Think you know what divorce looks like in Australia? Think again. In this episode, we're busting some of the most common myths that trip people up emotionally, financially, and legally during separation and divorce. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or knee-deep in negotiations, these misunderstandings could be holding you back or costing you big.

Join Laura and her mum, Lynette Galvin — a family lawyer with 35+ years of experience — as they unpack 13 myths they hear all the time, including ones that cause fear, confusion, and prevent people from getting what they’re entitled to. From custody myths to super splitting, property settlement fears and bad legal advice — this episode is your reality check.

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE just a discussion about Australian Family Law and Divorce or DeFacto Separation.

 

 

🎧 Listen to This Episode If You:

✅ Are worried that leaving the house means losing it in the property split ❓ Think child support covers all expenses 💡 Believe the court always favours mothers in parenting cases 🛡 Are avoiding legal advice to “save money” 📚 Think you have to wait until your divorce is final to sort out property ⚖️ Are scared to date during separation because it might “hurt your case” 🧠 Just want to stop second-guessing everything your ex or their lawyer is telling you

 

 

📌 Links & Resources Mentioned:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DatingPost40 📝 Dating After Divorce Survey – Help us shape resources for separated parents: 

🎧 Related Episodes:

• Equalising Super: Is It Fair or a Financial Trap? Not yet released

• Is It Emotional Abuse? Recognising Coercive Control https://youtu.be/PHfhLZXlUc8?si=l2U3B8hOKhKlr2v-

• How to Prepare for Mediation Like a Pro https://youtu.be/JYqqDyWa5ns?si=IEdr3tdQnF4fLMnE

💻 Search Our Full Podcast Library – https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

 

 

⚠️ Emergency Contacts & Support Services:

💜 Women’s Shelter Service: Call 1800 811 811 ⚖️ Legal Aid: Visit Legal Aid Website 📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support): Call 13 11 14 👨‍👦 Mensline Australia: Call 1300 789 978 👧 Kids Help Line: Call 1800 551 800 🚨 National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 RESPECT): Call 1800 737 732 🖤 Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1800 019 123

 

 

💬 Final Thoughts:

No matter where you’re at in your divorce journey, understanding the truth behind these myths can empower you to make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Don’t let fear, bad advice, or outdated beliefs hold you back.

👉 Hit play now and take the guesswork out of your separation. 🎧

 

 

⏳ Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction to Divorce Myths

01:38 Myth 1: Property Settlement Timing for Divorce in Australia

02:42 Myth 2: Do Family Courts Favour Mothers for Custody

04:33 Myth 3: Ownership and Coercive Control in Divorce

06:38 Myth 4: Equalizing Superannuation in Divorce

07:45 Myth 5: Dating After Separation can it affect your divorce or custody?

10:19 Myth 6: Can you Settle Divorce Without Court

11:58 Myth 7: Leaving the House and Kids during divorce

16:47 Myth 8: Not getting legal Advice Saves Money in Divorce

19:08 Myth 9: Property Settlements Are always 50/50

22:45 Myth 10: Child Support Covers All Expenses

24:07 Myth 11: Do Family  Lawyers Know Everything

30:20 Conclusion and Resources

 

Divorce Myths That Could Cost You – Debunked! Episode 189