The Divorce Course Podcast

🎧 Listen to This Episode If…
You want a real, plain-English breakdown of filing fees, hourly rates, disclosure costs, and consent orders
You're terrified to leave because you've heard divorce costs hundreds of thousands of dollars

Your ex is telling you "leave the lawyers out of it" and you're not sure if they're right

You've already started racking up legal fees and you're wondering where it's all going

You want to understand exactly what you can do yourself versus what you actually need a lawyer for

You're heading into mediation and don't know if you need a barrister too

 
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This podcast is general information only – it is not legal advice. The content reflects Australian family law and may not apply to your specific situation or jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified family lawyer about your individual circumstances. Laws and court fees may have changed since this episode was recorded (figures quoted reflect May 2026 pricing).
 
📝 Episode Summary
You've heard the horror stories someone spent $750,000 on legal fees. Someone else burned through $20,000 before anything even happened. And now you're sitting there wondering if divorce is something you can actually afford.
But this isn't an episode designed to scare you. It's the opposite. Laura and Lyn walk you through where you have control, where you can save thousands by doing the work yourself, and why the disclosure phase is the single biggest opportunity to keep costs down. You'll learn why "string them along" is a tactic to watch for, why your lawyer is not your therapist, and why going to court can sometimes actually be cheaper than endless negotiation.
If cost is the reason you've been stuck, this episode is the one to listen to.
 
⏱️ Episode Timeline
00:00 – The Real Cost of Divorce: Why Some Pay $4K and Others $300K
01:40 – Legal Disclaimer & What This Episode Covers
02:36 – The Big Three Fears: Cost, Kids, and "I Got Nothing"
04:14 – How Much Does a Divorce Application Actually Cost? ($1,125 in 2026)
06:35 – Why Lawyers Charge for "Accepting Service" of Your Divorce
08:01 – Negotiation Costs: Why One Letter Can Cost $2,000
11:00 – Hourly Rates in 2026: $400 to $1,000+ Per Hour
12:30 – The Cost of Phone Calls, Reviewing Offers & Meetings
14:30 – How Much to Draft Consent Orders ($2,640–$4,000)
16:00 – Disclosure: The Biggest Budget Blowout in Divorce
19:00 – Paralegal Rates vs Lawyer Rates: Don't Overpay
20:30 – Drip-Feeding vs Dumping Disclosure: Get the Balance Right
23:30 – Mediation Costs: $5,000 Mediator + $5,610 in Lawyer Time
24:50 – Do You Need a Barrister at Mediation? ($7,000–$10,000)
27:00 – Half-Day vs Full-Day Mediation: Saving Money Strategically
29:30 – Hidden Costs: Photocopying, Scanning, File Notes & Emails
32:30 – The Court's Scale of Fees vs What Lawyers Actually Charge
33:30 – How Sending Late-Night Emails Costs You Money
34:30 – How People Waste Money: Letting Your Ex Control the Pace
35:30 – Fighting Over Furniture, Revenge Litigation & Lawyer-as-Therapist
36:30 – Stubbornness, Unrealistic Expectations & Knowing When to Let Go
37:30 – Family Law Doesn't Deliver Justice or Retribution
39:00 – How Much to File Consent Orders ($205 Court Fee)
41:00 – How to Be Smart: When to Use a Lawyer and When Not To
41:30 – Saving Thousands on Disclosure by Doing It Yourself
43:00 – The One Meeting Strategy: Walk In Prepared, Walk Out Saving $10K
46:00 – Who Pays for Legal Fees? Section 114UB Explained
47:30 – Fee Exemptions, Cost Agreements & What to Expect
48:30 – The Free Webinar: 5 Biggest Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
49:30 – Laura's Confession: The Bag of Receipts Story
 
🎧 Episodes Mentioned in This Episode
1. How to Choose a Mediator (Free vs Private Mediation)
https://youtu.be/HKda6QswjAE?si=R27SD6WSDiLiI3VA
 
2. Do You Need a Lawyer for Mediation?
https://youtu.be/GB2lJftxdh4?si=ur8ZMCkzPQ9dYFZN
3. Furniture in Divorce: How to Deal With It Without Blowing Your Budget
https://youtu.be/oZ5h-gxckXU
4. Consent Orders Explained
https://youtu.be/-DC72tq8FRM
 
