What happens when family law disputes turn into drawn-out courtroom battles? In this episode, we uncover the hidden casualties of Australia’s Family Court system—the children. 💔 While parents and lawyers focus on winning, children are often left feeling powerless, anxious, and caught in a storm that was never theirs to begin with. Research from the Whitlam Institute and experts across the field reveal just how damaging prolonged litigation can be—not just financially, but emotionally.&n...

In this episode of Mediation Matters, Dan Toombs, Founder of Mediations Australia pulls back the curtain on Australia's broken legal system—where family law cases drag on for THREE years and couples collectively burn through $400,000 in legal fees fighting battles that didn't need to happen. In This Episode, You'll Discover: The shocking truth about why judges themselves are begging people to avoid courtroomsReal stories from the frontlines: A construction partnership saved and a ...

Separation is tough — but for fathers, it often comes with myths, mixed advice, and confusion. In this episode of Mediation Matters, Mediations Australia we cut through the noise and breaks down what dads really need to know about their rights after separation. 👉 Did you know? Fathers have the same legal rights as mothers under the Family Law Act 1975. But the law doesn’t talk about “rights” anymore — it’s all about responsibilities. We’ll explore: ✨ Equal shared parental re...

🎙️ Mediation Matters: Mediator vs. Conciliator – What’s the Real Difference? ⚖️💬 Ever been in a conversation where someone says “Oh, you mean…” and then totally describes something else? 🙃 That’s exactly what happens when people mix up mediators and conciliators – but trust us, they’re not the same thing. In this episode, Joanne takes you behind the scenes of two powerful dispute resolution roles you might encounter in family law. 💔➡️💡 👥 Mediators: The calm, neutral guides w...

👨‍👩‍👧 The Big Question When families separate, the #1 concern is: How do we make this work for our kids?You don’t just want a plan that looks good on paper — it has to work in real life.The secret? It’s not a “perfect formula”… it’s the process you use to create it.💡 Why Mediation Works Better Than Court ✅ Keeps decisions with the parents — not a judge who’s never met your kids✅ Higher compliance rates — people stick to what they helped create✅ Turns conflict into collaboration✅ S...

💔 The Challenge You’ve built a life together — a home, maybe a business, investments, super.Now, after separation, everything needs to be divided.The traditional court process?❌ Expensive❌ Time-consuming❌ Emotionally draining 💡 The Alternative – Property Settlement Mediation ✅ Avoid years in court✅ Save tens of thousands in legal fees✅ Keep control over your outcome✅ Keep your financial details private 📌 What We’ll Cover in This Episode: What property settlement mediation re...

💰 Splitting assets after separation? This could save you THOUSANDS in legal fees! When relationships end, dividing property fairly can feel overwhelming - but it doesn't have to be. In this edition of Mediation Matters we break down the two most powerful tools for formalising your property settlement: Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) and Consent Orders. Did you know 95% of property disputes NEVER reach final court hearings? Learn the insider strategies that experienced mediator...

Welcome to Mediation Matters, the podcast by Mediations Australia—leaders in family law mediation nationwide. I’m Ryan, and in this episode, we unpack what really happens in mediation and why it works. You might be surprised to learn that 70–80% of mediations in Australia result in agreements—but at Mediations Australia, we’re achieving over 90%. Why? Because mediation is designed to help people find practical, future-focused solutions—even in the most emotionally charged situations.&nb...

You know that feeling when something just doesn’t sit right in your relationship — but you can’t quite explain why? You haven’t been hit, but you feel smaller. Less free. Less yourself. This episode is for you. Because something big just happened in Queensland. And it’s about time. In this episode of Mediation Matters, we’re talking about Hannah’s Law — groundbreaking legislation that criminalises coercive control in Queensland. It's named in honour of Hannah Clarke, a ...

🚨 Are you facing drug and alcohol testing orders in your family court case? This comprehensive guide reveals everything Australian parents need to know about court-ordered substance testing - and a surprising alternative that could save your family thousands. Discover the three critical court documents that can make or break your case, understand exactly when judges order testing (it's not what you think!), and learn about the different types of tests from basic urine screens to compreh...

Can Your Ex Make Financial Claims After Divorce? Understanding Your Rights and Protecting Your Future Think your divorce means you're financially free from your ex? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we reveal the surprising 12-month window after divorce where your former spouse can still make claims against your assets – and the exceptions that could extend this timeframe indefinitely. Join Mediations Australia as we break down the complex world of post-divorce financial c...

Facing a family law dispute but your former partner refuses to participate in mediation? You're not alone, and you're not powerless. In this episode, we explore the practical strategies and legal pathways available when mediation isn't an option. Join us as we unpack the real reasons behind mediation refusal - from fear and misunderstanding to emotional barriers - and learn how to address these concerns constructively. We'll guide you through your legal options, including Section 60i Ce...

Australia's family law landscape has fundamentally changed in 2025, and these reforms are putting families back in control of their own outcomes. In this episode of Mediation Matters, we explore how the Family Law Amendment Act 2025 is reshaping dispute resolution and why mediation has become the preferred pathway for Australian families navigating separation and divorce. Ryan discusses four critical insights every family needs to understand: how the new mandatory mediation requirements...

Feeling trapped because your ex-partner won't sign the divorce papers? You're not alone, and you have more power than you think. In this essential episode of Mediation Matters by Mediations Australia, we reveal the surprising truth about divorce law in Australia and why your ex's signature isn't the roadblock you believe it to be. Join us as we explore the practical and legal realities of navigating divorce with an uncooperative former partner. We'll walk you through the sole applicatio...

Going through separation or divorce is overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate parenting arrangements alone. In this essential episode of the Mediations Australia podcast, we reveal four proven strategies that transform how Australian families approach parenting plans - putting children first while making life manageable for everyone. What You'll Discover: ✅ Why focusing on children's best interests changes everything (not just legal jargon!) ✅ How professional mediation becomes yo...

Imagine your parents gift you $50,000 for your first home, then 10 years later you're divorcing – is that money up for grabs? This video breaks down the complex reality of how Australian family law treats gifts during property settlements, and it's not as straightforward as you think! Discover the THREE critical factors courts consider when dividing gifts, real case examples that changed everything, and the costly mistakes people make with inheritance money. Whether it's wedding gifts, ...

Think sharing a Netflix account and a mortgage makes you just “roommates with benefits”? Under Australian family law, it probably makes you partners in a de facto relationship—with all the rights and obligations of a married couple. In this episode of Mediation Matters, we unpack exactly what de facto status means, how the courts decide whether you’ve crossed the line from dating to domestic partnership, and—most importantly—how mediation can keep you out of a back-logged courtroom and ...

Cryptocurrency just crashed your settlement meeting. 🪙💥 In this episode of Mediation Matters by Mediations Australia we discuss the wild new frontier of separating in the digital age: Why Australian courts treat your crypto like any other asset—and why timing the valuation could swing thousands of dollars either way.The disclosure minefield: “full and frank” meets anonymous wallets, blockchain forensics, and the heavy penalties for playing hide-and-seek with your Bitcoin.Practical division ta...

Are you prepared for the BIGGEST changes to Australian family law in decades? Starting June 2025, the Family Law Act reforms will transform how property gets divided, how courts handle domestic violence, and how families resolve disputes. If you're going through separation or divorce, this could save you thousands of dollars and months of stress! 💰 What you'll discover in this essential 10-minute guide: The new 4-step property settlement process that's making negotiations clearer ...