Surviving Separation: A Dad's Guide to Family Law

What Judges Look for in Parenting Cases

Many parents come to Family Court thinking the Judge will focus on every complaint they have about the other parent. In reality, Judges are usually looking at something very different. In this episode of The Ex-Files - The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald discuss what Judges look for in parenting cases and why the Court’s focus is not on scoring points, proving who is the “better” parent, or revisiting every disagreement from the relationship. They explain how parenting cases are approached through the lens of the child’s best interests, including safety, practicality, risk, credible evidence, decision-making and the importance of keeping children out of parental conflict. In this episode, we discuss: • Why what matters to a parent may not be what matters to a Judge. • Why equal shared time is not automatic. • The importance of safe, practical and sustainable parenting arrangements. • Why parenting cases are not about scoring points. • Risk allegations, notices of risk and the need for evidence. • How child-focused behaviour can help in parenting proceedings. • Why children should not be interrogated, coached or made to keep secrets. • Credibility, consistency and avoiding exaggeration in affidavit material. • Decision-making responsibility when parents cannot communicate. • Family Reports, Independent Children’s Lawyers and the influence they can have. • Why micromanaging the other household may not help your case. Key Takeaways • The Court is focused on the child’s best interests, not every parenting disagreement. • Equal time is not the automatic starting point. • Parenting arrangements need to be safe, practical and realistic. • Judges look closely at whether parents are genuinely child-focused. • Badmouthing the other parent, withholding children or involving children in conflict can be damaging. • Evidence should be consistent, relevant and supported by independent records where possible. • Risk allegations should be handled carefully and not exaggerated. • Family reports and ICLs can be important, but they are not perfect processes. • Parents have responsibilities, and children have rights. • A strong parenting case is practical, reasonable, evidence-based and focused on the child rather than the conflict. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 04:25 - Best Interests of the Child and Practical Parenting Arrangements 09:23 - Risk Allegations and Evidence 16:09 - Child-Focused Behaviour and Co-Parenting 21:54 - Credibility, Evidence and Decision-Making 27:07 - Family Reports, ICLs and Final Considerations 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 parenting cases, parenting orders, family law, divorce, separation, Australian family law, Family Court parenting matters, best interests of the child, child-focused parenting, parenting disputes, equal time, decision-making responsibility, family reports, Independent Children’s Lawyer, ICL, notice of risk, family violence, risk allegations, co-parenting, parenting arrangements, family court Australia 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 parenting decisions.

Inside the Family Court Process: What Really Happens After You File

Many people assume that once they file in the Family Court, a judge will simply hear both sides and make a decision.   The reality is very different.   In this episode of The Ex-Files – The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald explain what actually happens after court proceedings begin and walk through the Family Court process from start to finish.   Using the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia's Central Practice Direction as a guide, they discuss the key stages of a family law case, including pre-action procedures, interim hearings, mediation, compliance hearings and final trials.   Whether you're involved in a parenting dispute, a property settlement, or both, this episode provides a practical roadmap of what to expect and how to avoid some of the common mistakes that increase costs, delay and stress.   In This Episode   • Why the Court expects parties to try to resolve disputes before filing proceedings. • Parenting and property pre-action procedures. • Section 60I Certificates and Genuine Steps Certificates. • Interim applications and urgent court orders. • Affidavits, questionnaires and evidence requirements. • What happens at the first court event. • Interim hearings and directions hearings. • Family Dispute Resolution and Conciliation Conferences. • Compliance and Readiness Hearings. • Preparing for trial. • What happens at a final hearing. • Reserved judgments and final orders. • Practical ways to reduce costs and focus on the issues that matter.   Key Takeaways   • Court should generally be a last resort, not the first step. • Parties are expected to genuinely attempt resolution before commencing proceedings. • Interim hearings deal with urgent issues, not the entire case. • Good preparation can reduce costs, delays and stress. • Case outlines help identify the real issues in dispute. • Court-led mediation can provide valuable reality checks. • Compliance with court orders is critical. • Understanding the process helps you make better decisions throughout your matter.   Chapters   00:00 – Introduction 01:05 – What Is the Central Practice Direction? 05:50 – Pre-Action Procedures Explained 10:50 – Filing Court Proceedings 20:45 – Interim Hearings 25:00 – Mediation and Conciliation Conferences 28:45 – Compliance and Readiness Hearings 31:45 – Preparing for Trial 37:00 – Final Hearings and Judgment 40:50 – Practical Lessons for Separating Families   Contact 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 court process, family law Australia, family court Australia, FCFCOA, parenting proceedings, property settlement, interim hearing, mediation, conciliation conference, section 60I certificate, family lawyer, divorce, separation, parenting dispute, family law litigation, trial preparation, Australian family law   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.

