Divorce and Separation cover art

Divorce and Separation

Divorce and Separation

By: Nikki Parkinson
Listen for free

Hi, I'm Nikki Parkinson, separation strategist, family law expert, mother of three, and divorcee. I'm also the creator of the Divorce and Separation Hub, a resource to show you how to turn a breakup into a breakthrough. On this podcast, I share my expertise from 25 years working in the family law system and my own personal experiences, together with the incredible insight and honesty of guests who have navigated relationship and marriage breakdown and divorce — not only have they survived, they have thrived. Learn the lingo of a lawyer, discover your worth, find your confidence and, most importantly, embrace all your emotions. The Divorce and Separation Hub is your place to feel safe, to feel seen and to find strength, and discover how the Australian family law system works so you can move through it saving legal fees and your sanity. Plus, we don't charge by the hour! Tune in. Free resources at https://www.divorceandseparationhub.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedivorcehub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedivorcehub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedivorcehubCopyright 2025 Nikki Parkinson and The Divorce and Separation Hub Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Understanding Mediation: A Pathway to Respectful Separation

    Understanding Mediation: A Pathway to Respectful Separation
    May 28 2026

    In this episode, I talk about mediation (family dispute resolution) and why it isn't automatically the right first step for every couple. I'm joined by Christina Salvo, CEO and founder of Simple Separation, who explains mediation as a voluntary, structured process led by an impartial mediator to help separating couples reach agreements about parenting and property and, where possible, avoid the stress, cost and adversarial nature of court.

    Together, we unpack

    • what couples hope to get from mediation,
    • what a mediator does in session (identify issues, narrow disputes, generate and reality-test options, and support negotiation),
    • what they don't do (take sides or give legal advice),
    • what are the gaps in a traditional mediation, especially poor preparation and inconsistent legal advice.

    Let's Keep the Conversation Going:
    Visit Divorce and Separation Hub to explore expert resources, courses, and programs tailored to your needs. Share your questions or comments you're not alone in this.

    Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

    The Divorce and Separation Hub Website

    The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram

    The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook

    The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin

    Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

    Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

    Guest: Christina Salvo, CEO and Founder of Simple Separation

    Website Instagram

    Loved This Episode?
    Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now.

    This podcast's audio production crafted by Dan at dankingproductions.com.au.

    This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict.

    Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au.

    Disclaimer

    I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Self Care & Support | Separated But Still Living Together

    Self Care & Support | Separated But Still Living Together
    May 13 2026
    What happens when your relationship has ended, but neither of you can move out? This is something I am seeing more and more across Australia. Separation no longer always looks like one person packing a bag and moving into a new home. With the cost of living, rental shortages, mortgage pressure, children, leases, school zones and financial stress, many people are finding themselves separated but still living under the same roof. And while that might be the only practical option, it can also be emotionally exhausting. In this episode, I talk about the growing reality of separation under one roof and how you can move through it with more clarity, structure and support. This is not about pretending everything is fine. It is not about staying in the same relationship. It is about recognising that, for many people, physical separation is not immediately possible but emotional, practical, financial and legal separation can still begin. I explore how to create a same-roof separation plan, how to protect children from confusion and conflict, how to manage the emotional load, and why safety must always come first. This episode is for you if you are living in that difficult middle place: the relationship has ended, but the home, the mortgage, the lease, the children or the finances mean you are still sharing the same address. Resources: If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For domestic, family or sexual violence support in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT (1800737732). It is a national counselling, information and support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For men using, or at risk of using, violent or controlling behaviour, the Men's Referral Service is available nationally on 1300 766 491. Separation under one roof is recognised in Australia, including by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia when couples have lived separately in the same home during the 12-month separation period required for divorce. The Court notes that extra information may be needed if you rely on that period when applying for divorce. Services Australia also recognises this situation and has a "Separated under one roof" form for people who are separated but still living with their ex-partner, so their relationship status can be assessed correctly for payments. Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub. The Divorce and Separation Hub Website The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE. Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE. Loved This Episode? Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now. Do you have a question you want answered? Submit your question here. This episode is produced by Dan King of Dan King Productions. This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict. Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au. Disclaimer I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Self Care & Support | Protecting Your Mental Health During Divorce: Practical Tips and Strategies

    Self Care & Support | Protecting Your Mental Health During Divorce: Practical Tips and Strategies
    Apr 22 2026

    I am welcoming back Psychologist Ben Schiller to answer listener questions about mental health during and after divorce or separation. We discuss how to choose the right therapist, recognise when therapy is needed, and manage the emotional roller coaster that often accompanies a breakup. Ben shares practical strategies for protecting mental health, the importance of social connections, and how to navigate cognitive distortions. This episode is filled with valuable insights and tools to empower you through your breakup.

    Key Topics:

    • Differentiating between therapists, counselors, and psychologists

    • How to choose the right mental health professional for your needs

    • Signs that indicate you may need therapy

    • Emotional regulation techniques: naming emotions, linking thoughts, and taking action

    • The importance of social connections during separation

    • Strategies for protecting mental health: sleep, diet, and staying connected

    • Understanding cognitive distortions and their impact on mental health

    • Navigating feelings of sadness and guilt after ending a relationship

    Your Questions Answered:

    • How do I choose a therapist, counselor, or psychologist?

    • How do I know if I need therapy?

    • How can I manage the emotional roller coaster I'm experiencing?

    • What strategies can I use to cope with stress throughout a separation?

    • How can I protect my mental health during the divorce process?

    • Is it normal to feel sad and guilty after ending a relationship?

    Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

    The Divorce and Separation Hub Website

    The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram

    The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook

    The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin

    Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

    Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

    Guest: Ben Schiller,

    Connect with Ben Schiller HERE

    Loved This Episode?
    Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now.

    This episode is produced by Dan King of Dan King Productions.

    This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict.

    Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au.

    Disclaimer

    I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet