The Separation Guide | A starting point for better separation and divorce

We often expect separation to be marked by conflict and disconnection - but what if it didn’t have to be that way?

In this heartwarming and honest episode of The Separation Guide podcast, psychologist and host Sabina Read sits down with Jane and Matt Martino - former partners who chose a different path. Married for 12 years and separated for eight, they share how they put the needs of their three boys at the centre of every decision...

What are the signs a relationship has run its course - and how can you tell the difference between natural relationship challenges and something more? In this heartfelt and insightful episode, psychologist and host Sabina Read speaks with accredited divorce coach Bev Berelowitz about the deeply personal and often painful decision to separate.

Bev shares her own experience of leaving her marriage, and the wisdom she’s gained from sup...

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. And with 25% of those who come to The Separation Guide for help experiencing some sort of violence or abuse, it is a very real barrier to many trying to leave relationships.

In this episode, White Ribbon Australia Acting Director Dean Cooper and Coordinator of Counselling Services Zoe Hughes join host Sabina Read to shed light on the many types of violence and abuse happening in...

Superannuation is often overlooked in separation, but it’s a crucial asset that can significantly impact your financial future. In this episode, we break down the key things you need to know about super in separation—why it matters, common misconceptions, and how to approach it fairly and equitably.

We explore the common fight-or-flight response in high-conflict separations, the importance of financial disclosure, and practical step...

In this episode, host Sabina Read sits down with Arabella Feltham, Separation Consultant at The Separation Guide, to explore how men can navigate separation with strength and support. They discuss:

• Staying out of conflict and prioritising health

• The importance of support networks

• Why men are often blindsided by separation news

• Managing grief, anger, and mental health challenges

• Practical advice for FIFO and emergency ...

Positive Co-parenting over the holiday season

In this episode, Lisanne Iriks of the Co-Parenting Institute talks with Sabina Read about creating a positive co-parenting environment for your children during the holiday season.

Whether the separation is relatively new or you are tackling your first Christmas as a separated family, Lisanne shares some ways to manage the emotions and changes to traditions over this time. She shares how...

How can I plan for my financial future?

Live, love, legacy and laugh

During this episode, Ryan Watson of Tribeca Financial will share how to escape fear and live the life you want in the future, following the priorities to live, love, legacy and laugh.

Ryan shares the range of emotions you may feel about your finances during separation. He shares some common fears many people experience during this time, such as the fear that you w...

This episode explores family law finance - a line of credit available to people who are going through separation and need to access funds to pay for professional support to reach a fair and equitable settlement that will set them up for a secure future.

We talk to Jack O'Donnell from JustFund about:

• the purpose of family law finance
• what it can cover
• how it differs from traditional loans
• who is eligible, and how...

The number of separated couples still living together in Australia is on the rise. Over 50% of people tell us that they have separated but are still living under one roof. The transition from partners to moving out can take some time, but we’re seeing that period grow longer for more and more couples. In this episode, separation and relationship coach Kelly Bagshaw joins us to talk about

• what’s causing this rising trend
• mak...

Dividing assets and property in separation and divorce may seem like a simple equation, but it gets complicated quickly. A 50-50 split may not always be the best outcome. Listen to find out what factors need to be considered in determining a fair property split. In this episode, we talked to Lauren Patford-Smith of Padford-Smith Legal Services about:

• the 4-step process of Family Law
• what assets and debts should you should in...

Telling your partner that you want to separate is a daunting prospect. Doing it wrong could have consequences like escalating conflict, creating unnecessary hurt for those around you and, in extreme circumstances, it could be dangerous. Preparing yourself to tell your spouse the right way can set the tone for a low-conflict separation from day one.

In this episode, we speak to our Senior Separation Consultant, Arabella Feltham, abo...

Around a third of Australia’s population was born overseas. Many married and de facto couples have at least one person from another country. If this is you, what happens if you separate in Australia? 

In this episode, we talk to experienced migration and family Lawyer from Starlight Legal, Eva Liang, about:

• how Australian Family Law recognises overseas marriages
• how to divorce when one party is overseas
• relocating chi...

Child support is a way for both parents to make sure that their kids are properly supported financially. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made around how your child support arrangement is set up, managed and collected. There are also a lot of implications to these decisions which might not become clear until you are a fair way down the child support road.

In this episode, we speak to Crystal Paduch from Child Support Co...

We’ve had ‘no-fault’ divorce in Australia since 1975. Unlike criminal law, there's not a guilty verdict. Your lawyer isn't fighting to 'win' - their job is to help you reach an agreement with your spouse over property and financial settlement and child arrangements.

So is there really a place for escalating your matter to an inevitable court date, and who is actually benefiting when that happens? Is it time in Australia for a kind ...

75% of the couples we hear from own property together. Find out about your borrowing options and know where you stand before you negotiate your financial settlement. In this episode, we speak to Senior Lending Specialist Jyana Papanastasiou from SCM Finance Solutions about:

• covering your loan when you separate
• refinancing when one person keeps the home
• pros and cons of selling and releasing equity
• getting a mortgage as a s...

Putting children through a family separation isn’t something anyone ever wants to do. So, how should you approach it if it happens? In this episode, we speak with Bron O’Loan from O’Loan Family Law about:

• telling children about your separation
• what to say if you can’t answer their questions
• involving children in decisions about their future
• messages you give children about the separation
• support networks for parents an...

What happens to your superannuation when you separate? In this episode, we chat with Samatha Miller from Clarity Lawyers, Chris Fagan from SCM Wealth Management and Christina Hobbs, CEO and co-founder of Verve Super about superannuation and separation.

Read the show notes.

Are you impacted by separation? Our 3-minute Q&A can help connect you with experts like those featured in our podcast to guide you through the maze. 

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