Finding Freedom After Separation | Legal Advice for Single Mums in Australia
Finding Freedom After Separation: A Conversation with Family Lawyer Ella Hickman
š Read the full podcast blog on Finding Freedom After Separation: Practical Legal Advice for Single Mums:
https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast/freedom-after-separation-practical-legal-tips-for-mums/
š Join our single mum community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine
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Separation can feel like the end of something, but what if itās also the beginning of something better?
In this episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast, Iām joined by family lawyer Ella Hickman to unpack what freedom after separation really looks likeāpractically, emotionally, and legally. Whether you're just beginning the process or still dealing with the ripple effects, Ella shares expert advice and gentle encouragement every step of the way.
We explore common legal misconceptions, how to create realistic parenting plans, where to begin when separation becomes inevitable, and what kind of legal clarity brings the most peace. Ellaās down-to-earth style makes even the complex feel manageable, helping you take that next step with confidence.
š Youāll also hear how to handle a difficult ex, prioritise safety and finances, and why the right support network is crucialānot just for surviving separation, but for rebuilding something better.
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ā±ļø Timestamps:
00:00 ā Welcome + Meet Ella Hickman
01:58 ā What āfreedomā looks like post-separation
04:21 ā The biggest legal misconceptions single mums have
07:45 ā First steps to take when separating (legally + emotionally)
11:30 ā Creating parenting arrangements that actually work
15:00 ā Talking finances: urgent priorities for single mums
18:42 ā Dealing with a difficult ex during the legal process
22:10 ā How the right legal advice empowers emotional healing
26:33 ā Ellaās final message of encouragement for mums
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Links for this episode:
If youāre a mum considering separation or divorce but donāt have the means for a private lawyer, these resources are here to support you.
š Legal Aid Commissions - Each state and territory offers a Legal Aid Commission. They provide free legal advice, assistance with court documents, and representation in family law mattersāespecially if youāre on a lower income.
š Community Legal Centres (CLCs) - Community legal centres offer free family law guidance, cover separation and domestic violence, and often assist when Legal Aid isnāt suitable. There are nearly 200 across Australia, including specialist services like Redfern and Kingsford Legal Centres in NSW.
š Family Relationship Advice Line -This national helpline (1800 050 321) refers callers to legal, financial, and mediation services. They can help you explore all available free options.
š Womenās Legal Services - Offers free, confidential legal advice and tailored support, especially for mums experiencing separation or domestic violence.
⨠https://hickmanfamilylawyers.com.au ā Learn more about Ella Hickman Family Lawyers. Expert guidance and compassionate legal support tailored specifically for single mums navigating separation.
šÆāāļø https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine ā Donāt forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! Itās the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.
šļø https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast ā Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.
š§ Subscribe for more expert chats, practical tips, and heartfelt support.
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50:36
Women's Health: Simple Shifts to Grow Fit and Strong
In this heartfelt episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast, we dive into Womenās Health through the real and relatable lens of motherhood. With the ever-inspiring Ashley Sonnenberg from Mommy and Me Fitness, we explore what it truly means to prioritise your wellbeing in a life filled with demands, love, and little people.
Ashley shares her journey from healthcare professional to mama-focused fitness coach, and how sheās helping mums ditch the guilt, perfectionism, and pressure to "do it all." Together, we unpack small, doable shifts that lead to lasting changeābecause your health isnāt a luxury, itās a necessity.
From energy and sleep to mindset and movement, this episode gently reminds you that you are worthy of care. You donāt need a perfect routineāyou just need a starting point and perhaps a village around you.
Tune in to feel seen, supported, and inspired to put yourself back on the listāwith kindness and without overwhelm.
Links for this episode:
šø https://mommyandmefitness.org/homeĀ ā Start your Women's Health journey with Ashley here.
⨠https://www.facebook.com/ashley.sonnenberg ā Ashley's dedicated FB page to all things fitness and wellness.
š https://www.subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts ā Grab your 'Organized Mama Meal Blueprint' and many other single mum resources right here!
šÆāāļø https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine ā Donāt forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! Itās the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.
šļø https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast ā Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.
Youāve got this! Letās thrive together. Remember toĀ like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!
