The Divorce Course Podcast

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Click here to learn more about your DIY DIVORCE BLUEPRINT

Click here for our free checklist for your divorce and property settlement

Insights into what a narcissist will do during a divorce. What to look out for, what to expect and how to cope with it. Lyn points out 10 common things she sees happen in divorce with controlling and manipulative ex partners. She shares her insight with 35 years experience in the family law space. Laura asks all the questions you want to ask your lawyer and want answered,

Please note this is general advice only. Please always seek independent legal advice as everyone’s situation is different.

• Follow us on Instagram
• Join us on Facebook
• Sign up to hear more about our divorce course online
• https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

If you need emergency help you can also contact:

• WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE
• LEGAL AID
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
• Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
• Relationships Australia
• Police on 000
• DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill
• DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636
• National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on the next practical steps and guide to your divorce or de facto separation coming soon. And, if you’ve found this episode helpful, please leave a rating and a review so it can help others. Thank you.

Please note this is general advice only. Please always seek independent legal advice as everyone’s situation is different.

Sign up here for our next free online webinar

Click here to learn more about your DIY DIVORCE BLUEPRINT

Click here for our free checklist for your divorce and property settlement

You still need to live right? That means you still need money. If you’ve not been the breadwinner that puts you in a tricky situation if you leave. In this episode we discuss spousal maintenance, what it is, when you can get it and how to apply. Don’t let the threat of no money be the only reason you stay in a marriage you’d prefer to be out of.

Please note this is general advice only. Please always seek independent legal advice as everyone’s situation is different.

Links and resources:

Initiating Application Form

Fact sheet on preparing an affidavit

Affidavit Form

Financial-statement-kit

Section 75 of the Family Law Act - Matters to be taken into consideration in relation to spousal maintenance

Section 77 of the Family Law Act - Urgent spousal maintenance cases

• Follow us on Instagram
• Join us on Facebook
• Sign up to hear more about our divorce course online
• https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

You Don’t Want to Miss

• What is spousal maintenance?
• What is spousal maintenance in Australian family law?
• Can you apply for spousal maintenance?
• How do you apply for spousal maintenance?
• The different types of spousal maintenance?
• What's the difference between child support and spousal maintenance?
• How to avoid the good girl bad girl situation with spousal maintenance.
• How spousal maintenance can speed up your property settlement or slow it down.
• How hard is it to supply for spousal maintenance?
• Can you get funds for lawyers from your ex partner?
• Can you engage a lawyer if you have no access to your money?
• What is an initiating application?
• What is a financial statement?
• What is an affidavit for spousal maintenance?
• What is the new court urgent list?
• Can you get spousal maintenance without going to court?
• Can you go to mediation to get spousal maintenance?
• When can you apply for spousal maintenance?
• What is the likelihood of your application being rejected in court for spousal maintenance?
• What does the federal circuit and family court of Australia do with urgent cases?
• Does your centrelink payments effect your claim on spousal maintenance?
• Can you apply for spousal maintenance whilst still living in the same house with your ex?
• DV and spousal maintenance issues
• Where to go for help if you are struggling for money while waiting for a property settlement.
• What do you write in your spousal maintenance application?
• What do you write in your affidavit for spousal maintenance?

If you need emergency help you can also contact:

• WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE
• LEGAL AID
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
• Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
• Relationships Australia
• Police on 000
• DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill
• DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636
• National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on the next practical steps and guide to your divorce or de facto separation coming soon. And, if you’ve found this episode helpful, please leave a rating and a review so it can hel...

Do you ever wish you had a time machine to go back and give yourself advice before starting your divorce journey? In this episode, we share valuable insights and tips from listeners who have gone through it all. Together, we will break down some of the most important things people wish they had known before starting the process, from not rushing into decisions to custody issues. They also discuss some of the key mistakes to avoid, especially in high-conflict or narcissistic divorces. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into the process, this episode will offer practical advice to help guide you through your divorce with more confidence and clarity.

Listen to This Episode If You:

❓ Wonder how to gather the right information and evidence to protect yourself.

💡 Need to understand the importance of not rushing into decisions or being pressured by others.

🛡 Are navigating a high-conflict divorce and need strategies to protect yourself from manipulation.

