Shows
The Family Matters ShowTransitioning to a Single LifeBen and Heather are joined by Klaudia Gebert, psychologist and founder of Self Reflection, to talk about transitioning to a single person after separation. Topics discussed include:Grieving the loss of your marriage/relationshipOvercoming lonelinessWhat people with multiple separations may be doing wrongRegaining purpose after separationWhere to look for support with reinventing yourselfCasual dating after separationFinding love again after separation2025-05-0127 minThe Family Matters ShowIs My Relationship Salvageable?Ben and Heather speak to the Practice Specialist (Counselling) at Relationships Australia NSW about how to know if your relationship is salvageable. Sandra is a psychologist with a Masters in Couple and Family Therapy and years of experience in relationship counselling. She helps tease out answers to the following questions. If someone has started thinking about separation but hasn't yet spoken to their partner, what's the first thing they should do? What sorts of questions should someone ask themselves if trying to decide whether their relationship is worth saving? How can a psychologist or counsellor help in making...2025-02-2731 minThe Family Matters ShowChanges to Family Law Legislation. What does it mean for you?The Family Law Amendment Act 2023 was passed through parliament in October 2023 and took effect on 6 May 2024. The Act involves changes to how the Courts will make parenting orders in the "best interest of the child" and challenges the assumption of week-on week-off parenting post-separation.
In this episode, Ben and Heather discuss (and sometimes debate) the need for and impact of the changes.
2025-01-3033 minThe Family Matters ShowCommunity Questions - Take 8Ben and Heather have their eighth session answering questions from the Coffs Coast community - and there were some good ones this time. Here are the topics covered:
Can I get divorced in Australia if I married in another country?
When does a de facto relationship (same-sex or heterosexual) begin from a legal perspective?
Does the Family Court ever award costs to one partner if the other is being unreasonable?
How will an expected inheritance be treated in the property settlement?
Can my ex-partner prevent me from finding a good family lawyer by lawyer-shopping?
Can I get financing f...2024-10-1029 minThe Family Matters ShowSilver Divorce / Grey SeparationWhile the overall divorce rate in Australia is declining, there is an upward trend in divorce in couples over 50. Ben and Heather talk about this phenomenon on this podcast and some of the unique complications that arise when calling quits on a long term relationship.
Topics covered include:
Why the divorce rate is rising for older Australians.
Dividing assets at the end of a long term relationship, including
How the Court deals with health discrepancies.
Advice for women to ensure their retirement needs are met.
Child support for adult children.
The value (or otherwise) of a p...2024-09-0624 minThe Family Matters ShowParent/child Contact Problems (including Parental Alienation)Ben and Heather welcome special guest forensic psychologist Dr Robert Simon from San Diego California to talk about resist/refuse behaviour in children, including the heated subject of parental alienation. Dr Simon is a specialist in child custody matters in the United States and is renowned for his expertise in parent/child contact problems. He provides an excellent overview of the most common reasons for resist/refuse behaviour, and makes it clear that parental alienation is not the most common cause.
Topics discussed include:
The difference between a clinical and forensic psychologist.
The three main reasons fo...2024-08-0127 minThe Family Matters ShowThings people do wrong in child custody disputesBen and Heather have put together a "top 10" list of mistakes people make when it comes to child custody disputes. In this episode they explain why each of these is a mistake and what you could consider doing instead.
Bad-mouthing the other parent – especially in front of your child.
Trying to make your child feel sorry for you.
Refusing to communicate with the other parent.
Denying the other parent access to their child.
Putting your own interests ahead of your child’s.
Making big decisions about your child without consulting the other parent – ie/ school, medical treatment, place of resi...2024-04-2525 minThe Family Matters ShowHow the Court deals with domestic violenceIn this episode Ben and Heather are joined by barrister Rhys O'Brien, a specialist in complex family law matters, to talk about how the Court deals with Domestic Violence (Family Violence). They cover a wide range of topics, including the following:
The difference between how a Family Law Court and a Criminal Court view domestic violence.
Apprended Violence Orders (AVOs)
Does there need to be an AVO in place before the Family Court considers domestic violence claims?
What evidence does the Family Court need to satisfy itself that domestic violence is an issue?
