Divorce Overwhelm – 8 Ways to Stay Sane When Everything Feels Urgent
Release Date: 11/26/2025
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 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....
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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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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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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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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 feeling emotionally overloaded
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Everyone around you has an opinion and it’s stressing you out
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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
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You’re feeling pressure from all sides to get things sorted
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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. Warning discussions for Family Violence occur in this episode.
Are you feeling completely overwhelmed by your separation or divorce? Like everything is urgent, everyone needs something from you
You are not alone and this episode is here to help.
In this conversation, Mum and I walk through 8 practical ways to calm the chaos, slow things down, and take back control of your divorce journey. We cover emotional overwhelm, confusing legal pressure, and the early survival strategies that can make all the difference.
Whether you’re still in shock or already knee-deep in logistics, this episode is your gentle reminder that you don’t have to do it all at once and you shouldn’t.
⏱️ Episode Timeline: Divorce Overwhelm – 8 Ways to Stay Sane When Everything Feels Urgent
00:00 – Introduction: Overcoming Divorce Overwhelm
Why everything feels urgent—and how this episode can help you breathe again.
00:21 – Feeling Pressured to Make Fast Decisions During Divorce
How panic can lead to poor choices and what to do instead.
00:28 – 8 Practical Strategies to Regain Control in Separation
Overview of what you’ll learn and how to use these tips right away.
00:51 – Welcome and What This Episode Covers
Who this episode is for and why this conversation matters.
01:08 – The Stress of Divorce Deadlines and Decision Fatigue
How urgency from lawyers, family, or your ex can overwhelm you.
03:17 – Legal vs. Emotional Deadlines: Know the Difference
Understanding what’s truly urgent and what can wait.
06:50 – The Emotional Shock of a Breakup
Why you’re not functioning “normally” and that’s okay.
13:48 – Setting Boundaries with Family and Friends During Divorce
How to protect your peace from well-meaning (but draining) input.
19:48 – Prioritizing Safety, Shelter, and Stability First
Triage your needs: food, housing, money, transport before anything else.
23:34 – Recognizing and Responding to Financial Abuse
What financial control looks like—and how to get support.
24:09 – Why Self-Care Is Essential, Not Optional
Simple ways to take care of yourself when everything feels like too much.
28:10 – Making Space for Grief and Emotional Recovery
Letting yourself feel, cry, and heal without guilt.
30:41 – How Learning the Process Can Help You Feel Empowered
Education as a tool to reduce panic and increase confidence.
34:32 – Creating a New Divorce Routine That Works for You
Using structure and small steps to take back control of your life.
39:29 – Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, One Step at a Time
Encouragement, next steps, and reminding you—you’re not alone.
Resources
Central Practice Directions
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-cpd
Free Disclosure Checklist
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
Episode Links
Boundaries in Divorce
https://youtu.be/5KSMYe6ctVE?si=KyJGKYneiBek41fe
🚨 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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