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The Divorce Course Podcast

The Divorce Course Podcast

By: Laura & Lyn
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 This Mother and Daughter duo discuss and cover the legal stages and steps that you will face on your way to freedom through divorce. These are practical and real discussions with Lyn Galvin a family lawyer of 35 years experience and her daughter Laura a divorced mother of three. Laura helps turn her mother's lawyer jargon into something everyone will understand. Lyn shares all her tips and practical advice on separating. Through this podcast they aim to help you through your Australian divorce or de-facto separation to make it more cost effective and less stressful. instagram @thedivorcecourseCopyright 2024 The Divorce Online Course & Podcast Education
Episodes
  • ChatGPT and Divorce: 4 AI Traps That Could Hurt Your Case

    ChatGPT and Divorce: 4 AI Traps That Could Hurt Your Case
    Aug 13 2025

    Listen to This Episode If You:
    🗣️ Have used ChatGPT or AI tools to write legal documents
    📱 Are wondering if your chat history could be used in court
    🧾 Need help drafting or planning divorce paperwork
    🤯 Feel overwhelmed and are tempted to “just ask ChatGPT”
    ⚖️ Want to avoid serious legal mistakes caused by bad AI info
    🧠 Are using AI to organize your thoughts, but unsure where the line is

    More and more people are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT during their separation or divorce — but is it helping… or hurting your case?

    In this episode, we explore the four major risks of using AI in your divorce process and show you how to use it safely (if at all). From the scary reality that your chats can be subpoenaed, to the truth about AI “hallucinations” in affidavits, we break it all down so you don’t get caught off guard.

    We also share ways you can use AI smartly — for planning, organizing thoughts, or building checklists — but why you still need legal and emotional support from real people.

    📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. Always consult a lawyer for your personal situation.

    ⏱️ Episode Timeline – What We Cover:

    [00:00] – Can You Use AI in Divorce? An Introduction to ChatGPT and Legal Tech
    [00:48] – Important Legal Disclaimer: Why AI tools can’t replace professional legal advice
    [01:29] – What Are AI Tools Like ChatGPT? Overview of how people use AI in divorce
    [02:41] – Should You Use AI to Draft Consent Orders? Key risks and considerations
    [05:47] – Can ChatGPT Write My Affidavit? The dangers of AI-generated court documents
    [08:14] – Why ChatGPT Isn’t a Lawyer: Understanding the limitations of AI in family law
    [12:23] – Is AI Just Telling You What You Want to Hear? How emotional bias can show up
    [15:35] – Can AI Be Used as Evidence in Court? Legal risks of relying on chat transcripts
    [20:53] – Upcoming Webinar Announcement: Learn more about using tech in legal separation
    [23:26] – Are Judges Ready for AI in Family Law? How courts are adapting to tech tools
    [24:07] – What Evidence Will the Court Accept? Tips on using tech tools wisely
    [24:25] – How Legal Communication Has Evolved: From letters to chat logs
    [25:25] – Key AI Risks to Watch for in Divorce Cases: What the law doesn’t forgive
    [27:01] – How to Use AI Safely: Smart ways to organise your thoughts and prep for court
    [29:23] – Real Cautionary Tales: What can go wrong when AI replaces your legal team
    [33:31] – Final Tips and Takeaways: When AI is helpful—and when it’s risky

    🎙️ Related Episodes

    • Putting Coercive Control into writing for Affidavits etc

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Ci0M4DqznBf1L1kcZM3vY?si=Bxeequf0R3G2LNjMWGwiSw

    • Divorce Survival: when you feel like giving up

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/77KUxaiDS3dKQJl9ly5QtA?si=LMmJ7f0sRXqW5sFWJCb7Tg

    • 12 agreements creating your own parenting plan

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/6j325rOj96QvV8spPnYsX5?si=J2zhKMgqRrGgKjsh1UbicA

    📌 Links & Resources Mentioned:

    📞 1800 RESPECT – National Family Violence Support
    📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14 – 24/7 Emotional Support