Will the court require Family D...2024-02-2926 minThe Family Matters ShowCommunity Questions - Take 7This month Ben and Heather addressed a wide array of family law questions from the community, touching on a number of common issues faced by people going through divorce and separation.
The questions included:
Medical Court Orders: I have court orders giving me sole parental responsibility for my child's medical matters, but the medical centre is still allowing my ex to make decisions. What should I do?
Passport Applications: I want to go overseas with my child, but my ex won't sign the passport application. What can I do?
Visitation in Prison: My ex has gone to...2024-02-0132 minThe Family Matters ShowHow mediators and arbitrators handle power imbalancesOn this episode, Ben and Heather were joined by The Honourable Colin Forrest. Now retired from the Family Court, Colin now handles mediation and arbitration in family law. We spoke to him about the delicate subject of managing power imbalances, and potentially domestic violence situations, in mediation and arbitration sessions. Our discussions covered the following subjects:
The difference between mediation and arbitration in family law.
Whether you can be ordered to engage in mediation or arbitration.
How a mediator/arbitrator will identify signs of abuse or power imbalance.
Should domestic violence victims avoid mediation or arbitration?
How are pow...2023-12-2832 minThe Family Matters ShowIndigenous Family Law CourtsOn this episode, Ben and Heather are joined by two special guests to discuss the growth of specialist Indigenous family courts, known as Indigenous List. Retired Federal Circuit Court Judge Robyn Sexton started the very first Indigenous List in Sydney in 2014. Rick Welsh is proud Murrawarri man and coordinator of The Shed suicide prevention centre focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These two worked together to design and implement a specialist Indigenous family law court. Together they discuss the following:
What is the Indigenous List?
Why is there a need for a separate court process?
How was...2023-12-0134 minThe Family Matters ShowWills & Estate Planning: how things can go wrongOn this episode, Ben and Heather discuss Wills and estate planning, bringing our attention to the many things that can go wrong if you fail to keep your Will and estate plan up to date with your life circumstances, particularly following a family breakdown. They discuss the following questions and scenarios:
1/ What happens if you die without a Will?
2/ What happens if you have children from your first marriage, remarry and don't change your Will?
3/ What happens if you separate from your partner, but don't change your Will?
4...2023-09-2834 minThe Family Matters ShowDivorce & Children w Special NeedsThis month, Ben and Heather were joined by experienced clinical psychologist Warwick McClelland to talk about divorce and separation when children with special needs are involved. Topics covered include:
Talking to children with neurodiversity about divorce and separation.
Types of living arrangements post-divorce that work best for children with special needs.
How the Family Court decides parenting arrangements for families with special needs children.
How Court decisions for special needs children impact on siblings.
How parents can help special needs children adapt to new living arrangements.
Parentification and whether this is more common in solo parent households.
How Co...2023-08-3125 minThe Family Matters ShowGetting In and Out of a De Facto RelationshipThis month, Ben and Heather delved into the topic of de facto relationships, answering the following questions:
What is a de facto relationship?
How long do you have to live together to be in a de facto relationship?
How does the law decide when the de facto relationship starts and ends?
What does the Court consider when deciding if a de facto relationship exists?
Is it possible to be in a de facto relationship and not be living together?
Is it possible to be in a de facto relationship while married to someone else?
Do you need to...2023-08-0329 minThe Family Matters ShowTop Six Questions on Property SettlementProperty settlement is one of the first things that separating couples need to deal with, and often one of the most emotional. In this episode, Ben and Heather answer the top six most commonly asked questions on property settlement. Over the years Ben and Heather have dealt with so many questions about property settlement, both in their practice and through the podcast. They have whittled down those questions to the 6 most frequently asked and on today's show provide you with answers. Here are the six questions:
When should I start the property settlement process and how long does it t...2023-06-2827 minThe Family Matters ShowSame-sex separation: property & parenting disputesBen and Heather discuss same-sex separation together with clinical psychologist Dr. Catherine Boland. The founder of Relationspace, a team of skilled professionals helping people going through divorce to better manage their circumstances and protect the psychological health of their children, Catherine is ideally placed to provide insights into the social science side of separation. While Heather answers the more technically legal questions.
