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In this milestone episode, we celebrate reaching 10,000 downloads! To mark the occasion, family lawyer Paula Applehans and principal mediator Diane Lovejoy dive deep into the legal and practical realities of intervention orders (IVOs) and family violence. Stripping away the legal jargon (with a few laughs along the way), Paula and Diane break down what IVOs actually mean, the application process, and why they are not a "silver bullet" or a weapon to be weaponised. Key Topics Covered: What is an IVO?: Understanding intervention orders under the Family Violence Protection Act, how they are enforceable across Australian states, and why they must be taken seriously.The Reality of Family Violence: Recognising that family violence isn't always physical, it encompasses emotional abuse, financial abuse, coercion, and duress.The Court Process: Demystifying mention hearings, interim orders, and the short timeframes involved in court appearances.Child-Inclusive Practice: How children are impacted, the importance of keeping them safe, and how family dispute resolution handles care arrangements.Mediation vs. Litigation: Exploring when and how mediation can still occur under an IVO, the power of undertakings, and when court intervention becomes necessary. Need Support? If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, support is available: Emergency: Call 000 if you are in immediate danger.1800 RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 for confidential information, counseling, and support (24/7).Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention services (24/7).MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78 for men supporting family and relationship concerns. Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family mediator Dianne Loveday and family lawyer Paula Appelhans explain pet custody in Australian separations: who can keep a pet, how the Family Law Act and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) shape outcomes, and practical considerations when households split. Accessible, plain-English guidance on recent legislative shifts and the key factors considered in pet custody decisions. Connect With Us Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.au Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/ Support Services and Resources If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, or if this episode brought up difficult emotions, help is available. Please reach out to the following Australian services: 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 (24/7 national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling service)Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78 (24/7 telephone and online support for men)Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 (Free 24/7 support for young people aged 5 to 25)Relationships Australia: Call 1300 364 277 (Support groups and relationship counselling)If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.  Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 5 opener — mediator Dianne Loveday welcomes family lawyer Paula Appelhans back to Melbourne. They explain how family violence allegations, Family Violence Orders (FVO) and coercive control affect evidence, safety planning, and whether matters should go to Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) or court. Clear comparisons of FDR vs litigation and practical steps to prepare for safety-focused mediation or court pathways. Key Topics & Keywords Covered New Family Law Act Amendments: How recent legislative changes redefine family violence and child safety in Australian family courts.Coercive Control & Evidence: Understanding what qualifies as admissible evidence of emotional abuse, financial abuse, and coercive control.Mediation vs. Litigation: How family violence is handled in a collaborative Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) environment compared to court proceedings.Safety Protocols & FVOs: How shuttle mediation and safety measures allow parties to negotiate parenting plans safely when a Family Violence Order (FVO) or Intervention Order (IVO) is in place. If you found this episode helpful, please hit Follow, leave us a 5-star review, and share it with anyone currently navigating a separation. Resources & Links Bayside Mediation: Learn more about safe Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and Mediation Services.Paula Appelhans: Connect with Paula Appelhans on LinkedIn. Support Services and Resources If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, or if this episode brought up difficult emotions, help is available. Please reach out to the following Australian support services: 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 (24/7 national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling service)Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78 (24/7 telephone and online support for men)Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 (Free 24/7 support for young people aged 5 to 25)Relationships Australia: Call 1300 364 277 (Support groups and relationship counselling)If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.  Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Appelhans (Family Lawyer) and Dianne Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paula or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A practical guide for separated parents planning shared care at Christmas. Mediator Dianne Loveday and Alina outline a child-focused approach to co-parenting at the holidays, reduce conflict, manage logistics and create a clear holiday parenting plan. Listen for actionable steps on scheduling, communication strategies and prioritising children’s needs during shared custody holidays. Key Topics & Keywords Covered 3 Steps to Co-Parenting at Christmas: Practical planning strategies for alternating Christmas Day, splitting holiday time, or managing shared arrangements.Age-Appropriate Shared Care: How toddlers, primary school kids, and teenagers experience holiday transitions, and how to support them emotionally.Low-Conflict Handovers: Setting clear times, neutral handover locations, and boundaries to protect children from adult conflict on Christmas Day.Blended Families & Holiday Plans: Balancing step-parents, extended family events, and legal parenting agreements without unnecessary stress. If you found this episode helpful, please hit Follow, leave us a 5-star review, and share it with anyone currently navigating a separation over the holidays. Resources & Links Holiday Guide: Read our full guide on Stress-Free Shared Care Christmas: 3 Tips for Separated Parents.Bayside Mediation: Learn more about Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and Parenting Plans.Paula Appelhans: Connect with Paula Appelhans on LinkedIn. Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Appelhans (Family Lawyer) and Dianne Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paula or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3 of a three-part series from Bayside Mediation. Dianne Loveday (Principal Mediator) and Alina Kleiman (Mediator & Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner) explain practical, age-based strategies to support children during separation and divorce. Learn key signs of distress, what to say by age, co‑parenting communication tips, and when to use Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) or seek professional help. For separating parents, carers and family professionals in Australia. Help children manage emotions and understand what’s happening in age-appropriate waysKeep adult conversations private and protect kids from conflictCommunicate calmly and co-parent with empathy (even when it’s tough)Rebuild stability, create new routines, and support children’s emotional growth Whether you’re a parent, carer, or professional supporting families through transition, this series offers practical, compassionate advice to help protect little hearts in big moments. For more resources or to connect with the team, visit Bayside Mediation - FDR & Family Mediation - Separate Smarter Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 of a three-part series: Bayside Mediation Principal Mediator Dianne Loveday and Mediator Alina Kleiman explain how to support children through separation and divorce. Practical guidance for parents and caregivers on communicating with kids, managing transitions, and using family mediation / Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) within the Australian family law context. Across these conversations, they explore how to Help children manage emotions and understand what’s happening in age-appropriate waysKeep adult conversations private and protect kids from conflictCommunicate calmly and co-parent with empathy (even when it’s tough)Rebuild stability, create new routines, and support children’s emotional growth Whether you’re a parent, carer, or professional supporting families through transition, this series offers practical, compassionate advice to help protect little hearts in big moments. For more resources or to connect with the team, visit Bayside Mediation - FDR & Family Mediation - Separate Smarter Call Us: 03 95536491 Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/ Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 1 of a three-part series: Bayside Mediation Principal Mediator Dianne Loveday and mediator Alina Kleiman explain how to support children during separation and divorce. Hear practical guidance for parents and carers on talking with kids, emotional support, and where mediation/FDR can help. Across these conversations, they explore how to: Help children manage emotions and understand what’s happening in age-appropriate waysKeep adult conversations private and protect kids from conflictCommunicate calmly and co-parent with empathy (even when it’s tough)Rebuild stability, create new routines, and support children’s emotional growth Whether you’re a parent, carer, or professional supporting families through transition, this series offers practical, compassionate advice to help protect little hearts in big moments. For more resources or to connect with the team, visit Bayside Mediation - FDR & Family Mediation - Separate Smarter Call Us: 03 95536491 Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/ Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dianne Loveday (mediator) and Paula Appelhans (family lawyer) unpack the practical differences between private mediation and government-funded Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) in Australia. Hear how confidentiality, neutrality and court-use of session content differ, what to expect from each pathway, and clear factors to help you choose the right process for children’s, property or safety concerns. Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/ Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paula’s still in Tonga, and this week’s episode is for the animal lovers. 🐾 With recent changes to Australia’s Family Law Act, companion animals, from dogs and cats to birds, bunnies, and beyond are getting new legal recognition in separation. Paula and Dianne unpack what the law now says, how to navigate disputes with compassion, and why pets deserve more than just a property label. Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Paula dials in from Tonga, where she’s currently on secondment helping to establish a new family law service. She and Dianne explore the latest changes to Australia’s Family Law Act, with a focus on one of the most significant updates: the formal introduction of a duty of disclosure. For the first time, the legislation places a clear obligation on practitioners to inform clients of their responsibility to disclose financial and other relevant information during separation. Paula and Dianne break down what this means in real terms, why it’s so important, and how it aims to create more transparent, equitable outcomes. Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Paula joins Dianne from her secondment in Tonga, where she’s helping to set up a new women's and children's legal service. Together, they unpack the significant June 2025 changes to Australia’s Family Law Act with a focus on how financial and property matters are set to shift during relationship breakdowns. Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dianne and Alina explore a commonly misunderstood fact, mediation can still be an option even when a Family Violence Order (FVO) is in place. With appropriate safeguards, Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) can proceed safely and respectfully, helping families make parenting arrangements that prioritise the child’s best interests. While the presence of a protection order signals risk, it doesn’t automatically exclude FDR, especially when the law encourages meaningful, safe contact between children and both parents. This episode wraps up the series by highlighting how even in complex situations, mediation remains a valuable, structured path forward. Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dianne and Alina debunk the common belief that separation inevitably leads to court. While emotions can run high and threats of litigation are often made, the vast majority of family law matters are resolved without ever stepping into a courtroom. They explain how Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), alongside legal negotiation, helps most families reach agreements, saving time, money and emotional energy. Court is usually a last resort, not the default. Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dianne and Alina break down what “full and frank disclosure” really means in a financial separation and when formal discovery might be unnecessary. Whether you’re working with a mediator or a lawyer, both parties must share enough information to make informed decisions. The key difference? FDR mediation can achieve the same legally binding outcomes without the costly and often excessive discovery process. Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dianne and Alina remind listeners that you are the one in charge when working with a lawyer. Your lawyer acts under your instructions, not the other way around. They explore how clearly communicating your goals and boundaries helps you stay in control of both the process and the costs, leading to better outcomes in your family law matter. Contact Dianne Loveday at Bayside Mediation | www.baysidemediation.com.auContact Paula Appelhans at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-appelhans/Disclaimer & Note from the Hosts: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. The views, stories, and insights expressed in this episode reflect the personal professional experiences and observations of Paula Applehans (Family Lawyer) and Diane Loveday (Mediator) working within the Australian legal and mediation spaces. Every family law matter is unique; please consult Paul or Dianne for advice specific to your personal situation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.