📚 Links & Resources
📞 1800 RESPECT — 1800 737 732 (24/7 DV support)
📞 Lifeline — 13 11 14
🚓 Police — 000 (immediate danger)
🌐 The Divorce Course — www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
🎓 The Divorce Course Podcast — www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
🎟️ Free Webinar — Register at www.thedivorcecourse.com.au (click "Reserve My Seat")
Legislation referenced
Family Law Act 1975 – Section 114UB (each party bears their own costs)

https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/
Court fees referenced
FCFCOA filing fees 

https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/costs

https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pubs/legal-costs

Downloadable resource
The Divorce Course Disclosure Checklist —https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosure_checklist_o

 
If this episode helped you finally understand where the money goes in divorce – and where you can save thousands – please follow, rate, review, and share The Divorce Course Podcast so others going through the same thing can find this information too.
All our best,
Laura & Lyn
Your Guides By Your Side
Co-Hosts of THE DIVORCE COURSE PODCAST

🎧 Listen to This Episode If…
You've been told you have to go to mediation and you don't know where to start

Your ex has already chosen a mediator and something feels off

You can't afford the expensive mediator your ex is pushing for

You're going through family violence and worried no mediator will take your matter

You don't know the difference between free mediation and private mediation

You want to know whether your mediator actually needs to be a lawyer

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This podcast is general information only it is not legal advice. The content reflects Australian family law and may not apply to your specific situation or jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified family lawyer about your individual circumstances. Laws may have changed since this episode was recorded.
🛟 Family Violence Trigger Warning
This episode discusses family violence and the challenges of mediating where there is a history of abuse, coercion, or control. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 000. For confidential support: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Episode Summary
You don't have to accept whichever mediator gets put in front of you. In this episode, Laura and Mum (family law accredited specialist Lynette Galvin) unpack one of the most under-discussed parts of separation how to actually choose a good mediator, and how to push back when the one your ex is suggesting doesn't feel right.
They cover the difference between free mediation (Relationships Australia, Interrelate, CentreCare) and private mediation, when you need an FDRP (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner) versus when you don't, and whether your mediator really needs to be a lawyer or a former judge. Mum shares the exact wording she uses in letters when the other side proposes a biased or unaffordable mediator  including the "panel of three" approach that keeps the process fair.
There's also an honest conversation about the gap in the system for people experiencing family violence, where mediators often refuse to take the matter on leaving survivors stuck heading to court when mediation could have solved the issue. Laura and Mum talk about what to look for in a mediator brave enough to handle high-conflict matters, and the practical safety steps (separate rooms, video links, safe exits) you can ask about.
And there's the reminder you might need most: you hold the cards. You don't have to agree to anything in mediation just because you've been pushed to. You can pause, walk away, and come back when you're ready.
⏱️ Episode Timeline
00:00 – How to Choose a Mediator: Why It Matters More Than You Think
01:00 – Legal Disclaimer & Why Mum Is a Qualified Mediator
01:40 – Can the Mediator Make or Break Your Mediation?
02:30 – How Lawyers Choose Mediators (And Their "Bottom of the Barrel" List)
03:40 – Can You Speak to a Mediator Before Choosing? Why Mum Says No
04:20 – How to Use Google Reviews to Vet a Mediator
05:30 – What Qualifications a Mediator Should Have (FDRP Explained)
07:00 – Does Your Mediator Need to Be a Lawyer? Property vs Children
08:30 – Why Social Workers Often Make the Best Children's Mediators
09:30 – Mediation and Family Violence: The Gap in the System
12:20 – Can You Change Mediators Halfway Through? The Honest Answer
13:50 – Red Flags: Biased, Agenda-Driven and "In Cahoots" Mediators
16:00 – When the Mediator's Office Is Next Door to Your Ex's Lawyer
17:00 – How to Push Back Without Slandering the Mediator
18:30 – What to Do If Your Ex Picks an Expensive Mediator You Can't Afford
19:30 – Free Mediation Options: Relationships Australia, Interrelate, CentreCare
20:20 – How Much Does a Private Mediator Cost? ($5K–$6K Reality Check)
21:30 – Why Free Services Have Long Wait Lists (And When to Go Private)
22:30 – The "Panel of Three" Letter Strategy You Can Use Today
24:00 – Should You Pay More If Your Case Is Serious?
24:50 – Free Mediation Pros and Cons (And Why Parenting Plans Aren't Enforceable)
27:40 – Private Mediators: Former Judges, Barristers and the "Iron Fist in Velvet Glove"
29:30 – Facilitative vs Evaluative vs Pure Mediation Styles Explained
31:30 – Can You Ask the Mediator If You're Getting a Good Deal? No.
32:30 – Pressure to Sign on the Day: How to Push Back
33:40 – Mediation Is Like a Boat in the Ocean — Pick Wisely
35:30 – How to Write the "Panel of Three" Letter to Your Ex
36:30 – Best Mediator Style by Ex Personality Type
38:30 – If You're Amicable, You Might Not Need Mediation At All
39:30 – You Hold the Cards: Don't Be Bullied Into an Agreement
🎧 Episodes Mentioned in This Episode
 What Actually Happens Inside a Mediation - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2BvkcVNcHNrdWmXALC6bsA?si=31f56fce3c8d48a6
What a divorce mediator wish you knew  - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zeUIkV3O5LTQAHi0dXOGL?si=644698cb744647a8
📚 Links & Resources
📞 1800 RESPECT — 1800 737 732 (24/7 DV support)
📞 Lifeline — 13 11 14
🚓 Police — 000 (immediate danger)
🌐 The Divorce Course — www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
🎓 The Divorce Course Podcast — www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
 