The team cover the following topics and questions:
At what point does a same-sex relationship become recognised as a de facto relationship
Does the Family Law Act treat same-sex couples any differently than heterosexual co...2023-06-0128 minThe Family Matters ShowMaking separation workBen and Heather welcome Dr Atina Manvelian, a psychologist and clinical scientist. As a postdoctoral researcher at Stony Brook University and Stanford University, she studies how our relationships impact our mental health and conducts research on how we can improve the quality of our relationships. Of particular interest for our listeners is Dr Manvelian's specialty in adjustment following a breakup or divorce. So she is the perfect guest to help tackle the topic of how to make separation actually work.
This episode deals with the following questions:
1. What does a "good" separation look like?
2023-04-2730 minThe Family Matters ShowCommunity Questions - Take 6This month Ben and Heather addressed a wide array of family law questions from the community, touching on a number of common issues faced by people going through divorce and separation.
The questions included:
Starting out: I'm thinking about separating but haven't yet spoken to my partner about it. Is there anything you recommend I do before I speak to my partner?
Property settlement timing (myth busting): I don't think I can wait until the 12-month separation period is up to apply for divorce. What can I do?
Parenting decisions: Can my husband force my kids i...2023-02-2422 minThe Family Matters ShowMaking Mediation WorkGemma Rope, solicitor with Bryant McKinnon is our guest host for this episode. She and Heather welcome psychologist and mediator Anthony Smith to talk about how to make mediation work. With over 25 years and 2000 mediations under his belt, Anthony calls on his experience to provide tips and advice that will help to realise positive outcomes in family law mediation.
Topics and questions covered include:
The ways that family law disputes about property and children can be mediated.
The best approach to mediation.
Choosing the right mediator.
When to start the mediation process.
How mediation differs from co...2023-01-2629 minThe Family Matters ShowWhen the Property Market TurnsIn family law matters the sale of the family home is often the most difficult and emotional part of the separation process. And everything is just that much harder in the current environment, with rising interest rates and inflation making the entire market uncertain.
For regional families things are even more opaque, because so much of what we see on social media or television relates to big city real estate markets. So it can be difficult to figure out the local dynamics.
To help our Coffs Coast listeners get a handle on the market and th...2023-01-0123 minThe Family Matters ShowCoping with the Holidays after SeparationWith the holiday season approaching, Ben and Heather turn their attention to coping with holidays after separation or divorce. To help them deal with this highly emotive issue, they welcome back to the program Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW. Elisabeth is also a clinical and counselling psychologist with a specialty in couple and family therapy with over 25 years experience to share with our listeners.
Topics covered include:
Why the holidays almost always seem to cause raised emotions and relationship difficulties.
What emotions are most likely to arise when facing your first major holiday without yo...2022-11-2134 minThe Family Matters ShowSubstance Abuse & Family LawThis month Ben and Heather talk to toxicologist and forensic medicine specialist Professor Edward Ogden about substance abuse and family law. Professor Ogden has been studying the impact of drugs and alcohol for over 40 years. He is Deputy Director of the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology at Swinburne University, Addiction Medicine Specialist for Goulburn Valley Health and St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne and a forensic medical consultant with Clinical Forensic Medicine.
Professor Ogden shares his experience and knowledge on the impacts of drug and alcohol misuse and methods of testing. He and Heather McKinnon also discuss why drug and...2022-10-2732 minThe Family Matters ShowEstate Planning after Separation or DivorceBen talks to Sydney-based barrister Louise Goodchild and solicitor and colleague Gemma Rope about the importance of estate planning during and after divorce or separation. Wills, powers of attorney and superannuation nominations are just about the last thing anyone wants to consider when facing the trauma of family breakdown. But as Louise and Gemma make clear, problems can arise if you put off considering these issues.
Topics addressed include:
Estate planning documents that need to be reconsidered following separation or divorce?
What happens to your estate if you die without changing your Will after separation or di...2022-09-1929 min
The Family Matters ShowGetting Ready for CourtThis month Ben and Heather discuss how to get ready for Court. Their first piece of advice is to avoid bringing family law disputes to Court if at all possible. But in the event that you do have to go to Court this podcast will help you prepare, as Ben and Heather consider the following:
Why does it take so long to actually get in front of a judge on a family law matters?
Where is the Court physically located, and when are Court sessions now managed online?
