Divorce and Separation

By Nikki Parkinson

Hi, I'm Nikki Parkinson, separation strategist, family law expert, mother of three, and divorcee. I'm also the creator of the Divorce and Separation Hub, a resource to show you how to turn a breakup i... more

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How many episodes does Divorce and Separation have?

The podcast currently has 99 episodes available.

Best of Divorce and Separation

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Parenting | Are Your Kids Walking on Eggshells? Co-Parenting Without Emotional Damage
When parents separate, the focus is often on logistics parenting schedules, property settlements, court orders. But underneath all of that is something quieter. The emotional world of our children. In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Jamie Maserow, author of The Therapist in Therapy, to explore the silent emotional work children often carry during divorce and separation. We discuss how children can slip into people-pleasing patterns, walking on eggshells to avoid upsetting Mum or Dad. We unpack jealousy — whether it's a child feeling replaced by a new partner, or a parent struggling with their child's bond with the other parent. And we talk about how to build emotional safety so kids feel secure enough to express what they really think and feel. Jamie shares practical strategies parents can implement immediately, including grounding techniques to manage anxiety during handovers and how to create open conversations without burdening children with adult issues. Resources Mentioned The Therapist in Therapy – Jamie Maserow The Invisible String (children's book referenced in discussion) Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Visit Divorce and Separation Hub to explore expert resources, courses, and programs tailored to your needs. Share your questions or comments you're not alone in this. Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub. The Divorce and Separation Hub Website The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE. Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE. Guest: Jaime Maserow, Psychologist and Author of The Therapist in Therapy Website Instagram Book Loved This Episode? Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now. This episode is produced by Dan King of Dan King Productions. This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict. Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au. Disclaimer I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
February 11, 202616min
Number 2: Legal | Wills, Superannuation and Powers of Attorney After Divorce or Separation
When you separate, there are some practical things that feel urgent - parenting arrangements, property settlement, bank accounts, where everyone is going to live. But there is another part of separation that many people overlook. Your estate planning. I'm joined by Mike Poynter, Principal Lawyer at MCP Legal, a partner firm of Simple Separation, to talk about the four key documents you need to review when you separate: your will, superannuation death benefit nominations, life insurance, and enduring powers of attorney. Because here's the thing most people do not realise: if you separate and do nothing, your existing documents may still point to your former partner. And if you do not have a will at all, the law may still treat your spouse as the first person entitled to your estate until you are legally divorced. Mike explains what estate planning actually means, the difference between being separated, divorced, married or de facto, and why it is so important to understand what happens to your assets, superannuation and decision-making powers if something happens to you. This is not about fear. It is about making informed choices. In this episode, we discuss: • What estate planning actually means • Why your will matters after separation • The difference between an executor, trustee and beneficiary • What happens if you separate but do not update your will • The difference between married and de facto couples after separation • Why divorce can change your estate planning position • What happens if you die without a will • Superannuation binding death benefit nominations • Why your super nomination can override your will • Life insurance inside and outside of super • Enduring powers of attorney and medical decision-making • Advanced care directives • Why backup decision-makers matter • The one simple estate planning step you can take today Key takeaway: Separation changes your life, but it does not automatically change every legal document connected to your life. Your will, superannuation nomination, life insurance and enduring power of attorney may still name your former partner unless you take steps to review them. You may not need to change everything immediately, but you do need to know where you stand. Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Visit Divorce and Separation Hub to explore expert resources, courses, and programs tailored to your needs. Share your questions or comments you're not alone in this. Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub. The Divorce and Separation Hub Website The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE. Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE. Guest: Mike Poynter, Principal Lawyer at MCP Legal Website Instagram Loved This Episode? Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now. This podcast's audio production crafted by Dan at dankingproductions.com.au. This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict. Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au. Disclaimer I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
July 02, 202635min
Number 3: Legal | From Power Imbalance to Practical Agreement: Inside the Mediation Room