Find an Accredited FDRP (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner):
Attorney-General's Department — https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/family-dispute-resolution
Free / Low-Cost Mediation Services:
Relationships Australia — https://www.relationships.org.au

Interrelate — https://www.interrelate.org.au

CentreCare — https://centacare.com

Find a Family Law Accredited Specialist or Mediator:
Queensland Law Society — https://www.qls.com.au

Bar Association of Queensland — https://www.qldbar.asn.au

(Or your state's equivalent Law Society / Bar Association)

The Divorce Course Free Webinar:
www.thedivorcecourse.com.au — click "Reserve My Seat"
Closing CTA
If this episode helped you understand how to choose a mediator who'll actually work for you, please follow, rate, review, and share The Divorce Course Podcast so others heading into mediation can find this information too.
All our best,
Laura & Lyn
Your Guides By Your Side
Co-Hosts of 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 advice. The content reflects Australian family law and may not apply to your specific situation or jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified family lawyer about your individual circumstances. Laws may have changed since this episode was recorded.
Episode Summary
You may have heard the rumour – "add-backs are dead." Lawyers are quoting it, ex-partners are using it as an excuse, and people are panicking that there's nothing they can do when the property pool is being drained. In this episode, Laura and Mum unpack what add-backs actually are, why people think they've disappeared, and what the courts are really doing about wastage now.
The short answer? Add-backs aren't on the balance sheet anymore  but wastage is absolutely still considered. Thanks to Shinohara & Shinohara [2025], the courts have stopped putting "imaginary money" into the property pool. But thanks to Section 79(5)(d) of the Family Law Act and the case of Shamon & Shamon [2025], wastage now adjusts the percentage split of what's left – and in Shamon, that meant the wife walked away with nearly 100% of the property pool plus costs.
Mum walks through what counts as wastage (selling assets cheap, gambling, blowing money post-separation, gifting funds to a new partner), what doesn't (post-separation income spent on living, ordinary marital spending), and how to protect the property pool before your ex empties it. She also explains exactly what to consider saying if a lawyer or mediator quotes Shinohara at you including the section number, the case names, and the strategy that works.
If you suspect your ex is wasting money or stalling property settlement, this is the episode to listen to before you do anything else.
⏱️ Episode Timeline
00:00 – Are Add-Backs Dead? The Property Pool Myth Going Around
01:00 – Legal Disclaimer & Australian Family Law Context
01:30 – What Is an Add-Back in Property Settlement?
03:15 – The Townsend Case: How Add-Backs Used to Work
04:25 – Property Pool vs Balance Sheet: What's the Difference?
05:25 – The 4 Steps of Property Settlement Explained
05:50 – Why People Think Add-Backs Are Dead: Shinohara Explained
07:15 – "Don't Put Pretend Money on the Balance Sheet"
07:55 – The Real Risk: Ex Spending Everything Before Settlement
08:45 – How Wastage Is Handled Now: Section 79(5)(d)
10:00 – Percentage Adjustments Instead of Balance Sheet Add-Backs
11:30 – The Shamon Case: Wife Got Nearly 100% Plus Costs
13:50 – What to Do If Your Ex Has Already Drained the Pool
14:30 – How to Protect the Property Pool: Caveats Explained
17:00 – Protecting Joint Bank Accounts and Cash
17:50 – Superannuation, Cars and Other Assets
19:50 – Arguing Wastage in Mediation (Not Court)
21:00 – How to Respectfully Tell Your Lawyer They're Wrong
24:30 – Free Webinar Reminder
24:40 – What to Write to Your Ex Before Settlement
26:25 – What Counts as Wastage: Kowaliw, Gambling & More
27:30 – Is Drinking and Drug Use Considered Wastage?
28:15 – Gifts to a New Partner: The Gollings & Scott Case
29:30 – Reckless Spending vs Ordinary Spending
30:15 – Bad Business Decisions Post-Separation
31:10 – So Are Add-Backs Dead? The Final Answer
32:30 – What Evidence You Need to Prove Wastage
33:50 – The Mechanism Has Changed, the Outcome Hasn't
34:25 – Your Toolkit: Section 79(5)(d) of the Family Law Act, Shamon, Townsend, Weir
35:30 – Why Acting Fast Matters in Financial Abuse
36:55 – Reviewer of the Month: Manal from Australia
38:30 – Final Thoughts: Wastage Rules
 