Do you have to hire a barrister to take a matter to Co...2022-07-2225 min
The Family Matters ShowForensic Accounting: Valuing Businesses for Family LawThis month Ben and Heather talk to forensic accountant Suzanne Delbridge about valuing a business when separating.
Suzanne Delbridge is the Director and Founder of Delbridge Forensic Accounting in Newcastle and a very experienced forensic accountant. For listeners who may not know, a forensic account is specially trained to prepare financial information for a court of law.
At the start of the podcast, Suzanne clarified exactly what a forensic accountant does and why they are absolutely critical when valuing a business. Ben and Heather then delved into the following questions with Suzanne:
When is it appropriate to use a forensic ac...2022-07-0432 min
The Family Matters ShowSuccessful CoparentingIn this episode family law experts Benjamin Bryant and Heather McKinnon talk to psychologist Michael Hawton about the secrets to successful co-parenting. Michael is a child and family psychologist who has been working with families in Australia and overseas for over 30 years. He is also the founder of Parentshop resource hub for parents, educator and child and family specialists. Michael has also found time to write two books: Talk Less, Liston More and Engaging Adolescents and has two children of his own.
We discussed the following topics with Michael:
•Is co-parenting the right option for everyone?
•How important is a pare...2022-06-0328 min
The Family Matters ShowIndependent Children's LawyersThis month Heather and Ben spoke to Gabrielle Cantrall, the acting Solicitor in Charge of Family Law with LegalAid NSW, about Independent Children's Lawyers (ICL). These are the specialist lawyers the Court appoints to represent children in complex family law matters.
LegalAid NSW is the body responsible for accrediting Independent Children's Lawyers in New South Wales, so Gabrielle is uniquely qualified to talk about their role and responsibilities. Both Ben and Heather are qualified Independent Children's Lawyers with many years combined experience working in this space. They are able to provide perspective on the day to day of working with...2022-04-1333 min
The Family Matters ShowJuggling Work & Parenthoodhttps://bryantmckinnon.com.au/family-matter/childrens-matters/juggling-work-parenthood/2022-02-2441 min
The Family Matters ShowWhere to Get SupportOn this podcast Ben and Heather talk about the many agencies and resources that provide free or low cost support when going through a relationship breakdown. It's important to know there is help out there - you are not alone.
The areas covered include:
Resources to help you make the stay or go decision
Resources for people dealing with domestic violence or crisis situations
Resources for advice and assistance with family law matters
Resources for mediation and dispute resolution
Resources to help children get through separation
Be sure to check out the show notes which includes a complete listing of a...2022-01-2416 min
The Family Matters ShowShould I stay or should I go?This month Ben and Heather spoke with Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW about one of the most difficult questions couples have to answer: Should I stay or should I go? Not only is the question fraught, it bears the weight of the many lives that will be impacted by the answer.
The following questions are answered:
•What are the signs that it is time to go?
•How much should consideration for the children affect the stay or go decision?
•How to confront your partner when unhappy with your relationship.
•What are the signs that the relationship could heal?
•Is it help...2022-01-0634 min
The Family Matters ShowNew Court. New Rules.This month Ben and Heather had a look at the new rules governing the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia which merged in September 2021. While the Family Law Act has not changed, the newly merged Court has been given increased resources and has implemented new processes to speed up the Court process which has been mired in logjams for a number of years.
Ben and Heather cover off the following questions:
•Why have the Courts merged?
•How do the new Court rules actually affect separating couples who head to Court?
•How does the new "case management pathway" work?
•How has the...2021-11-2626 min
The Family Matters ShowDivorce & Children on the SpectrumBen and Heather welcome special guest and child psychologist Amy Sketcher to talk about divorce and children on the spectrum. Amy practises with Seasons Allied Health in Coffs Harbour, and has many years' experience in the non-government and education sector. She works with children as well as supporting and up-skilling parents and caregivers. Topics covered include:
•The psychological and emotional difficulties that all children can suffer as a result of divorce.
•The impact of divorce on children on the spectrum - how this may impact on behaviours.
•How to differentiate between behaviours triggered by the trauma of divorce and those associ...2021-11-0132 min
The Family Matters ShowHow To Get The Most Out of Your Family LawyerThis month Ben and Heather talk about family lawyers: how to choose one that's right for you and how to make sure you get the best out of the lawyer you've chosen. Collectively they deal with a wide range of questions, including:
•What is an accredited family lawyer, and do I need one?
