We’re revisiting one of our most popular early episodes — Getting a Fair Property Settlement.

Everyone going through a separation wants a fair outcome. The challenge is that your idea of “fair” and your ex-partner’s can be very different — and emotions or past hurts often get in the way.

In this episode, family law expert Heather McKinnon shares her top tips for reaching a fair financial settlement without unnecessary conflict or cost. Her practical advice remains just as relevant today as when we first aired this episode.

Key takeaways include:

• Agree early on what property and liabilities you both have.

• Do your due diligence — know your own and your ex-partner’s financial position.

• If you can’t agree on an asset’s value, agree to get a valuer.

• Don’t let emotional attachment block a sensible outcome.

• Get early legal advice to understand your best- and worst-case scenarios.

• Focus on fairness, not punishment.

• Consider a financial planner for fresh ideas and solutions.

• Mediate once both parties understand the full asset picture.

• Keep communication open.

• Wait 3–6 months after separation before finalising finances.

With the holiday season just around the corner, we’re bringing back a very popular episode from 2022 featuring Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW.

Elisabeth is also a highly experienced clinical and counselling psychologist, specialising in couple and family therapy, with more than 25 years of wisdom to share.

In this episode, Elisabeth offers thoughtful and practical advice for anyone navigating the festive season after a separation or divorce—a time that can bring up all kinds of emotions and logistical challenges.

We cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Why the holidays tend to heighten emotions and strain relationships

• The emotional impact of your first major holiday without your ex—and how to manage it

• Strategies for negotiating holiday arrangements for children

• Helping kids handle their own feelings around the season

• What to do if you're planning to travel with the kids

• Coping with loneliness or resentment if you’re spending the holiday alone

• And how to navigate holidays with adult children post-separation

Toward the end of the episode, Ben asks both Elisabeth and Heather for their one key piece of advice for couples facing their first Christmas apart—so be sure to stay tuned right through to the end.

In this episode of The Family Matters Show, Ben and Heather answer real questions from the Coffs Coast community - questions that might be on your mind too.

• Can I force the sale of a jointly owned home if we’ve only lived together 18 months?

• What can I do if my ex is demanding too much and I can’t afford legal fees?

• Do we really have to split parenting time 50/50?

• Can I stop my ex from introducing the kids to a new partner after just a few weeks?

• What are my options if my ex has stopped paying child support?

• Should my HECS debt be considered in our property settlement?

• What can I do if I suspect my ex is hiding business assets?

If you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions, this episode is packed with clear, practical answers.