From Negotiation to Court: The Step-by-Step Family Law Pathway You Should Follow

Many people think the hard part of a property settlement is reaching an agreement. In reality, reaching an agreement is often only the beginning.   In this episode of The Ex-Files – The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald discuss what happens after the negotiations end and why properly formalising a property settlement is one of the most important steps in the entire process.   They explain the different pathways available to separating couples, including negotiation, mediation, consent orders, binding financial agreements and litigation.   In this episode, we discuss:   • Why reaching an agreement is not the end of the property settlement process. • The different pathways available for resolving property matters. • Negotiation, mediation and family dispute resolution. • Consent Orders and when they may be appropriate. • Binding Financial Agreements and the risks of getting them wrong. • The Priority Property Pool process for smaller asset pools. • When litigation may become necessary. • Why informal agreements can unravel. • The importance of properly formalising a settlement. • The impact of family violence and financial abuse in property matters. • Practical steps to take before agreeing to any settlement proposal.   Key Takeaways   • Reaching an agreement is only the starting point — it still needs to be properly documented. • Informal agreements, emails and handshake deals may not provide legal protection. • Understanding the available settlement pathways can help reduce cost, delay and conflict. • Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements each have advantages and limitations. • Full and frank financial disclosure remains essential throughout the process. • Gathering the right documents early can save significant time and legal costs. • Family violence and financial abuse may be relevant considerations in property settlements. • A property settlement is not finalised until it is properly formalised and implemented.   Chapters   00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - Understanding the Property Settlement Journey 01:16 – Negotiating Agreements Post-Separation 02:29 - Formalising Agreements and Negotiation Strategies 06:56 - Mediation as a Pathway to Resolution 13:06 - Court Orders vs Financial Agreements 19:52 - Litigation as a Last Resort 24:29 – Recap and Final Thoughts   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   property settlement, family law, divorce, separation, Australian family law, consent orders, binding financial agreements, BFA, mediation, family dispute resolution, financial disclosure, property division, superannuation splitting, financial abuse, family violence, property settlement process, separation advice, family court Australia   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.

The Biggest Property Settlement Mistakes

Many of the most expensive mistakes in family law happen after people think they have already reached an agreement.   In this episode of The Ex-Files – The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald discuss the biggest property settlement mistakes people make after separation and how those mistakes can affect their financial future.   They explain why informal agreements can unravel, why disclosure is critical, how valuation and tax issues are often overlooked, and why understanding the legal framework before negotiating can save significant time, stress and money.   Whether you are considering a property settlement, negotiating an agreement, or have already reached an informal arrangement, this episode provides practical guidance on avoiding some of the most common and costly mistakes.   In this episode, we discuss:   • Why delaying a property settlement can create significant legal risks. • Time limits for married and de facto couples. • The dangers of handshake deals and informal agreements. • Why property settlements should be properly documented. • The importance of full and frank financial disclosure. • What happens when assets, liabilities or financial resources are overlooked. • Common mistakes involving valuations, capital gains tax and superannuation.   Key Takeaways   • A property settlement is not a conversation – it is a legal outcome. • Time limits apply and missing them can create significant complications. • Informal agreements may not be legally enforceable. • Full and frank financial disclosure is essential and ongoing. • Property pools can be hard to get right. • Valuation, taxation and superannuation issues can significantly affect outcomes. • Obtaining legal advice before signing an agreement can help avoid costly mistakes. • Properly documenting an agreement is critical to achieving finality.   Chapters   00:00 – Introduction 01:57 – Common Mistakes in Property Settlements 08:55 – The Importance of Formal Agreements 14:27 – The Necessity of Full Disclosure 19:57 – Understanding the Property Pool 23:51 – Valuation Challenges in Property Settlements 25:40 – Bad Maths   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   property settlement, family law, divorce, separation, Australian family law, property settlement mistakes, consent orders, binding financial agreements, financial disclosure, family violence, financial abuse, superannuation splitting, capital gains tax, asset division, property pool, family court, separation advice, family law Australia   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.

How Property Settlement Actually Works in Australia

One of the biggest myths in family law is that property settlements are automatically divided 50/50 after separation. In this episode of The Ex-Files – The Divorce and Separation Podcast, Australian family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald explain how property settlement actually works in Australia and why every case is different. They break down the four-step process used by the Family Court, including how assets and liabilities are identified, how contributions are assessed, the role of future needs, what justice and equity means, and how recent changes to the Family Law Act have increased the recognition of family violence in property matters. Whether you're starting a property settlement or already negotiating one, this episode provides a practical overview of the principles that guide family law property outcomes. In this episode: • The myth of automatic 50/50 property settlements • What forms part of the property pool • Assets, liabilities, superannuation, trusts and financial resources • Financial and non-financial contributions • Initial contributions and relationship length • Future needs and earning capacity • Family violence and recent legislative changes • The role of children in property settlements • The "just and equitable" requirement • Why every property settlement outcome is different Key Takeaways • Property settlements are not automatically divided 50/50 • Contributions include financial, non-financial, homemaking and parenting contributions • Future needs can significantly affect outcomes • Family violence is now expressly recognised in property settlement considerations • Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances • Early legal advice can help avoid costly mistakes Chapters 00:05 – Introduction to Property Settlements 01:46 – Understanding Property Pools 04:36 – Contributions in Property Settlements 09:25 – Future Needs and Property Settlements 15:52 – Health, Age and Financial Outcomes 18:27 – The Impact of Children 19:53 – Just and Equitable Outcomes 23:00 – Practical Next Steps Resources • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) • Family Law Property Changes (10 June 2025) Fact Sheet Contact 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 property settlement, family law, divorce, separation, Australian family law, asset division, property pool, contributions, future needs, family violence, superannuation splitting, financial resources, family court 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.