•Can I use the same lawyer or law firm as my ex-partner?
•Do I have to pay for an initial consultation?
•Should I shop around for a family lawyer?
•What should I be looking for in a family lawyer or law firm?
•How should I prepare for an initial m...2021-08-0527 min
The Family Matters ShowDo It Yourself DivorceThis month Ben and Heather step you through how to manage your own divorce and identify when you may need to seek additional legal advice.
The questions and topics covered included:
•What is divorce (legally speaking)?
•Who is eligible to divorce in Australia?
•Choose a joint or sole application?
•When do separation legally start?
•Counselling requirements if married less than 2 years.
•What does the Court look for when approving your divorce?
•What if you want a divorce but can't find you ex?
•How best to serve divorce papers on your ex.
•Signing and finalising divorce paperwork.
•What to expect in Court?
•How soon af...2021-07-1534 min
The Family Matters ShowFinancial Planning During and After DivorceIn this episode, Ben and Heather turned their attention to money, assets, debts and the importance of financial planning during and after divorce. They were joined by financial planner Brett Martin from Harbour Wealth Management. A certified financial planner for over 12 years, Brett has been helping clients on the Coffs Coast to manage their wealth since he became principal at Bridges Financial Services in Coffs Harbour in 2011. Recently Brett has moved from under the Bridges umbrella to establish his own practice, Harbour Wealth Management.
Brett's financial planning expertise combined well with Ben and Heather's specialist family law knowledge to answer...2021-06-2327 min
The Family Matters ShowCommunity Questions - Take 5URL: https://bryantmckinnon.com.au/family-matter/property-settlements/community-questions-take-5/2021-05-2027 min
The Family Matters ShowTwo Views on Property SettlementIn this episode Benjamin and Heather switched up the format, with each asking the other increasingly challenging questions about property settlement. It opened up so really honest conversation about the difficulties involved with property settlement specifically and separation more generally.
These two family law experts dealt with the following questions:
•The biggest mistake people make when negotiating a property settlement.
•The number one tip to avoid going to court to finalise a property settlement.
•The toughest property settlement case Heather has dealt with in her long career.
•How lawyers help people figure out what to expect in a property settlement.
•Whether it...2021-05-0231 min
The Family Matters ShowPrivate Investigators in Family Law CasesPrivate investigators can play a pivotal role in serving documents and collecting evidence in complex family law cases. In this episode Benjamin Bryant and Heather McKinnon from Bryant McKinnon Lawyers talk to Steve Wallis, Managing Director of SWA Recovery & Investigation Group about how private investigators work and where they can add value in family law matters.
With over 40 years' experience in investigations, Steve shared insights into a PIs day to day life and busted some of the myths about his profession. We also covered specific questions regarding how and when private investigators are able to assist family law clients and...2021-03-0324 min
The Family Matters ShowI've decided to separate. Now what?Most people who decided to separate have never initiated a relationship breakdown in their lives. The decision is scary and overwhelming. Yet these very early stages can set the course for how the whole process plays out and even affect long term family relationships for years to come.
Knowing how important the initial stages are, Ben and Heather have dedicated this episode to provide advice for anyone facing the awful thought that it might be time to end their relationship. Topics covered include:
•How and when to break the news to your partner
•How to prepare for that initial conversation if y...2021-02-1123 min
The Family Matters ShowJudge Judy talking family lawRetired Federal Circuit Court Judge Judy Small is without question our most unique, and broadly qualified guest we have had on this program. Judy grew up right here in Coffs Harbour and went on to become a globe-trotting folk singer. She also had a lengthy career as a family lawyer, working for a decade with Victoria Legal Aid and then as a Federal Circuit Court Judge.