I'm back with Gerard Rees from Simple Separation for part two of our conversation. In Episode 84, we spoke about superannuation what I sometimes call the hidden asset. In this episode, we're talking about something I hear from clients all the time: "I just want to be heard." But what does that actually mean in mediation? And more importantly how do you make sure your voice is heard without the room blowing up? Gerard shares what he listens for as a mediator when someone says that sentence. Often, it's not just about speaking. It's about power imbalance. It's about fear. It's about worrying you'll be intellectually, emotionally or financially overpowered. We talk about: How mediators create safety in the room Why preparation builds confidence The behaviours that can accidentally make you harder to hear The difference between telling your story and negotiating your future Income disparity and how "future needs" really work What happens when you're still living under one roof When mediation isn't appropriate and why a mediator has a duty to withdraw This is a practical, grounded, honest conversation about what mediation really looks like and how to approach it in a way that gives you the best chance of reaching an agreement you can actually live with. Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Visit Divorce and Separation Hub to explore expert resources, courses, and programs tailored to your needs. Share your questions or comments you're not alone in this. Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub. The Divorce and Separation Hub Website The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE. Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE. Guest: Gerard Rees, Senior Mediator, Simple Separation Website Instagram Loved This Episode? Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now. This podcast's audio production crafted by Dan at dankingproductions.com.au. This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict. Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au. Disclaimer I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
April 01, 202634min
Number 4: What Happens to Men After the Relationship Ends with Dr Eran Magen
This episode includes discussion around mental health, emotional distress, and suicide risk, particularly for men navigating separation and divorce. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you. If you need support, reach out to someone you trust or a qualified professional. In this episode I am joined by Dr Eran Magen, Yale Pyschologist and Founder DivorcingDads.org. In this episode, we talk about: Why you might look fine on the outside but feel completely destabilised inside The loss of identity that can come with separation The emotional exhaustion, fear and uncertainty that often go unspoken Why there is no quick fix and why that's actually okay A simple way to understand your energy when everything feels depleted: Escape. Recharge. Growth. Why sadness is so difficult to express and how to start The fear of opening up and "not being able to close it again" Loneliness, withdrawal and why connection matters more than you think Suicide risk in men going through divorce and what to look out for What actually helps when you feel overwhelmed The one place to start: talking to someone I would like you to take this away - What you're feeling makes sense. You're not weak for struggling. And you don't have to do this on your own. Resources & support If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out. Australia Lifeline — 13 11 14 MensLine — 1300 78 99 78 Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub. The Divorce and Separation Hub Website The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE. Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE. Guest: Dr Eran Magen, Yale Psychologist and Founder of DivorcingDads.org Meet Dr Magen - Dr. Eran Magen earned his M.A. in education and Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University, completed post-doctoral training in child psychology and population health, and currently serves as an assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. He is the founder of ParentingForHumans.com and DivorcingDads.org, which support parents in creating strong, collaborative and joyful relationships with their children. He is also the founder of EarlyAlert, which prevents suicide among students and veterans. Loved This Episode? Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now. This episode is produced by Dan King of Dan King Productions. This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict. Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au. Disclaimer I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
March 18, 202642min
Number 5: Legal | The Silent Asset: Superannuation, Power Imbalances, and Getting Heard in Mediation
What does it actually mean when someone says, "I just want to be heard" and why does it matter so much in mediation? In this episode, I'm joined by Gerard Rees, Senior Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner at Simple Separation, to unpack what mediators listen for, how power imbalances show up, and why superannuation is often the most underestimated asset in family property settlements. We talk through full and frank disclosure, why you shouldn't mediate "blind," and the very real house vs super trade-offs that can shape your life not just now but in 10, 15, 30 years. In this episode we cover: Why "I want to be heard" can signal a power imbalance (especially financially); The non-negotiables before mediation: an agreed balance sheet + values + disclosure; Why legal advice before mediation changes everything (confidence, clarity, reality testing); How the law recognises non-financial contributions (parenting + domestic work); Why super feels "personal" (and why people get emotionally attached to it); The most common house vs super trade-off and how to think it through; Gerard's best "pause before you agree" tip: today's needs vs future security. Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Visit Divorce and Separation Hub to explore expert resources, courses, and programs tailored to your needs. Share your questions or comments you're not alone in this. Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub. The Divorce and Separation Hub Website The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE. Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE. Guest: Gerard Rees, Senior Mediator, Simple Separation Website Instagram Loved This Episode? Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now. This podcast's audio production crafted by Dan at dankingproductions.com.au. This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict. Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au. Disclaimer I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
February 18, 202621min