    🆘 Emergency & Support Contacts:
    💜 Women’s Shelter: 1800 811 811
    📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis): 13 11 14
    👨‍👧 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
    👧 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
    🚨 DV Hotline: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

    📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is a general discussion and not legal advice. Please see a qualified lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Divorce Survival: 5 Strategies to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up

    Divorce Survival: 5 Strategies to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up
    Aug 5 2025

    Listen to this Episode If You:
    💔 Feel like the divorce process is dragging on and you’re running on empty
    ⚖️ Need legal strategies to slow things down without giving up entirely
    🛡️ Want practical ways to protect your emotional energy
    👶 Are trying to stay strong for your children while navigating court or mediation
    💬 Need a pep talk (with a legal twist) to help you keep going

    If you’ve ever thought, “I just can’t do this anymore” during your separation or divorce, this episode is for you. Laura and Lyn share a heartfelt mix of practical legal steps and emotional strategies to help you through the moments when giving up feels like the easiest option.

    From taking baby steps and giving yourself permission to pause, to understanding how far you’ve already come, this is part pep talk, part legal guide — designed to help you push forward with clarity and confidence.

    They also cover how to handle deadlines from aggressive lawyers, the value of aligning your actions with your values, and why you’re probably doing far better than you think (even if it doesn’t feel like it right now).

    📌 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence and post-separation abuse.

    ⏱️ Episode Timeline – What We Discuss:
    [0:00] – Feeling like giving up? Here’s why your future (and your kids) need you to keep going
    [2:00] – Five strategies to help you keep moving forward in divorce
    [4:00] – Strategy #1:
    [7:00] – Strategy #2:
    [9:00] – Legal ways to request more time in your case
    [11:00] – Recognising pressure tactics designed to make you quit
    [12:00] – Strategy #3:
    [14:00] – Why timelines help you see progress and keep motivated
    [15:00] – Strategy #4:
    [18:00] – Remembering why you’re doing this — for your kids and your future
    [19:00] – Strategy #5:
    [27:00] – Handling post-separation abuse without giving up
    [30:00] – Setting boundaries to protect yourself from relentless contact
    [33:00] – Recap of the five key strategies
    [34:00] – Download your free “Don’t Give Up” worksheet
    [36:00] – Final encouragement to keep going — it will end

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • Small, consistent actions are better than trying to fix everything at once

    • Pausing isn’t quitting — it’s a strategy for survival

    • Remind yourself of your past wins to boost confidence

    • Stay aligned with your values and instincts to avoid regret

    • Progress is happening, even when you can’t see it

    🎙 Related Episodes:

    • When everything is spinning out of control in your divorce https://open.spotify.com/episode/4f4ArIZ83EX2faBqvf4jZs?si=WQJlsOw5RAWIOGQ1PYEMCA

    • BATNA in Divorce https://open.spotify.com/episode/32goMT4kUIbZlS4NBSAvQu?si=NGX19wQ0RCCFMzvBiSXLTA

    • When your mediation goes wrong what to do next? https://open.spotify.com/episode/32goMT4kUIbZlS4NBSAvQu?si=NGX19wQ0RCCFMzvBiSXLTA

    • 10 essential boundaries for divorce https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ecDTxw4rTc3zXBkcjuYpA?si=Ym0pV1ThQxWwDFH3SldYkg

    📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is a general discussion and not legal advice. Please see a qualified lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • BATNA in Divorce: How to Negotiate Property and Parenting Like a Pro