We were regaled with stories of Judy's upbringing on the Coffs Coast and her life as a singer and then "got serious" about family law and discussed the following issues:
1. Reforms to family law...2021-01-1430 min
The Family Matters ShowMen and DivorceIn this episode Ben and Heather talk with special guest Jean Clayton, CEO of Bridging the Gap Community Services which runs the Men's Resource Centre, about how men experience divorce and separation. The program explores how men may differ from women in their experience of divorce, the trauma of family separation and the impact on self-identity.2020-12-0425 min
The Family Matters ShowCommunity Questions - Take 4Ben and Heather answer questions on divorce, separation and family law from the community. Topics covered include:
• Parental alienation and adolescence
•Consent order
•Who pays the mortgage while property settlement is completed
•Can you appeal a family law decision on mental health grounds
•Difference between a provisional, interim and final AVO2020-10-1526 min
The Family Matters ShowFamily Law MediationIn this episode we talk about mediation: one of the biggest cost savers in the entire family law process. A successful mediation can save you the emotional and financial cost of going to court.
To get the full story on mediation, Ben and Heather spoke to eminent mediator Philip Theobold. An accredited Family Law Arbitrator, Family Dispute Resolutions Practitioner and experienced Family Law Mediator, Philip has helped many of our clients to successfully reach agreement.
Topics covered in this in this episode include:
•The meaning of mediation.
•The difference between mediation and Family Dispute Resolution.
•What happens in a mediation sessio...2020-09-1524 min
The Family Matters ShowDivorce & the family businessDivorce and separation are almost always difficult. Throw a family business into the mix and the complexity and emotion escalate exponentially. Whether the business is big or small, a family farm or a tech start-up, operating as a sole trader, partnership or company, dividing a business asset throws up difficult questions. And of course, if both parties are reliant on the business for their livelihood and career aspirations things become even trickier.
Topics covered in this episode include:
•Entitlement to a share in the business versus direct effort put into the business
•Dealing with family businesses handed down through generations
•Valuin...2020-08-1318 min
The Family Matters ShowWhat is the Judge thinking?In this very special episode, Ben and Heather are joined by former Family Court judge, The Honourable Rodney K Burr, to give our listeners a unique insight into what the person wielding the gavel is really thinking.
Rodney Burr brings to the show the knowledge and experience earned through an long and illustrious legal career. He is a former Justice of the Family Court of Australia, a former Chair of the Family Law Section of the Law Council, recipient of the United Nations Award for Services to the Year of the Family and a Member of the Order of Australia...2020-07-0939 min
The Family Matters ShowDivorce & The Blended FamilyAs family lawyers, we like to see our clients re-partner and start new lives. But as blended and step families form it can raise unexpected disputes. In this episode host Benjamin Bryant chats with partner and fellow family law specialist Heather McKinnon tackle the often-difficult subject of divorce and the blended family.
Topics covered include:
•How to minimise conflict with your ex when re-partnering.
•Parenting arrangements when one spouse re-partners.
•Spousal and child support implications when one spouse re-partners.
•Shared custody arrangements with children, half-children and step-children.
•Responsibilities and rights of step-parents and step-children.
•Financial implications of a second or third divorc2020-06-1520 min
The Family Matters ShowProperty ValuationThe sound quality of this month's recording is not up to our usual standard. Due to Covid-19 we have been experimenting with different methods of remote recording and the month technology failed us. Our sincere apologies.
Property settlement is one of the greatest sources of conflict in the separation process. Bryant McKinnon Lawyers always advise that it's best to figure out what you are actually worth before you start arguing over who gets what. The best way to assess the value or your assets is to employ a professional valuer.
In this episode Benjamin Bryant speaks with Ken Potter from...2020-05-0624 min
The Family Matters ShowProtecting families through COVID19In this special episode, family law specialist Benjamin Bryant speaks to Baringa Hospital psychiatrist Dr. Doug Andrews about how to protect your relationships and your children through these difficult days of COVID19.2020-04-0832 min
The Family Matters ShowSocial Media & SeparationThis month Benjamin Bryant from Bryant McKinnon Lawyers chats with barrister Rhys O'Brien about the hazards of mixing social media and separation.2020-03-0220 min
The Family Matters ShowCommunity family law questions: Take 3This month Benjamin and Heather fielded questions about family matters from the community. Here are the questions addressed in this podcast:
•My ex-partner and I have shared custody of our two children (ages 8 and 11). I want to take the kids back to the UK to visit with my parents and my ex is refusing to sign the passport applications and says it's a breach of our custody agreement. What can I do?