🎧 Episodes Mentioned in This Episode
1. Equalisation of Super: The Myth That Won't Die
https://youtu.be/YFkOnEsNybw?si=LAQd2SUq_YRVl9Ts
3. The Gilded Cage: Delay Tactics in Property Settlement
https://youtu.be/cs6-jHDt-Qk?si=ufuSLLwVmasbQKsL
4. Financial Abuse and Hidden Assets
https://youtu.be/D3-fV8C4gkM?si=JQMk6eqMXWUktsUf
📚 Links & Resources
📞 1800 RESPECT — 1800 737 732 (24/7 support)
📞 Lifeline — 13 11 14
🚓 Police — 000 (immediate danger)
🌐 The Divorce Course — www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
🎓 The Divorce Course Podcast — www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog
🎟️ Free Webinar — www.thedivorcecourse.com.au (click "Reserve My Seat")
Cases Mentioned
Shinohara & Shinohara [2025] — the case people are misreading  https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/126.html
Shamon & Shamon [2025] — https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/150.html
Townsend & Townsend — the original add-back case (the taxi)
Weir & Weir — the quarry / missing gravel case
Kowaliw & Kowaliw [1981] — the trashed family home case
Gollings & Scott — the engagement ring / post-separation income case
Legislation
Family Law Act 1975 — Section 79(4), Section 79(5)(d) — https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s79.html
Family Law Act 1975 — Section 90SM (de facto equivalent)
If this episode helped you understand wastage and feel ready to push back when someone says "add-backs are dead," please follow, rate, review, and share The Divorce Course Podcast so others going through the same thing can find this information too.
All our best,
Laura & Lyn
Your Guides By Your Side
Co-Hosts of 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 contains discussion of family violence, coercive control, post-separation abuse, and the impact of these behaviours on children, which may be distressing for some listeners.
If you are unsafe or experiencing family violence, please reach out for support.
Support is available in Australia: 📞 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732   📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14   🚨 In an emergency, call 000
This podcast provides general educational information about Australian family law only and is not legal advice. Laura is not a lawyer. Every situation is different, and you should seek independent professional guidance tailored to your circumstances. 
Episode Summary
Should you bring up coercive control and domestic violence in your family law case… or will it backfire?
If you've been online lately, you've probably seen wildly different opinions. Some people insist the courts ignore family violence completely. Others say the system is finally taking it seriously. And then there are the lawyers quietly telling clients to "just leave it out so we can settle." So who's right?
In this episode, Mum and I unpack how coercive control and domestic violence are actually treated in Australian family law right now and the recent appeal cases that show the courts are starting to listen. We walk through real 2023 and 2024 decisions including Burnell & Rockford, Lainhart & Elinson, Dejani & Dejani, and Sad & Raymond cases your lawyer may not have caught up with yet.
