The Separation Guide | A starting point for better separation and divorce

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. And with 25% of those who come to The Separation Guide for help experiencing some sort of violence or abuse, it is a very real barrier to many trying to leave relationships. In this episode, White Ribbon Australia Acting Director Dean Cooper and Coordinator of Counselling Services Zoe Hughes join host Sabina Read to shed light on the many types of violence and abuse happening in Australian homes. With some practical tips for how to find help and navigate a safe path through, for both women and men, this episode is a vital resource for anyone who finds themselves - or someone they know - trapped in an abusive situation. It also discusses available help for potential perpetrators who may realise that their behaviour makes others feel unsafe, but don't know what steps to take to make a change. Along with a call out to society at large to take note and speak up when they witness acts of disrespect. As we learn in this episode - not all disrespect leads to violence, but all violence begins with disrespect. As the number of Australian women who have died at the hands of male violence reaches 24 so far this year, this is a vital conversation that needs to be had - and heard.For more information about how you can help make a change this Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, visit The Separation Guide's I Care About Conflict campaign at https://icareaboutconflict.com/

Superannuation is often overlooked in separation, but it’s a crucial asset that can significantly impact your financial future. In this episode, we break down the key things you need to know about super in separation—why it matters, common misconceptions, and how to approach it fairly and equitably.We explore the common fight-or-flight response in high-conflict separations, the importance of financial disclosure, and practical steps to take control of your super. From understanding your balance to consolidating funds and seeking professional advice, our experts share their top takeaways to help you make informed decisions.Plus, we discuss the bigger picture—how these conversations today can create long-term financial security and even drive generational change.If you’re navigating separation and want to ensure your financial well-being, this episode is a must-listen.Want to learn more? Join our free online event: Super in Separation: 5 Things You’ll Want to Know Before Finalising a Separation Agreement on Wednesday, 26th March, 12:00-1:00 PM (AEDT) via Google Meet.

In this episode, host Sabina Read sits down with Arabella Feltham, Separation Consultant at The Separation Guide, to explore how men can navigate separation with strength and support. They discuss: Staying out of conflict and prioritising health The importance of support networks Why men are often blindsided by separation news Managing grief, anger, and mental health challenges Practical advice for FIFO and emergency service workers Discover tools and resources to regain control and move forward. Don’t miss it!

Positive Co-parenting over the holiday season In this episode, Lisanne Iriks of the Co-Parenting Institute talks with Sabina Read about creating a positive co-parenting environment for your children during the holiday season. Whether the separation is relatively new or you are tackling your first Christmas as a separated family, Lisanne shares some ways to manage the emotions and changes to traditions over this time. She shares how to give yourself and your children a positive experience, creating new rituals for the future.

How can I plan for my financial future? Live, love, legacy and laugh During this episode, Ryan Watson of Tribeca Financial will share how to escape fear and live the life you want in the future, following the priorities to live, love, legacy and laugh. Ryan shares the range of emotions you may feel about your finances during separation. He shares some common fears many people experience during this time, such as the fear that you will lose everything in the process (which isn’t true if you get the right support around you) and how to balance immediate needs versus long-term goals. His philosophy is that a problem shared is a problem halved.Ryan thoughtfully covers how you can feel a greater sense of security and certainty by having the right financial advice and the power of seeing your options laid out. It’s an empowering episode that will give you practical information to step forward confidently.

This episode explores family law finance - a line of credit available to people who are going through separation and need to access funds to pay for professional support to reach a fair and equitable settlement that will set them up for a secure future. We talk to Jack O'Donnell from JustFund about: the purpose of family law finance what it can cover how it differs from traditional loans who is eligible, and how it is assessed who can benefit from a family law line of credit. This episode is a must-listen for people facing a property split who have money tied up in property, a trust or a business that they can't access until settlement. There are options to pay for the right advice. Resources mentioned in this episode Check if you're eligible for family law finance with JustFund https://theseparationguide.com.au/resource/podcasts/listen-how-can-i-pay-for-my-separation/ JustFund Borrower Guide https://theseparationguide.com.au/app/uploads/2024/01/2024-Borrower-Guide-The-Separation-Guide.pdf Family law finance information on The Separation Guide website https://theseparationguide.com.au/resource/podcasts/listen-how-can-i-pay-for-my-separation/  If you know someone who will find this podcast helpful, please share. The Separation Guide aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful. To find out more about how one of our Network Members could support your separation, take our free 3-minute Q&A. DisclaimerThe information in our resources is general only. Consider getting in touch with a professional adviser if you need support with your legal, financial or wellbeing needs.

The number of separated couples still living together in Australia is on the rise. Over 50% of people tell us that they have separated but are still living under one roof. The transition from partners to moving out can take some time, but we’re seeing that period grow longer for more and more couples. In this episode, separation and relationship coach Kelly Bagshaw joins us to talk about what’s causing this rising trend making this period work in the best way re-negotiating your relationship, your space, your boundaries and your expectations of each other communication styles support to help you get through this period and move on afterwards. Listen here, or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to chat with Kelly for independent separation coaching, counselling or relationship coaching either before separation or to work towards a successful separation, you can book in a free 15-minute chat here. Or read our blog, How to separate from your spouse while living together. For the latest stats on separation in Australia, you can download our State of Separation Impact Report If you know someone who will find this podcast helpful, please share. Disclaimer The information in our resources is general only. Consider getting in touch with a professional adviser if you need support with your legal, financial or wellbeing needs.

Lauren Patford-Smith, a Family Law expert from Padford-Smith Legal Services, discusses the complexities of dividing assets during separation. She highlights how a simple 50-50 split isn’t always fair, emphasizing the importance of contributions—both financial and non-financial. The conversation covers the impacts of caregiving roles, relationship length, and the significance of mediation in achieving equitable outcomes. Listeners learn how unique circumstances inform tailored asset division strategies, ensuring a more just resolution.

Telling your partner that you want to separate is a daunting prospect. Doing it wrong could have consequences like escalating conflict, creating unnecessary hurt for those around you and, in extreme circumstances, it could be dangerous. Preparing yourself to tell your spouse the right way can set the tone for a low-conflict separation from day one. In this episode, we speak to our Senior Separation Consultant, Arabella Feltham, about: safety as your number one consideration discussing separation if moving out isn’t an option the right moment to bring up separation having a support person present what to consider if you have children how to prepare yourself the words to use to avoid escalation how to approach a trial separation emotional reactions to expect from your partner and yourself. You can find out about the Separation Support sessions mentioned in the podcast here. Please subscribe for episodes about all aspects of separation and divorce in Australia. If you know someone who will find this podcast helpful, please share. The Separation Guide aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful. To find out more about how one of our Network Members could support your separation, take our free 3-minute Q&A.

Around a third of Australia’s population was born overseas. Many married and de facto couples have at least one person from another country. If this is you, what happens if you separate in Australia?  In this episode, we talk to experienced migration and family Lawyer from Starlight Legal, Eva Liang, about: how Australian Family Law recognises overseas marriages how to divorce when one party is overseas relocating children overseas in a separation spousal visas and their effect on separation cultural and linguistic barriers when dealing with the Family Court system understanding different cultural values,  best interests and family structures.  Please subscribe for episodes about all aspects of separation and divorce in Australia. If you know someone who will find this podcast helpful, please share. You can find information about forms of family violence and links to support services in our blog Separation when there is family violence. The Separation Guide aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful. To find out more about how one of our Network Members could support your separation, take our free 3-minute Q&A. If you offer professional help and advice to people going through separation and divorce, Join the Network.