•I'm separating from my husband and would like to move to another town to have more job opportunities and be closer to family, but my husband doesn't agree with...2020-02-0427 min
The Family Matters ShowHow to keep divorce costs downHeather McKinnon mines her forty years of family law experience to come up with some valuable tips on how to avoid unnecessary legal costs and minimise the financial (and emotional) cost of divorce and separation.2020-01-0820 min
The Family Matters ShowInfertility, IVF & Surrogacy: psychology & legalityThis month's show focuses on assisted reproduction, and the legal and psychological implications. Ben and Heather talk to Miranda Montrone, a Sydney based psychologist who specialises in counselling in infertility and assisted reproduction.
One in six couples in Australia and New Zealand suffer infertility, and of course, a growing number of same sex couples and single women are choosing to have children. So it's not surprising that many people that 1 in 25 Australian babies is not born via IVF. The percentage for surrogacy is smaller, yet it still accounts for an estimated 300 Australian births a year.
Miranda Montrone is a practicing...2019-12-0531 min
The Family Matters ShowCommunity family law questions: Take 2This month Benjamin and Heather fielded questions about family matters from the community. Here are the questions addressed in this podcast.
•What are the consequences for a mother if she takes her children and restricts access to the father for many month before the court takes control? And if the father were to do the same, would the situation play out the same?
•I need to divorce my husband but he is in Ghana and I'm not sure if I can get papers to him. Can the papers be emailed to him to be formally served?
•My son is 44 and we hav...2019-11-0623 min
The Family Matters ShowImpacts of Domestic ViolenceBen and Heather talk to Dr. Doug Andrews, a psychiatrist from Coffs Harbour's Barringa Hospital, about one of the toughest topics in family law: domestic violence. Dr. Andrews has frequently treated victims of family violence in his practice and has an in depth understanding of the mental health impacts of physical and emotional abuse.2019-10-0228 min
The Family Matters ShowChild-focussed parenting arrangements after divorceThe thorniest questions in any divorce or separation often relate to the kids. In the episode Heather and Ben discuss child-focussed ways to handle financial and living arrangements to achieve the best outcomes for your children.
Specific topics discussed include:
•Budgeting for the long term commitment to raising your children;
•Child Support Agency assessments;
•Managing changes in financial situation after divorce;
•School fees and child support payments;
•Capitalised child support;
•Finding the best living arrangements depending on your child's developmental stage;
•Managing living arrangements for blended families;
•Handling relocation of one parent;
•Help available to work out optimum arrangements.2019-09-1132 min
The Family Matters ShowSelf care during separation and divorceDivorce and separation can be a long and emotional process. You need to take care of yourself in order to make wise decisions in a stressful time. In this episode Ben and Heather talk to Monica Joseph, a private practice, Medicare accredited social worker and counsellor, who specialises in counselling people going through relationship breakdowns.
Today's show touches on the following topics:
•How to start caring for yourself right from the start.
•How to go the distance in a long, drawn out divorce.
•Relaxation and stress relief techniques.
•When is it time to seek help from a counsellor?
•How to avoid inte...2019-08-0936 min
The Family Matters ShowCommunity Family Law QuestionsIn this episode Ben and Heather addressed some specific questions submitted by people in the Coffs Coast community. It is likely that these questions will be similar to those being asked by many listeners.
The five questions addressed were:
•When a couple separate, is ownership of cars automatically assumed to be the person who has the registration, regardless of who bought the vehicle?
•Do you have any suggestions on how to work out joint parental orders when one parent is Fly In Fly Out?
•I'm preparing myself to ask my husband for a divorce. I'm really nervous because I don't think...2019-07-0425 min
The Family Matters ShowGetting a Fair Property SettlementEveryone going through a separation wants a fair property settlement. The problems arise when your idea of what's fair and that of your ex-partner are very different, or when one party wants to use property settlement as a means of punishment for past hurts. In this episode, Heather McKinnon, one of Australia's foremost family lawyers, shares her top tips for getting a fair deal.2019-06-0633 min
The Family Matters ShowHelping Children to Cope with DivorceBenjamin Bryant and Heather McKinnon talk to forensic psychologist Dr Ian Nisbet about how to help your children cope with the trauma of divorce and separation. Too often children are the unintended collateral damage in a separation. This program aims to help parents know what to do and what not to do, and also recognise when it may be time to get additional support for their children.2019-05-0933 min