Who keeps the pet after a breakup?

Under new changes to the Family Law Act, pets are finally being seen for what they are — loved family members.

In this episode of The Divorce Collective, Dannielle Young dives into what these legal changes mean, how courts are handling pet custody, and why mediation might be the key to avoiding a pet custody war.

In this episode of The Divorce Collective, host Dannielle Young follows her theme of stress and conflict management strategies to adopt during separation. She introduces the Dropping Anchor Technique, a mindfulness-based grounding exercise rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). By exploring this technique, Dannielle helps individuals to stay calm and collected during the emotionally overwhelming moments of separation. This practical, three-step will call you to feel empowered in regaining control of your emotions and behaviours when confronted with challenges.

Key Points Discussed:

What is the Dropping Anchor Technique?

Like an anchor in stormy waters, this grounding exercise aims to help manage emotional storms during high-stress situations by preventing emotional drifts and impulsive reactions.

Separation can be an emotionally charged process, often leading to misunderstandings and conflict. In today’s episode of The Divorce Collective, Dannielle Young explores the BIFF Technique—Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm—a practical communication strategy to minimise conflict during separation. Whether you're navigating co-parenting, legal discussions, or personal exchanges, BIFF offers a structured approach to keep conversations calm and productive. 

Key Points Discussed

What is BIFF?

• Brief: Keep communication short, clear, and to the point.
• Informative

Join Senior Associate and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Dannielle Young in this episode of the Divorce Collective Podcast as she shares insight on navigating separation with children with neurodivergent needs.

Separation is challenging and the complexities multiply when neurodivergent children are involved in the process. Neurodivergent children thrive on structure, consistency and credibility. It is essential to adapt thoughtful strategies that prioritise children’s emotional wellbeing.

Here are some useful strategies you can implement, which are further discussed in today’s episode:

1. Maintain consistency and routine
2. Communicate openly and honestly
3. Develop transition plan
4. Foster positive co-parenting and collaboration

In this episode of The Divorce Collective Podcast, Dannielle Young, Senior Associate at Collective Family Law Group and an experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, sheds light on the often-overlooked topic of support people in family law mediation. 

Mediation is a highly effe

In this episode of The Divorce Collective Podcast, Danielle Young, Senior Associate and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner at Collective Family Law Group, explores the often-overlooked downsides of taking family law disputes to court. Many separating couples assume that court is the only route to resolve issues like parenting arrangements and property settlements, but it’s important to understand the emotional, financial, and time-consuming toll it can take on everyone involved—especially the children.

Dannielle Talks About:

• The emotional impact of court on both parents and children
• How lengthy court proceedings can leave families in a state of limbo
• The financial strain of legal fees and court costs

Join Senior Associate and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Dannielle Young in this episode of the Divorce Collective Podcast, as she discusses a topic that often comes up in family law matters: Introducing new partners to your children after separation.

The transition through separation and divorce is a challenging time, especially when it involves managing your children’s emotions and adjusting to new dynamics within the family. Introducing a new partner can add complexity to this already delicate situation. In this episode, Dannielle provides guidance on how to approach this sensitive process, ensuring that the well-being of your children remains a priority.

Join Senior Associate and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Dannielle Young in this episode of the Divorce Collective Podcast, as she shares the harmful effects of speaking negatively about the other parent post-separation. While it’s common for emotions to run high during and after a separation, parents often don’t realise the profound impact that negative comments can have on their children.

In this episode, Dannielle discusses the emotional, psychological, and legal implications of speaking poorly about the other parent. She highlights how this behaviour can cause emotional distress, damage self-esteem, increase stress, and strain the parent-child relationship. Dannielle also explores the potential long-term consequences for children, including their ability to form healthy relationships and navigate their own emotions in adulthood.

Parents have a responsibility to prioritise their children’s well-being, even in the most challenging times. Tune in to learn why it’s crucial to avoid disparaging the other parent and how to create a supportive environment that fosters resilience and a healthy adjustment to family changes.

• Understand how negative comments impact children’s emotional health and self-esteem.
• Learn about the potential legal and custody implications of disparaging the other parent.
• Discover strategies for fostering a positive and nurturing environment post-separation.

Join us to gain valuable insights into how your actions as a parent can shape your child’s emotional health and well-being during separation. Book

Join Senior Associate Dannielle Young in this episode of the Divorce Collective Podcast as she breaks down the complexities of Section 60I certificates in Australian family law. If you're going through post-separation parenting disputes, understanding these certificates is essential for achieving the best outcomes for your children.

In this episode, Dannielle explains what a Section 60I certificate is when it is required, and the circumstances that may exempt you from needing one. She also covers the five types of Section 60I certificates and who can issue them, providing clarity on how these documents play a crucial role in the Family Dispute Resolution process.

Join Dannielle Young, Senior Associate at Collective Family Law Group, as she talks us through a powerful tool for presenting evidence: affidavits. It can be difficult to fully comprehend crucial legal documents and what they entail. Tune in and learn what affidavits are, their purpose in Australian Family Law, how to prepare one, and the importance of accuracy and honesty when creating an affidavit.

What is an affidavit? An affidavit is a written statement made under oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court proceedings. It serves as a formal declaration of facts, where the person making the affidavit (known as the deponent) swears or affirms that the information provided is true to the best of their knowledge. In Australian family law, affidavits are commonly used in cases involving divorce, child custody, property settlements, and other family-related disputes.

An affidavit provides a detailed account of circumstances and context, allowing the Court to make informed decisions and judgment. 

Preparation of an affidavit involves outlining clear and concise facts, attaching supporting documents, and swearing or affirming the affidavit in the presence of an authorised witness.

Accuracy is paramount when creating an affidavit. Inaccurate, false or misleading information can incur serious legal consequences and negatively impact the outcome of your case.