📚 Want to learn how to create a strategy and stay organized during the divorce process.

🌟 Are at the beginning of your divorce and want advice on how to avoid common mistakes.

Key Ideas Discussed in This Episode:

Don’t Rush: Take your time to gather all your information before making any major decisions. Avoid being pressured into rushing through the process.

Collect and Organise Your Information: Get all your documents and information together before starting the legal process to avoid mistakes and delays.

Parenting Plans: Don’t force your children into uncomfortable situations—especially when the other parent may not be interested in the relationship.

Look Out for Hidden Assets: Learn how to identify secret bank accounts and other financial manipulations that may arise during a divorce.

Get a Lawyer Who Understands Narcissistic Behaviour: Make sure your lawyer knows how to handle high-conflict individuals who use manipulative tactics.

Court Orders for Sole Occupancy: Understand how to get your ex out of the house if needed, and the risks involved.

Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Take your time to evaluate any settlement offers and don’t let anyone pressure you into accepting less than what is fair.

Protect Your Mental Health: Treat the divorce process like a part-time job—don’t let it consume your entire life.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

Related Episodes:

How to Document Coercive Control - Communicating Coercive Control in Documents / Ep. 161

Record Keeping: Protecting Yourself

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4tNrLiwyDO07jnbzNVxe4m?si=OPR9iwTzQKOKc2HOHvcH-Q

Divorce Delay Tactics https://open.spotify.com/episode/2st3qxvJByN981xqZgPRIR?si=l0LL9935S0GAQ6Wx2qJhIg

Disclosure Dilemas Overcoming Disclosure Dilemmas: Your Path to Divorce Victory / Ep. 148

Divorce Budgeting 101: Understanding Legal Fees & Six Simple Saving Strategies / Ep. 119

Free Resources:

Property Settlement Checklist www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

Divorce Documentation Guide www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

Emergency Contacts:

WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE

LEGAL AID

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978

Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800

Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800 019 123

Relationships Australia

Police: 000

DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636

National DV line: 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)

Thank you for listening to this episode. We hope these listener-shared insights and practical advice will help guide you through your divorce journey. Remember, you are not alone, and taking the time to understand and plan will make all the difference. If you found this episode helpful, please rate, review, and subscribe. Stay strong and take care.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode provides general legal education for Australians and is not a substitute for legal advice. Every situation is different, and it is important to seek independent legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Contents of this Video

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Divorce

01:25 Key Tip: Don't Rush

02:43 Gathering Information: Collate Your Documents

04:00 Children and Visitation and Custody: Complexities and Considerations

05:38 Property Settlement Financial Precautions: Secret Bank Accounts and Abuse

08:22 Legal Strategies: Understanding Narcissistic Tactics

08:56 Court Orders: Sole Occupancy and Safety Concerns

10:50 Disclosure Challenges: Waiting for Information

12:33 Settlement Tips: ...

Are you struggling with understanding parental responsibility after a divorce or separation? Need strategies for handling parenting disagreements about major or minor decisions for your children? In Australia, who makes decisions for the children before there is a parenting plan or court order? What happens if you and your ex can't agree on a school, medical, or other major issue?

In this episode, Laura and an Australian Family Law Specialist Lynette break down the complexities of these often-confusing topics.

They discuss what parental responsibility entails, how recent changes in the family law impact it, and what it means for parents trying to make decisions for their children.

Whether you're dealing with a high-conflict ex or just trying to navigate the legal jargon, this episode offers essential insights and practical advice to help you understand and manage parental responsibility effectively.

Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different.

🌟 Want to understand the concept of parental responsibility and how it impacts your legal rights as a parent.

❓ Are confused about the difference between joint, sole, and equal shared parental responsibility.

💡 Seek clarity on how recent family law act legal changes affect parental decision-making.

🛡 Are dealing with a manipulative, controlling, or high-conflict or narcissistic type co-parent.

📚 Need strategies for handling disagreements about major decisions for your children.

📝 Want to learn how to navigate court orders and legal terminology related to parenting.

