception.
26:39 – Trick #7: Financial Abuse via Job Loss or Sacking
What to do when your ex cuts your income post-separation.
32:01 – Trick #8: Superannuation and Self-Managed Funds
Risks of SMSFs and how assets may be hidden or misused.
36:39 – Court Penalties for Business-Related Divorce Tricks
When shady business tactics backfire in property settlements.
40:36 – Listener Review & Free Coaching Call Giveaway
Shoutout to a listener + how to win a free call with Mum.
Resources
Central Practice Directions
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-cpd
Free Disclosure Checklist
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
Shinohara & Shinohara [2025] FedCFamC1A 126 (23 July 2025)
https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/126.html
Shamon & Shamon [2025] FedCFamC1A 150 (8 September 2025)
https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/150.html
Episode Links
Your Business and Divorce (old episode)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CwIeW1ZHTphzvhPdlq2Bf?si=JCtAHG7NTom5YSceqdSJ2Q
Weapons of Tax Destruction
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Bvc2JFmgcLMpIZLIXEwVR?si=KT3UdjZRQAWjDRp3EMXhiw
DIY Disclosure
https://open.spotify.com/episode/49yOIB1GLDmXgeZCXkfyJS?si=nhgq3QQlQge-CSYLkMGKBg
🚨 Support Services:
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1800 RESPECT (Family Violence Support – Australia)
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Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support – Australia)
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.