We talk about Section 4AB, Section 75, and Section 79 of the Family Law Act, why mediators sometimes forget you're still being coercively controlled while sitting across from your ex, and the very real "peace at any price" trap that costs people thousands in their settlement.
If you've been silenced, dismissed, or told it's not worth raising  this episode is for you.
⏱️ Episode Timeline
00:00  –  Coercive Control & Domestic Violence in Family Court: Should You Raise It?
01:00  –  Meet Laura & Lynette: Family Law Mum & Daughter Duo
02:00  –  Trigger Warning & Legal Disclaimer (Australia & Overseas)
03:00  –  Why Social Media Gets Coercive Control So Wrong
04:00  –  Why Lawyers Tell Clients to Leave It Out (And Why It's Wrong)
05:00  –  Judge Best's Powerful Speech: "Soften Your Gaze"
06:00  –  Why Both Parents Having Issues Doesn't Mean Equal Blame
07:00  –  Section 4AB: The Family Violence Definition That Changed Everything
09:00  –  Why Courts Now MUST Consider Family Violence Allegations
10:00  –  The Old Kennon Case vs The New Law: What Changed
11:00  –  Choosing the Right Lawyer When Domestic Violence Is Involved
12:00  –  "Don't Raise It Or You Won't Settle" — The Lawyer Myth
13:00  –  When NOT to Mention Family Violence in Property Mediation
14:00  –  The Smarter Way to Negotiate Coercive Control in Mediation
16:00  –  Parenting Cases: Why You MUST Raise Family Violence
17:00  –  Lainhart & Elinson 2023: The Appeal Case Every Mum Should Know
18:00  –  Section 60CC: Safety of Children Now Comes First
19:00  –  Why Parents Don't Tell Lawyers the Full Truth (And Why You Must)
20:00  –  Coercive Control in Parenting Cases Explained
21:00  –  Counselling Orders: When the Court Mistakes Lip Service for Change
23:00  –  False Alienation Claims: The New Coercive Control Tactic
24:00  –  50/50 Is No Longer the Default — Here's What Replaced It
26:00  –  Free Divorce Webinar With Lynette (Family Law Specialist)
27:00  –  Property Settlement: How Domestic Violence Affects Your Percentage
28:00  –  Kennon & Kennon: The Original Family Violence Property Case
30:00  –  Dejani & Dejani: When a Child's Health Issue Was Hidden
32:00  –  Burnell & Rockford 2024: Coercive Control in Property Settlement
34:00  –  Financial Abuse and PIN Numbers: What the Court Decided
35:00  –  Why You Need These Cases at Your Mediation
37:00  –  How Lawyers Use Cases as Negotiation Leverage
38:00  –  Section 79 & Notice of Risk: The Mediation Framework
40:00  –  Adding Percentage in Mediation Without Saying Why
41:00  –  Why You Must Disclose Family Violence in Parenting Negotiations
43:00  –  Settlement vs Court: The 10 Questions You Should Ask Yourself
44:00  –  Why Mediators Forget You're Still Being Controlled
45:00  –  How to Prove Coercive Control: Affidavits That Stand Up
47:00  –  The Biggest Mistake: Peace at Any Price Mentality
48:00  –  Why Post-Separation Abuse Often Gets Worse
49:00  –  Don't Compromise on Children — Stand Your Ground
50:00  –  Final Thoughts: It's Their Shame, Not Yours
🎧 Episodes Mentioned in This Episode
1. How to Put Coercive Control Into Writing for Court
https://youtu.be/SIyXCGXH5nw?si=-7tLxmBpVQb2dNOv
2. Is It Family Violence? A Walk Through the Family Law Act
https://youtu.be/YCddFx9cs_Y?si=DbJU6ePYSxDZFrEn
3. Settling vs Going to Court: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself
https://youtu.be/gYpW3znoY28?si=pdg6wWbjMWttMH94
 
