The Ex-Files - The Divorce and Separation Podcast

What to Do in the First 30 Days After Separation

Separation can feel overwhelming — especially in the first few weeks when emotions, parenting concerns, finances and practical decisions all collide at once.   In this new episode of The Ex-Files - The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald discuss the most important things to focus on in the first 30 days after separation.   They cover practical safety considerations, communicating with children, protecting important financial information, managing conflict, and the legal mistakes people commonly make early after separation.   This episode is designed to provide calm, practical guidance for people navigating one of the most difficult periods of their lives.   In this episode, we discuss: • What to do immediately after separation. • Safety and family violence concerns. • Separation under one roof. • Protecting financial information and important documents. • Parenting and supporting children through separation. • Property settlement considerations. • When to seek legal advice. • Common mistakes to avoid in the early stages.   Key Takeaways • Prioritise safety for yourself and your children. • Avoid making major legal or financial decisions in the heat of emotion. • Gather important financial and personal documents early. • Keep children out of adult conflict wherever possible. • Good early advice can help prevent expensive mistakes later.   Chapters 00:05 – Introduction to The Ex-Files 01:07 – Navigating the First 30 Days of Separation 02:24 – Safety and Practical Considerations During Separation 06:35 – Stabilizing the Situation for Children 09:51 – Understanding the Grief Cycle in Separation 11:31 – Financial Preparations for Separation 15:07 – Legal Aspects of Divorce and Separation 16:59 – Navigating Separation Under One Roof 19:32 – The Importance of Legal Advice During Separation 23:31 – Understanding Power Dynamics in Relationships 24:53 – Addressing Family Violence and Safety Concerns 28:45 – What Not to Do After Separation 31:33 – Planning for the Future Post-Separation   Resources • 1800RESPECT – https://www.1800respect.org.au [https://www.1800respect.org.au] • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law section) - https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl [https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl] • Services Australia – https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au [https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au]   Contact (Email)   • Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au [alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au] • Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au [liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au]   Keywords family law, separation, divorce, Australian family law, parenting arrangements, property settlement, separation advice, first 30 days after separation, family violence, children and separation, legal advice, separation under one roof   Disclaimer This podcast provides general educational information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice specific to your circumstances before making legal or financial decisions.

Property Settlement: Part 2 – Delays, Disputes & Disasters

In Part 2 of this deep dive into Property Settlements, Alex and Liza explore the cases that drag on... and on… and on. From high-conflict couples and judicial missteps to multi-jurisdictional property battles and sham trusts, this episode is a guided tour of what not to do if you want to settle your property dispute efficiently. Topics include: * The real timeline of a property case (hint: it's rarely 9 months) * The infamous Stanford v Stanford and why courts ask: “Should we even divide anything?” * Bevan v Bevan and Liza’s own jaw-dropping 26-year delay story * What happens when one party hides money, moves assets, or just refuses to cooperate * Why family trusts, forensic accountants, and third-party players can blow things up * The hidden cost of delays: financially, emotionally, and legally * When a judge gets it wrong, and what that means for your case If you're wondering why your matter isn’t moving—or want to avoid becoming a cautionary tale—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now for the courtroom chaos, lawyer banter, and the lessons you can actually use. Contact Alex and Liza: 📧 Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au 📧 Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au 🔗 Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6155675999789]

Property Settlement: How to Skip the Queue and Get It Done

Property settlements can be slow, frustrating, and emotionally exhausting, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, Alex and Liza dive into the most common delays, mistakes, and pain points that get in the way of a fast and fair outcome, and how you can avoid them. Whether you're dealing with hidden assets, emotional roadblocks, or just waiting in the court queue, this episode gives you the insider knowledge you need to speed things up and stay on track. You’ll hear about: * The biggest delays in property matters (spoiler: it’s often disclosure) * Why “just wanting it to be fair” can actually slow everything down * How grief, anger, and denial derail otherwise simple negotiations * The reality of court delays and how long it really takes to get a trial date * Why arbitration might be a faster (and smarter) alternative * Why involving third parties can be more trouble than it's worth * The importance of legal advice, even before you think you need it Whether you’ve just separated or you’ve been stuck in a property dispute for months, this episode will help you understand what’s going wrong and how to fix it. 🎧 Tune in now and get your property settlement moving. Contact Alex and Liza: 📧 Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au 📧 Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au 🔗 Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6155675999789] #TheExFilesPodcast #PropertySettlement #FamilyLaw #DivorceSupport #LegalAdvice #SeparationTips #DisclosureMatters #AvoidCourtDelays #MediationMatters #FinancialSeparation

Surviving Separation: A Dad's Guide to Family Law

In this special episode of The Ex Files, Alex takes the reins to walk Dads through the Top 10 Tips for Surviving Divorce and Separation. Joined by producer Matt, Alex shares personal insights and a bit of humour as he lays out the roadmap for dads navigating the emotional and legal complexities of family breakdowns. In this episode, Alex covers: 1. Put Your Oxygen Mask On First: Why looking after your own mental and physical health is crucial for your kids. 2. Be Organised: The power of lists, calendars, and decluttering your life during separation. 3. Plan for the Future: Setting goals, building financial stability, and thinking long-term. 4. Communicate Effectively: How to stay calm, respectful, and focused when communicating with your ex. 5. Stay Involved: Why being present in your kids’ lives—school events, sports, and daily routines—matters more than ever. 6. Expect the Unexpected: Navigating surprises like protection orders or sudden changes with grace. 7. Find the Right Lawyer: Why choosing the right legal representation is a game-changer. 8. Ask for Help: Breaking the stigma around seeking support, both emotionally and practically. 9. Educate Yourself: The value of parenting courses, financial planning, and understanding family law. 10. Don’t Panic: How to stay grounded when things get overwhelming, with a little help from Winston Churchill. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or right in the middle, these 10 tips are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps to move forward. Tune in now for enlightening discussions and real-world strategies that make a difference. Contact Alex and Liza: 📧 Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au 📧 Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au 🔗 Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6155675999789] #TheExFilesPodcast #DadsDivorce #FamilyLaw #ParentingAfterSeparation #CoParentingTips #FatherhoodMatters #DivorceSupport #LegalAdvice #SeparatedDads #FamilyLawMatters

Toxic Positivity and Divorce: Why It’s OK to Be Angry

In this powerful episode of The Ex Files, Alex and Liza dive headfirst into the often-ignored emotional minefield of toxic positivity during separation and divorce. When everyone says “stay amicable” or “just be the bigger person,” what happens to the very real, very raw feelings of anger, grief, and betrayal? Together, they unpack how suppressing those emotions, especially under pressure from professionals, social media, or well-meaning friends, can actually make the legal and emotional journey harder. From parenting dynamics to courtroom behaviour, they explore why acknowledging your anger (and finding safe ways to express it) is not only okay, it’s vital. This is an honest, practical, and emotionally intelligent look at what happens when positivity goes too far. Need someone to talk to? Support is available: * MensLine Australia [https://mensline.org.au/] * 1800Respect [https://www.1800respect.org.au/] * Kids Helpline [https://kidshelpline.com.au/] Contact Alex and Liza on the emails below or check them out on social media:  Alex Wynn – alex.wynn@keypointlaw.com.au  Liza Friedwald – liza.friedwald@keypointlaw.com.au  Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6155675999789]