Divorcing in Your 40s? What Every Woman Needs to Know Before Separating

Divorce and separation in your 40s can feel overwhelming, emotional, and financially terrifying, especially if you’ve spent years prioritising your family, your partner, or their career over your own. In Australia, the average age women are divorcing is around 44 years old, yet so many women reach this moment feeling unprepared and unsure of their legal and financial rights.

In this episode of Get Rich, Molly Benjamin is joined by Australian family lawyer Samantha Lewis to unpack what women actually need to know before separating, legally, financially, and emotionally.

We cover the biggest myths women believe about divorce, why “just wanting things to be fair” can quietly leave you financially worse off, and the critical mistakes many women make in the first few weeks after separation.

You’ll learn:

• How separating in your 40s is legally and financially different from your 20s or 30s
• Why it doesn’t matter whose name assets, property, or superannuation are in
• How non-financial contributions, like raising children or supporting a partner’s career, are treated under Australian family law
• What to do before money or assets start disappearing
• Why superannuation is often one of the biggest assets in a separation
• How women can fund legal advice, even if they don’t currently have access to money
• The one-year deadline after divorce that could cost you everything if you miss it
• Why it’s never too late to start again financially, even in your 40s or 50s
  
  

This is an empowering, practical conversation for Australian women who are separated, divorcing, thinking about leaving, or supporting a friend who is. It’s not about fear, it’s about clarity, confidence, and knowing your rights before you make life-changing decisions.

🎧 Listen with your notes app open, then send this episode to a woman who needs it.

General information only. This episode does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always seek advice specific to your circumstances.

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The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169.

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