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30:52
Expert Guide To New Homeownership Opportunities For Single Mums
Co-Parenting Under One Roof: Heatherās Story
Breaking up is hard enough, but what happens when you and your ex decide to keep living under the same roof for the sake of your children? In this episode, we chat with Heather, a single mum who navigated 3.5 years of co-parenting while sharing a home with her ex-husband.
Heather opens up about why they made this choice, the challenges they faced, and the surprising benefits of keeping their family under one roof post-separation. She shares insights on communication, emotional regulation, and setting boundariesāplus what it was really like when they finally moved into separate homes.
We also dive into:
š” How their children adapted to the arrangement
š” The emotional highs and lows of co-parenting under one roof
š” Practical tips for making it work (including shared calendars and house rules!)
š” The transition to a ānestingā custody arrangement and the unexpected challenges it brought
Whether youāre considering a similar setup or just curious about alternative co-parenting approaches, this episode is packed with real-life wisdom, honesty, and reassurance.
š Tune in now for an eye-opening conversation!
Ā
Links for this episode:
š§ Listen to Maggieās inspiring journey here. If you want to hear from another single mum who has faced the overwhelm and come out stronger, this episode is for you. Maggieās story is a powerful reminder that empowerment and confidence are within reach.
š https://calendly.com/singlemamaway/starthere - If you're struggling emotionally with separation, co-parenting, or finding your way forward, you're not alone. Book a nurturing call with Single Mama Way to help you process your feelings, regain confidence, and create a path that feels right.
šÆāāļø https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine ā Donāt forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! Itās the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.
šļø https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast ā Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.
Youāve got this! Letās thrive together. And donāt forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!
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43:53
Finding Love Again: Dating Advice for Single Mums with Laurie Gerber
Empowering Dating Advice for Single Mums with Laurie Gerber
Balancing parenting, self-care, and the pursuit of love can be daunting, but it doesnāt have to be. In this episode, Laurie Gerber, renowned life and relationship coach, shares transformative dating advice tailored for single mums. Laurie has been featured on the Today Show, Dr. Phil, and countless other platforms, offering expert guidance to individuals worldwide.
Discover Laurieās step-by-step approach to preparing for love:
The Divorce Detox: Letting go of past attachments and creating space for new possibilities.
Modern Dating Strategies: Navigate dating apps with intention and confidence.
The Three-Date Rule: Evaluate compatibility using the āThree HāsāāHead, Heart, and Hoo-ha.
Building Community: Gain the support you need to thrive in your dating journey.
Whether youāre dipping your toes back into the dating world or looking for a meaningful connection, Laurieās insights will inspire and empower you. Plus, learn about her free webinar packed with actionable advice to find love without repeated disappointment.
Ready to take the leap? Tune in and embrace your journey to love with clarity and confidence.
Links for this episode:
šø "3 Secrets to Finding and Maintaining Healthy Love without Repeated Disappointments" - For more of Laurieās expert dating advice, join her FREE webinar.
⨠https://lauriegerber.com ā Laurie Gerber is an expert in the field of life and relationship coaching with over 20 years of experience coaching thousands of individuals and couples.
šÆāāļø https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine ā Ready to explore love again? The Beanstalk Mums community is here to cheer you on every step of the way!
šļø https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast ā Have you got a love story to share? Drop us a voice message on our widget and who knows we might share your story on the next episode!
š° subscribepage.io/beanstalksinglemums - Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter. Get our newest articles delivered straight to your inbox, together with the latest podcast notes, discount deals procured just for you, highlights of service businesses that share our and tools to help you thrive.
Youāve got this! Letās thrive together. And donāt forget to rateĀ and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!
Welcome to the Beanstalk Single Mums Podcast
A supportive space created to empower single mums from all walks of life, no matter where they are on their solo parenting journey.
Hosted by Lucy Good (founder) and Elle Sitek (owner of beanstalkmums.com.au), each episode features expert guests who share practical advice and lived wisdom on the realities of single motherhood.
We cover everything from separation and family law to co-parenting, education, careers, dating, sex, wellbeing, household management, and financial independence.
š§ Listen on your favourite podcast app or watch the conversation come to life on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@BeanstalkSingleMums
š Visit https://www.beanstalkmums.com.au for even more blog articles, tools, and community support.