Think sharing a Netflix account and a mortgage makes you just “roommates with benefits”? Under Australian family law, it probably makes you partners in de facto relationships —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 in control of your own future. 

🔍 Inside you’ll learn: 

• The legal checklist the courts use to label a relationship de facto (hint: it’s more than the two-year rule).
• Property & superannuation stakes: why “what’s mine is yours” suddenly applies—and how to divide the asset pool fairly.
• Children & parenting arrangements: identical rules to marriage, but often smoother through mediation.
• Time-bomb deadlines: the two-year window to start a property claim after separation.
• Binding Financial Agreements & Consent Orders: how a mediated deal becomes iron-clad under the Family Law Act.

⚖️ Why listen?
 

The family-law courts are bursting with a 30,000-case backlog. Family Law Mediation offers a faster, cheaper, less stressful path—and places the decision-making power back in your hands, not a judge’s.

Ready for clarity? Book your free initial consultation with Mediations Australia and map out your best next step—before the clock (and your patience) runs out.

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.

Separated under one roof and still sharing a kitchen, hallway, and dealing with awkward silences? You're not alone—around 1 in 4 separating couples in Australia find themselves in exactly this situation. Whether it's the brutal housing market, keeping things stable for the kids, or waiting for a property settlement to finalise, moving out simply isn't an option for many people. 

Here's what most people don't realise: you don't have to live at different addresses to be legally separated. Australian family law recognises that couples can be genuinely separated while still under the same roof. But—and this is crucial—you need to be able to prove it. And that's where things can go sideways if you're not careful. 

In this video, we unpack the legal requirements for separation under one roof, including what the courts actually look for: separate finances, independent daily routines, different sleeping arrangements, and evidence that friends and family are aware the relationship has ended. We also dive into the Centrelink SS293 form—one of the most common hurdles for separated couples—and reveal the mistakes that delay applications by weeks (vague statements, outdated bank statements, missing signatures, and contradictory information). 

Beyond the paperwork, we tackle the emotional and practical realities of cohabiting with an ex-partner. You'll learn how to establish clear boundaries, divide shared spaces, communicate without escalation, and why mediation can be a game-changer for creating workable household arrangements without the cost and stress of court. 

This isn't just about surviving separation—it's about protecting your legal entitlements and mental wellbeing while you navigate this transitional phase. 

📞 Need guidance tailored to your situation? Mediations Australia offers FREE consultations Australia-wide. Our nationally accredited mediators work alongside experienced family lawyers to help you establish boundaries, sort out financial matters fairly, and find common ground—even when you're still sharing a roof. 

👉 Book your free consultation: www.mediationsaustralia.com.au

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.

How Much Does a Family Lawyer  Cost in Australia? (The Truth Will Shock You) 

💔 Searching "family lawyer cost" at 2am? You're not alone — and you deserve to know the REAL numbers before making any decisions. 

In this podcast, we break down the true cost of family law in Australia — from hourly rates to hidden fees — and reveal the smarter alternative that could save you up to 95% on legal costs. 

What You'll Learn: 

⚖️ Average family law matter costs ($30,000 - $300,000+ exposed) 

💰 Hourly rates breakdown: Junior solicitors vs. Senior partners 

📍 How your location affects what you pay 

🔑 The 12 factors that determine YOUR final bill 

✅ Mediation vs. litigation: A side-by-side cost comparison 

👨‍👩‍👧 Why this matters even MORE when children are involved 

The Bottom Line? Mediation: $2,500 - $5,000 TOTAL 

Litigation: $30,000 - $100,000+ PER PERSON 

Same outcome. Fraction of the cost. Days instead of years.  

📞 Book your FREE consultation: mediationsaustralia.com.au 

🆘 Experiencing family violence? Call 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.

💰 The average contested divorce in Australia costs tens of thousands—some cases exceed $100,000 and drag on for YEARS. But here's the truth: it really doesn't have to be that way. 

The couples who come out strongest aren't the wealthiest or most legally aggressive. They're the ones who prepared early and chose collaboration over combat. 

In this podcast, we reveal the practical financial steps you need to take BEFORE separation to protect yourself, your family, and your future—whether you're just starting to worry or already facing the end of a marriage. 

Here's what we cover: 

✅ Mapping your complete financial picture (assets, super & debts) 

✅ Why your own bank account is a non-negotiable safety net 

✅ The credit check most people forget until it's too late 

✅ Why timing matters more than you think

 ✅ How mediation saves money, time, and relationships 

When you're prepared, you have options. When you have options, you have power. 

📩 Considering separation? Explore family law mediation before the battle lines are drawn. At Mediations Australia, we help families resolve disputes faster, more affordably, and with far less conflict. 

👇 Questions about divorce, separation, or mediation in Australia? Drop them in the comments—we read every one. 

If this helped, hit SUBSCRIBE and tap the 🔔 for more guidance on navigating family transitions with your finances and dignity intact.

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.

Kennon v Spry — What It Means for Family Trusts & Property Settlements 

Discover why the landmark High Court case Kennon v Spry changed the way Australian courts treat family trusts during divorce and separation. In this video we unpack how and when discretionary-trust assets can be included in the marital property pool — and why that matters for couples, families and financial planning. 

📌 What you’ll learn 

• How control and benefit over a trust can make its assets part of the “property pool” subject to division. 
• Why attempts to restructure a trust during separation may be reversed under Family Law Act 1975 (or subsequent amendments). 
• When trust assets — even if not fully included in the property pool — can still be treated as a “financial resource” relevant to a settlement.
• Why family law mediation often makes more sense than litigation for resolving trust-related family law disputes. 

