From Fear to Freedom: Creating a Safety Plan Before You Need One
Release Date: 12/17/2025
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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Dating During Divorce: What the Family Court Really Thinks About New Relationships
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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Divorce Overwhelm – 8 Ways to Stay Sane When Everything Feels Urgent
The Divorce Course Podcast
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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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...
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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_outlineListen 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 uncertain or even unsafe it’s not being paranoid to think ahead. It’s being prepared.
In this important episode, we break down what a safety plan actually is, why it matters, and how to build one tailored to your situation. Whether you're living with abuse, planning to leave, or simply want to feel more secure going through the Family Court, we talk through the key steps and considerations from protecting your children to securing your documents and digital life.
You’ll learn how safety planning can be a quiet, empowering way to take back control and set up the support you need. I also share resources, tools, and who to call if you want help doing it safely and confidentially.
🔑 Episode Timeline: From Fear to Freedom: Creating a Safety Plan Before You Need One
Safety Plans — What They Are & How to Make One
00:00 – Introduction: What is a Safety Plan and Why It Matters
Overview of safety planning and who needs one.
02:06 – Why You Might Need a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence
Signs, risks, and when it’s time to prepare.
03:41 – Recognising Coercive Control and Hidden Danger Signals
How emotional and behavioural control can put you at risk.
07:55 – Step‑by‑Step Guide to Creating Your Safety Plan
Essential steps to start planning your safety today.
09:04 – Safety at Home: Preparing for a Potential Escape
Practical tips for making your environment safer.
16:33 – Safety Technology: Real‑Time Tracking and Digital Risk
Understanding digital abuse and how it affects your plan.
16:57 – Important Documents You Should Have Ready
Checklist of documents to keep handy for safety or sudden departure.
17:33 – Leaving Without Explanation: When It’s Necessary
How to plan a quiet departure without alerting an abuser.
18:10 – The Power of Code Words and Communication Safety
Using discreet signals to reach out for help.
19:20 – Planning Your Escape Route: Fast and Safe Exits
How to map out the quickest way out when it’s unsafe to stay.
20:11 – Handling Vehicle Safety and Transport During Escape
Car strategies and avoiding being blocked in.
23:29 – Keeping Your Pets Safe During an Escape Plan
Options and programs that support pets in family violence situations.
24:22 – Work, Online and Tech Safety Measures
Protecting your devices, social media, and work life from monitoring or abuse.
27:00 – Staying Safe After Leaving a Violent Situation
Changes to routines, communication, and personal security.
27:56 – Legal Steps to Support Your Safety Plan
Protection orders, police involvement, and legal safety mechanisms.
30:58 – Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone — Support Is Available
Encouragement and next steps with reminder resources.
🔗 Links & Resources:
1800RESPECT – 24/7 Support Service
Daisy App – Connect to Local Services
Before you go Checklist - https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/opt-in
Example Safety plans template - https://yourtoolkit.com/resource/safety-plan-template/
Family Court Safety Plan information https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/pubs/fl/fvbpp#intro
The Purple Book https://domesticviolence.com.au/resources/the-purple-book/
Episode Links
Who gets the Car in the long and short term https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CmoF5nrBhVfDlJgVyXlGp?si=uXtMvH1dRoG74CSd-7pD9w
Separated under one roof do’s and don’ts
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IXSOZ8vVadbcrq10DuxG0?si=RXwC_koDSD2foKqOEIENBQ
Stuck under one roof what are your options
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1i5baNjrk3XwbD1KrHC8hb?si=s-umof6ATtWWhdm893idUg
Reporting Family Violence or Coercive Control to Police
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3EZwSuK51JNZjHT8r4Wzz9?si=p5MmpiUKSmC9UqHLyfMAvw
🚨 Support Services:
Safe Beds RSPCA - check your state for details https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/what-we-do/save-animals/Pets%20in%20Crisis%20Program
1800 RESPECT (Family Violence Support – Australia)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support – Australia)
📲 Don’t forget to follow, rate & review the podcast if you found this episode helpful. Share it with someone who might need it too!
⚠️ 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 your specific situation. Discussions of Family Violence and Coercive Control.