• Definition and Importance of Parental Responsibility: What it is and why it matters in the eyes of the court.
• Changes in Legislation: How the new laws in the Family Law Act of Australia as of May 2024 impact parental responsibility.
• Joint vs. Sole Parental Responsibility: Understanding the differences and implications.
• Decision-Making: Which parent makes decisions about major long-term issues versus day-to-day matters.
• Court Orders and Parental Responsibility: How to handle existing orders and apply for new ones.
• Section 61DAB: Understanding the provision that outlines day-to-day decision-making without the need for consultation on minor issues.
• Real-Life Examples: Cases of disputes over education, medical decisions, and other critical areas.
• Co-Parenting Challenges: Tips for dealing with uncooperative or high-conflict ex-partners.
• Post-Separation Abuse: Recognizing and addressing coercive control in parenting situations.
• For Full Show Notes & downloadable checklist for witness box tips, go to www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
• For more support, visit www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

• Episodes to Help with Communication Boundaries:
• Bombarded with Legal Letters
• Do I Really Need to Respond to That?
• How to Respond to a Word Salad Letter
• Episodes on Managing Emotions and Self-Affirmation:
• Things the Court Doesn't Care About
• Disclosure Episode
• Red Flags Lawyers
• How to Choose and Use Your Lawyer
• Parenting Apps for Communication:
• Our Children CoParenting Platform
• My Family Wizard

Section 61DAB of the Family Law Act

Facing the journey from separation to settlement can feel overwhelming and uncertain, but you’re not alone. In this episode, Laura and Lynette take you through the seven essential stages of the divorce process, from making the initial decision to separate, all the way to moving forward after your settlement. They share practical tips, emotional insights, and legal education to help you make empowered choices at every step. Whether you're at the beginning of this journey or somewhere in the middle, this episode offers a roadmap to guide you through.

Listen to This Episode If You:

• 🌟 Are just starting your divorce journey and don’t know what comes next.
• ❓ Need help understanding the steps from separation to settlement.
• 💡 Want tips on managing property settlements, parenting plans, and legal agreements.
• 🛡 Are facing challenges with a high-conflict or manipulative ex.
• 📚 Want to learn how to move forward emotionally and financially after the settlement is done.

1. Deciding to Separate: Understanding the importance of making the decision and how to document it for legal purposes.
2. Living Under One Roof: Strategies for managing separation when you’re still sharing a home due to financial or housing constraints.
3. Understanding Your Legal Rights: Why seeking legal education or advice early is critical to protect yourself.
4. Property and Financial Settlements: The steps involved in dividing assets, debts, and managing disclosure obligations.
5. Parenting Plans and Agreements: How to create effective parenting arrangements that prioritise the best interests of your children.
6. Finalising Legal Documents: What you need to know about consent orders, mediation, and navigating the court system if necessary.
7. Moving Forward After Divorce: Tips for reclaiming your independence, managing finances, and building a new life.

RESOURCES

• Course Enrolment:
• Join our Divorce Blueprint Course www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/enrol before the deadline to get personalised guidance, legal education, and emotional support from Laura and Lynette. Platinum spots are limited—sign up now to secure your place.

• LEGAL AID https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800 019 123
• Relationships Australia 1300 364 277
• Police: 000
• DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
• DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636
• National DV line: 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)
• Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. We hope it gives you clarity and confidence to take the next steps in your journey. Don’t forget to check out our course for step-by-step guidance and support through every stage of your divorce. If you found this episode helpful, please rate, review, and subscribe. Stay strong, and remember—you’ve got this.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode provides general legal education for Australians and is not a substitute for legal advice. Every situation is unique, and it’s important to seek independent legal advice tailored to your circumstances.

00:00 Introduction to the 7 Steps from Separation to Settlement

01:34 How to Make the Decision to Separate

03:36 Can you Be Separated Under One Roof in Divorce

06:51 How to find out Your Legal Rights and Obligations in Divorce

10:46 How to Divide Assets, Property, and Debt in Divorce

14:44 How to Create Parenting Plans and Arrangements

19:24 How to Navigate Legal Paperwork and Mediation in Divorce

20:57 How to learn about Divorce Applications and Time Limits

22:35 How to avoid the Emotional Rollercoaster of Divorce

23:48 How to get Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support in Divorce

27:28 How to Move Forward After Divorce

33:29 How to Join Our Supportive Divorce Community