Dating During Divorce: What the Family Court Really Thinks About New Relationships
Release Date: 12/24/2025
Is Your Ex Wasting the Property Pool? Here's What the Family Court Does Now
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… You've been told "add-backs are dead" by your lawyer or your ex Your ex is wasting the property pool and you don't know how to stop it You've watched assets disappear since separation bank accounts, cars, super You're heading into mediation and need to know what to argue You want to understand what the Shinohara & Shinohara Case and Shamon & Sharon Case actually mean for your case You're worried about delay tactics while your ex quietly drains the joint money ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer This podcast is general information only – it is not legal...
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Coercive Control & Domestic Violence in Family Court: Should You Raise It or Stay Silent?
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You want to understand if domestic violence can affect your property or parenting outcome You've been told by a lawyer to "leave the family violence out" of your case You're scared raising coercive control or domestic violence will backfire on you in mediation You're confused by social media saying the courts ignore family violence Your ex is still using coercive behaviour even after separation You're heading into mediation or court and don't know how to bring it up ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer & Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode...
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Divorce Money Mistakes: What Financial Planners Know That You Don’t
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re about to go through property settlement in divorce You’re focused on the percentage but unsure what it actually means You’re dealing with complex finances (trusts, companies, super, shares) or Simple Property Settlement You want to avoid making a financial mistake that costs you years You’re wondering whether to take the house, cash, super or investments ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer & ⚠️ Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode contains discussion of family violence, coercive control, and financial control, which may be...
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Furniture in Divorce: Who Gets What & Costly Mistakes to Avoid
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re arguing over furniture or household items in divorce Your ex has taken everything or won’t give anything back You’ve been told “you can’t take anything if you leave” You want to avoid wasting money on legal fees over small items You’re trying to work out what’s actually fair vs worth fighting for Legal Disclaimer & Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode contains discussion of family violence, coercive control, and separation dynamics, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you are unsafe, do not attempt to...
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Health and Divorce: How Illness May Affect Property Settlement Percentage
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You or your ex has a serious illness or disability You’ve been a carer during the relationship You have ongoing medical expenses You’re worried about future financial support after separation You want to understand how courts assess health in property settlement ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general information about Australian family law. It is not legal advice. Every situation is different, and you should seek independent professional guidance for your circumstances. What...
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Is Your Ex Watching You? Coercive control goes digital.
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You feel like your ex knows things they shouldn’t You suspect you’re being tracked, monitored, or watched You’re going through separation and worried about digital safety Your ex had access to your devices, passwords, or accounts You want to protect yourself and your children from tech-based abuse What if your ex knew where you were… who you were talking to… and what you were saying — without you ever telling them? In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Plunkett, Director of Safety Net Australia at WESNET, to unpack the growing...
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Refusing 50/50 Care? What to Do in Mediation When Your Child's Safety Comes First
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’ve been told to attend mediation but feel unsafe agreeing to child care arrangements Your ex is pushing for 50/50 care and you don’t believe it’s appropriate for the kids You’re dealing with substance abuse, family violence, or safety concerns and your child's safety You feel pressured to compromise at mediation when you don’t want to You want to understand your options without giving in on safety Have you been told you need to go to mediation, but you’re worried about the outcome because you simply cannot budge when it comes to your...
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The Parenting Order Loopholes Your Ex Might Exploit (And How to Close Them)
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You are about to negotiate parenting orders or a parenting plan Your coparent is high conflict, manipulative or controlling You’re worried they will twist agreements or exploit loopholes You’re preparing for mediation or family court for parenting orders You want parenting orders that actually reduce future arguments Family Violence & Legal Disclaimer This episode contains discussion of family conflict and family violence which may be distressing for some listeners.If you are experiencing family violence or feel unsafe, please contact...
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Can I Make My Ex Leave the House? 5 Strategies After Separation
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You are separated but still living under the same roof as your ex You feel stuck in the house and don’t know how to move forward You want to know what an ouster order is You want to understand sole occupancy Someone told you if you leave the house you will lose your rights to it You want to understand what you can legally do to create space after separation Your ex refuses to move out and you don’t know what your options are You’re wondering whether you can make your ex leave the house You’re dealing with a manipulative, avoidant,...
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When It’s Not Just Conflict: How Coercive Control Shows Up in Divorce
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re unsure whether what you experienced was abuse You’ve heard the term “coercive control” but don’t fully understand it You feel confused, guilty or constantly off balance in your relationship Negotiations during separation feel manipulative rather than constructive You’re worried about how coercive control affects children You want clarity and validation around your experience This episode discusses family violence and may be triggering for some listeners. If you need support, please reach out to 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11...
info_outlineListen to this episode if…
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You’re thinking about dating before your divorce, property or children’s matters are final
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Your ex has a new partner and you’re worried about parenting or property issues
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You’re unsure how the court sees new relationships in family law matters
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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 settlements, or court appearances are involved.
Whether you’ve just met someone new, or your ex is already flaunting their next relationship, we break down how new partners can influence family law outcomes in both parenting and property matters.
We cover the risks, realities, and misconceptions about what the court actually looks at and how to protect your position without putting your future on hold.
📌 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.
🔑 Episode Timeline:
[00:00] Introduction: How New Relationships Can Impact Your Divorce Case
[01:13] Important Legal Disclaimer and Emotional Trigger Warnings
[02:02] Can a New Partner Affect Your Property Settlement in Divorce?
[09:35] Understanding No-Fault Divorce and How History Shaped Today’s Rules
[15:11] Spousal Maintenance: Does Repartnering Change Eligibility?
[19:50] Child Support Implications When a New Partner Has Money
[22:11] Parenting Orders and Custody: What Role Do New Partners Play?
[25:25] How the Court Prioritizes Children’s Welfare Over Relationship Status
[26:03] When (and How) to Introduce Your Kids to a New Partner
[28:13] Coercive Control, Repartnering, and Family Court Considerations
[30:05] What Are New Partners Responsible for in a Family Law Context?
[31:46] Red Flags: What Family Court Looks for in New Relationships
[33:34] Raising Concerns About New Partners Without Going to Court
[39:43] How to Document and Present Concerns the Right Way
[42:51] Does the Court Judge You for Repartnering During Divorce?
[45:16] Final Takeaways: Moving Forward with Caution and Clarity
🔗 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
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)
📌 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. Warning discussions for Family Violence occur in this episode.
📲 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.