Family Law Myths: Don’t Fall for These 5 During Separation
Release Date: 11/19/2025
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… You’re worried your custody or property case might end up eventually in court. You are preparing for Family Court or worried your case might escalate You want to avoid mistakes that judges hate seeing in parenting or property matters You’re dealing with a high-conflict ex or coercive control You’re self-represented and want to understand what the court looks for You want to protect your credibility and stay child-focused You feel overwhelmed and want to understand how to present better in court You want to understand how Family...
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🎧 Listen to this episode if… You’re going through DV, coercive control, divorce or separation You’ve survived DV and want to help other women going through it You feel alone, isolated, or unsure where to turn You want to hear about real support available for women in crisis You’ve lost hope and need to know good people still exist You want to understand what homelessness really looks like for women You want to connect with a service that listens without judgment You’ve wondered where to get help if you don’t know where to start 📝 Episode Summary If...
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🎧 Listen to this episode if… You’re selling the family home during divorce or de facto separation A real estate agent has told you to renovate or stage before selling Your ex wants to delay settlement until renovations are finished You’re stuck with a half-renovated or unfinished house You’ve already spent money on renovations and want to know if it “counts” Your ex is demanding reimbursement for renovations Parents or in-laws contributed money to renovations You’re deciding whether to keep the house, sell it, or buy your ex out Renovations feel...
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🎧 Listen to this episode if… You’re separating or divorcing someone with narcissistic traits Your ex keeps changing tactics and you feel like you’re always one step behind You’ve experienced love-bombing, guilt, threats, or emotional manipulation Your ex is running smear campaigns or trying to control the narrative Money, disclosure, or property settlement keeps getting delayed Your children are being pulled into adult conflict Your ex is using the legal system as a weapon You feel like the abuse didn’t end after separation You want to know what’s coming...
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🎧 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 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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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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💡 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....
info_outlineListen to this episode if…
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You're in the middle of a separation and unsure what advice to follow
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Friends, family, or Facebook have told you "what to do"
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You’ve heard you can’t leave the house without losing everything
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You feel pressured not to bring up domestic violence
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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 Discussions of Family Violence
Have you been told that if you leave the house, you lose everything? Or that you shouldn't mention domestic violence in family court? These are just a few examples of the harmful myths in Australia we hear all too often in separation and divorce.
In this episode, Laura & Lyn expose some of the worst legal advice circulating in family law and explain why it can derail your case, delay your outcome, or damage your safety and rights.
They break down five of the most common (and dangerous) misconceptions, share what the law really says, and help you feel more confident about asking the right questions of your lawyer and making informed decisions.
⏱️ Episode Timeline: Episode 221 Family Law Myths Don’t Fall for These 5 During Separation
00:00 – Introduction: Debunking Common Family Law Myths
Why bad legal advice is everywhere—and how it can derail your case.
01:42 – The Real Impact of Misinformation in Separation and Divorce
What happens when you follow outdated or incorrect legal advice.
05:37 – Myth #1: “If You Leave the House, You Lose Your Property Rights”
Why leaving the family home doesn’t mean forfeiting your share.
12:48 – Myth #2: “You Must Have Every Document Before You Can Settle”
The truth about financial disclosure and realistic expectations.
19:40 – Myth #3: “Don’t Mention Domestic Violence in Court”
How this dangerous myth puts safety and outcomes at risk.
24:19 – Understanding Family Violence and Property Entitlements
How abuse can affect how assets are divided.
25:19 – Should You Mention Domestic Violence in Family Court?
Legal perspectives on disclosure and protection.
25:50 – Spousal Maintenance: Know When and How to Ask
Why it’s often overlooked—and how to advocate for yourself.
26:43 – Myth Busting: Are Addbacks Still Used in Property Settlements?
Clarifying a misunderstood financial concept in family law.
28:57 – Myth #5: “Superannuation Must Be Split 50/50”
Exploring how super splitting really works under Australian law.
32:16 – How to Educate Yourself and Work Better with Your Lawyer
Tips for being informed, assertive, and legally empowered.
35:32 – Final Thoughts and How to Enrol in the Divorce Course
Practical next steps and how to get more support.
41:53 – Listener Reviews and Community Shoutouts
Sharing your feedback and how to get involved.
Resources
Central Practice Directions
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-cpd
Free Disclosure Checklist
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
Episode Links
Superannuation and Equalising super https://youtu.be/2BQEHmIwjio?si=kWg9F8c8rh4X8HqB
🚨 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.
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