⚖️ Why it matters
 
For many Australians, placing assets in a family trust has been viewed as a form of asset protection. But Kennon v Spry showed that when one spouse has effective control and there is a realistic potential benefit, the trust may be treated like marital property — radically shifting the financial stakes of separation or divorce. 
 
If you or someone you know is dealing with a family trust and separation, it’s crucial to understand these legal principles — and consider mediation as a constructive, cost-effective alternative to litigation.

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.

📈 Why are workplace disputes in Australia surging — and what can you actually do about it? 

The Fair Work Commission just dropped some eye-opening numbers: 44,075 lodgements this year alone. That's a 10% jump. Unfair dismissal claims? Over 16,000. Anonymous tip-offs to the Fair Work Ombudsman? Up 50%. Something's shifting in Australian workplaces, and most people haven't noticed yet. 

In this podcast, we break down: 

⚡ The 3 key reasons workplace disputes are climbing fast 

⚡ Why hybrid work and flexible arrangements are creating new friction 

⚡ The hidden costs of letting conflict fester (hint: it's not just money) 

⚡ How early workplace mediation can resolve disputes in hours — not months 

⚡ A real case study: a workplace mess sorted in just 3 hours 

Whether you're an employer navigating a tricky situation or an employee who feels unheard, this video gives you the insights to take control before things escalate. 

🔗 Need help resolving a workplace dispute? Visit Mediations Australia: www.mediationsaustralia.com.au

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.

Your verbal agreement means NOTHING without this step. 😬 

You've done the hard work. You've negotiated with your ex about the house, the children, the debts. You've finally reached an agreement. But here's what most separating couples in Australia don't realise — that agreement isn't worth the paper it's written on. 

A verbal agreement? Unenforceable. A parenting plan? Valid, but if your ex stops following it, your options are limited. Even a written agreement between you both carries almost no legal weight. 

Enter consent orders. 

A consent order transforms your agreement into a legally binding court order — with the same power as if a judge handed it down after a trial. No courtroom drama. No expensive legal battle. Just protection, certainty, and peace of mind.  

📌 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS PODCAST: 

✅ What consent orders actually are (and aren't) 

✅ Why verbal and written agreements fail when things go wrong 

✅ Exactly what consent orders can cover — parenting AND property 

✅ The surprisingly simple application process 

✅ Real costs revealed: between $2k and $5k plus $205 filing fee + 6-8 weeks processing 

✅ Consequences of breaching consent orders (yes, imprisonment is possible) 

✅ Critical time limits that could lock you out forever 

✅ How mediation helps you reach agreement faster

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.

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. 

✨ But there’s hope. We’ll explore how mediation offers a better path forward: faster, less expensive, and centred on children’s wellbeing. Instead of fuelling conflict, mediation empowers parents to collaborate and create solutions that truly work for their families. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why prolonged litigation amplifies children’s trauma
• The financial and emotional costs of adversarial court battles
• How mediation keeps families in control and protects kids
• When mediation works—and when it doesn’t

⚠️ If you’re facing family violence or safety concerns, please reach out to 1800 RESPECT or the NSW Domestic Violence Line. Safety comes first.
 
👉 Learn more about alternatives to litigation: mediationsaustralia.com.au

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.

Did you know 75% of workplace disputes in Australia are resolved WITHOUT going to court? If you're dealing with unpaid wages, unfair dismissal, or workplace conflict, this could save you thousands in legal fees! 

Australia's Fair Work system is your secret weapon for resolving workplace disputes quickly and effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we break down exactly how the Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman can help you navigate workplace conflicts - plus when you might need private mediation specialists for complex situations. 

What You'll Learn: ✅ The 3-stage dispute resolution process that saves businesses 30-50% of management time ✅ How mediation achieves a 75% success rate (and why it works so well) ✅ When to use FREE Fair Work services vs. private mediation specialists ✅ Real examples: $16 million in back-payments resolved through mediation alone ✅ Smart strategies for preserving workplace relationships while protecting your rights 

Whether you're an employee facing workplace issues or an employer wanting to prevent costly disputes, this video gives you the roadmap to resolve conflicts before they escalate. 

Don't let workplace disputes damage your career or business - learn the system that actually works!

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

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 courtrooms
• Real stories from the frontlines: A construction partnership saved and a family's assets preserved
• Which disputes can be mediated (hint: 90% of ALL conflicts, from workplace bullying to inheritance battles)
• The hidden cost of litigation that goes beyond money—public records, destroyed relationships, and years of stress
• Why mediation has a 90% success rate and how it typically wraps up in days, not years
• The smart "hybrid approach" that keeps litigation as your backup plan

Dan shares eye-opening insights from recent client conversations, including a property settlement that almost cost $200,000 in unnecessary legal fees and a business dispute that stayed private instead of becoming public court record.
 
Perfect for anyone who:
 

• Is facing separation or divorce proceedings
• Has business partnership or contract disputes
• Needs to resolve workplace conflicts
• Is dealing with inheritance or estate disagreements
• Wants to understand their options before calling a lawyer

This isn't just about saving money (though you could save hundreds of thousands). It's about finding solutions that actually work in real life, preserving relationships that matter, and taking control of your outcome instead of leaving it to a judge.
 
🎧 Listen now and discover why even the courts want you to try mediation first.

Show Notes & Resources: Visit www.mediationsaustralia.com.au for free consultation information Follow Mediation Matters for weekly dispute resolution insights Share this episode with someone facing a costly legal battle
 
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review if this episode helped you see disputes differently!

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.