    BATNA in Divorce: How to Negotiate Property and Parenting Like a Pro
    Jul 29 2025
    Listen to This Episode If You… 🔍 Are heading into mediation and want to feel prepared, not panicked ⚖️ Want to make smart decisions about property and parenting outcomes 🧠 Have heard of BATNA but don’t quite know what it means or how to use it 🚪 Are unsure what your “walk-away” option looks like in negotiations 💬 Feel pressured to agree to something that doesn’t feel fair or safe 🧾 Want to understand your options without relying solely on court 🛠️ Are looking for practical, tips to empower your next steps 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is general information only and is not legal advice. Always seek professional legal support for your specific situation. 📌 Trigger warning: discussions of family court and family violence. Are you heading into mediation or negotiating a divorce agreement? This episode is your practical guide to understanding BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and WATNA (Worst Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement)—two essential tools to protect your future. An experienced lawyer and mediator walks you through how to prepare your own BATNA, why it’s important in family law (especially when emotions are high), and how it gives you clarity and confidence when facing tricky decisions about property, parenting, and more. If you’re unsure what’s fair or fearful of being pushed into a bad deal, this episode will help you step back, assess your options, and negotiate smarter. BATNA in Divorce: How to Negotiate Property and Parenting Like a Pro ⏱️ Episode Timeline – What We Cover: [00:00] – What Are BATNA and WATNA? Introduction to Divorce Negotiation Strategies [01:31] – How Do BATNA and WATNA Help You Make Better Divorce Decisions? [02:29] – Why Is Preparation the Key to Stronger Negotiations? [04:19] – What Can You Learn from Real-Life Mediation Examples? [08:28] – How Do You Create a BATNA for Property Settlement After Divorce? [17:09] – What Are the Steps to Build a BATNA for Parenting and Custody Arrangements? [21:49] – What Is the Emotional Cost of Going to Court Instead of Settling? [23:15] – How Do Courts Prioritize the Best Interests of the Children? [24:04] – What Role Do Family Reports and Child-Inclusive Mediation Play? [25:22] – How Can a BATNA-Based Parenting Plan Help You Prepare? [26:22] – What Is a WATNA and Why Should You Know Your Worst-Case Scenario? [28:04] – What Are Red Flags and Manipulative Tactics to Watch for in Mediation? [32:45] – What Financial Disclosure Do You Need for Fair Negotiations? [33:57] – How Can Knowledge and Preparation Empower You in Family Law Negotiations? [39:26] – What Are Your Next Steps to Negotiate Smarter and Safer? Questions BATNA for Property Settlement List All Assets and Debts (the Property Pool) Include houses, cars, superannuation, bank accounts, loans, credit cards, etc. Make sure you also list post-separation contributions (e.g., mortgage payments, childcare, etc.). Identify What You Need Financially Calculate your living expenses and future financial needs. Consider your housing needs, especially if you're the primary carer of children. Understand What the Law Might Award You Review how courts typically divide property in similar cases. Think about contributions, future needs, and Section 79(2) & (5) of the Family Law Act. Consider What You’d Get If You Went to Court Estimate legal costs, time delays, and emotional toll. This court outcome becomes your BATNA (or WATNA if it’s worse than a fair settlement). Build a Realistic Plan B Example: “If we can’t agree, I’ll apply for consent orders, or go to mediation, or file in court.” Include practical details — e.g., who will live where, interim arrangements, etc. BATNA for Children’s Arrangements Write Out What’s Best for the Children Consider their schooling, routines, health needs, and emotional safety. Outline a Parenting Plan That You Think Is Fair Include time with each parent, holidays, special events, decision-making responsibility. Assess Your Ex’s Likely Position What are they asking for? Is it reasonable? What might they agree to under pressure? Research What a Court Might Do Courts focus on the “best interests of the child” under Section 60CC of the Family Law Act. Understand how risk factors (like family violence) may impact parenting decisions. Create Your BATNA Parenting Plan If you don’t reach agreement, what’s the next best option? (e.g., apply for interim orders, request a Child Impact Report, or attend family dispute resolution). 🧠 Want more tools like this? Check out our other episodes on mediation, property settlement, and high-conflict negotiation strategies at thedivorcecourse.com.au. Episodes Mentioned Master your negotiations Iron Fist in a velvet glove https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D54dfjnCBW6pfkxnbgW2f?si=il_ZZ384T2KgbzQFmzB61g Can you really mediate with a ...
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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Thank you so much for all your insights and knowledge!
In my 12th year of post sep abuse. I wish I had found you 10 years ago

Thank you!!

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This Mum and daughter team do a great job at supporting and educating their listeners in the hardest times if their life. I have genuinely appreciated the advice and information that has been shared in my own divorce and family breakdown journey. Thanks HEAPS Laura and Lyn

Clear information presented well.

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