📚 Cases Mentioned (Take These to Your Lawyer)
Burnell & Rockford (2024) — Coercive control and financial abuse in property settlement https://austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC2F/2024/468.html

Lainhart & Elinson (2023) — Full Court appeal, Deputy Chief Justice McClelland — family violence in parenting https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2023/200.html

Dajani & Dajani [2025] FedCFamC1A 28 (26 February 2025) — Hidden health issues in children and the impact on contributions https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/28.html

Sayed & Rehmann [2025] FedCFamC1A 145 (21 August 2025) — Family violence and property contributions https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/145.html

Kennon & Kennon — The original family violence and property settlement case (Section 75)

📰 Resources Mentioned
Article: "Judge urges profession to soften your gaze when dealing with domestic and family violence" — QLS Proctor, 27 March 2024 (Federal Circuit & Family Court Judge Hannah Cara Best) https://www.qlsproctor.com.au/2026/03/judge-urges-profession-to-soften-your-gaze-when-dealing-with-dfv/
Family Law Act 1975 — Sections 4AB, 60CC, 75, 79 https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s4ab.html
🆘 Links & Resources
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7 family violence support)

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Emergency – 000

The Divorce Course – www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

Free Webinar with Lynette (family law accredited specialist) — register at thedivorcecourse.com.au

If this episode helped you feel braver about raising coercive control and domestic violence in your family law matter, please follow, rate, review, and share the podcast  it helps other people in coercively controlling situations find this information too. You are not alone, and you don't have to stay silent.

🎧 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 distressing for some listeners.
If you are unsafe or need support:
📞 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14
🚨 In an emergency, call 000
This podcast provides general educational information only and is not legal or financial advice. Please seek professional guidance tailored to your situation.
Most people going through property settlement are focused on one thing…
👉 What percentage am I going to get?
But here's what most people don't realise…
Two people can walk away with the same 50/50 split  and end up in completely different financial positions.
Because it's not just about the percentage…
👉 it's about what that percentage actually looks like in your life.
In this episode, Mum and I sit down with financial planner Pedro Marin and break down the four key steps a financial planner takes during property settlement so you can avoid costly mistakes and actually set yourself up for your future.
We talk about everything from figuring out what's in your property pool, to deciding how to structure your settlement, to planning your future and finally, making sure everything is actually set up properly after the deal is done.
Because getting a settlement is one thing…
👉 making it work for your life is another.
⏱️ Episode Timeline
00:00 – Divorce Property Settlement: It's Not Just the Percentage
01:22 – Meet Financial Planner Pedro Marin
04:04 – Why Financial Planning Matters in Divorce
08:01 – Step 1: Mapping Your Property Pool in Divorce
10:46 – Trusts & Companies in Divorce Explained
12:46 – Step 2: How to Structure Your Property Settlement
15:41 – Cash vs Property vs Super vs Shares in Divorce
23:20 – Step 3: Planning Your Financial Future After Divorce
24:48 – Financial Advice Risks: What You Need to Know
25:32 – Setting Financial Goals After Separation
28:58 – When to Start Financial Planning in Divorce
32:41 – Using the Same Financial Planner as Your Ex
34:52 – Budgeting for Mediation & Property Settlement
37:30 – Step 4: Implementing Your Divorce Settlement
40:20 – Insurance, Risk & Protection After Divorce
43:49 – Wills, Estate Planning & Protecting Your Children
47:25 – Biggest Mistake: Emotional Decisions in Divorce
49:35 – How to Work With a Financial Planner (Pedro Marin)
51:19 – Final Takeaways & Legal Disclaimer
🎧 Additional Episodes Mentioned
Weapons of Tax Destruction https://youtu.be/tsDlMphLRWk?si=1Fbpw7XJy9jxCK20

Living Arrangements: Should You Keep or Sell the House? https://youtu.be/wknV5CB90yY?si=HGwH5m1AtXba5k7G

 
🔗 Links & Resources
🌐 Marin Wealth: https://marinwealth.com.au/

📥 Free Checklists: https://thedivorcecourse.com.au

1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732

Lifeline – 13 11 14

If this episode helped you think differently about your property settlement, make sure you follow, rate, review, and share the podcast — because someone else out there needs to hear this before they make a costly mistake.