When we include de facto partnerships, the Australian Institute of Family Studies estimates that around 50% of all relationships—marriages and de facto unions—end in separation, with 60,000 to 70,000 couples parting ways each year. About 50% of these involve children under 18, impacting roughly 50,000 children annually. But can we prevent these splits before they happen? Before marriage or partnering, steps like premarital counselling, open financial discussions, and aligning on life goals can build a stronger foundation. During a relationship, regular communication, conflict resolution skills, and seeking couples therapy early can keep things on track. And if separation is unavoidable, how do we make it as painless and amicable as possible? Mediation, co-parenting plans, and respectful communication can ease the emotional and financial strain—starting at $10,000 for even a ‘cheap’ divorce. From the economic and social toll on families to the impact on kids and communities, we’ll share some ideas on why relationships might fail, maybe how to prevent it, and how to navigate a split smoothly if it happens.

Our guest today is

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Kerry Kovacs is someone who has asked herself some of these questions and others and committed herself to helping out with some of these issues . She has over 24 years of expertise in family law as a Special Counsel at Clarke Hemmerling Lawyers in Adelaide. She is a former barrister at the South Australian Bar , Kerry is focused on navigating the complexities of divorce, child custody, and property settlements with compassion while securing the best outcomes for families, and hopefully resolving those disputes outside the courtroom during some of her clients toughest moments . We are lucky enough to have her share some of her insights today.