Dear Divorce Diary - With Daz & Jop
Claim This Podcastby Darren Mort-Family Law Barrister & Joplin Higgins-Family Law Solicitor
Podcast Overview
<p>When a relationship ends, it can feel like the world is breaking apart — legally, emotionally and practically. The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast exists to guide you through that difficult landscape with clarity, compassion and a child-focused mindset.</p><br><p>Each episode, Darren “Daz” Mort and Joplin “Jop” Higgins draw on their extensive experience within the family law system to unpack what separation and divorce really look like — not just on paper, but in real life.</p><br><p>They believe that families deserve dignity, children deserve protection, and adults deserve guidance that is calm, respectful and grounded in expertise rather than conflict.</p><br><p>Together, they explore the issues so many couples face when separating, including:</p><ul><li>How to divorce with dignity</li><li>Understanding the family court process</li><li>What to expect in mediation</li><li>How to co-parent respectfully and consistently</li><li>Financial and property settlement — explained in plain English</li><li>Parenting arrangements after divorce</li><li>How to avoid court and resolve disputes constructively</li><li>Practical tips for separating parents</li><li>Child-focused decision making and emotional awareness</li><li>When to involve a lawyer or barrister</li><li>Better communication during conflict and separation</li></ul><p><br></p><p>And because no two separations look the same, you can be part of the conversation.</p><p>Listeners are invited to submit their questions for Daz & Jop, with future episodes dedicated to answering real experiences, real challenges and real concerns from the people who need guidance most.</p><br><p>Whether you’re contemplating separation, navigating court, co-parenting, or simply trying to put your children first through the uncertainty — The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast offers steady, professional guidance to help reshape the path ahead.</p><br><p><strong>Real law. Real families. Real conversations.</strong></p><br><p>Subscribe, listen, learn — and know that you’re not alone.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
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Publishing Since
12/4/2025
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Recent Episodes
July 10, 2026
Can You Take My Kids Overseas? — The Relocation Battle Every Separated Parent Fears
<p>In this emotionally charged and deeply practical episode of Dear Divorce Diary, Darren Mort and Joplin Higgins tackle one of the most heartbreaking and legally complex issues in family law: relocation after separation.</p><p>What happens when one parent wants to move interstate… or overseas… with the children?</p><p>Can the court stop a parent from leaving Australia?</p><p>Does a mother or father have the “right” to move home?</p><p>What happens when children are caught between two countries, two cultures, and two parents who both love them?</p><p>Through a powerful role-play scenario involving a separated Australian-Norwegian family, Darren and Joplin unpack exactly how relocation disputes unfold inside the Family Court — from emotional arguments and legal strategy to parenting proposals and the harsh reality of what judges actually look for.</p><p>This episode explores the devastating emotional impact relocation cases can have on families, while giving listeners a rare behind-the-scenes look at how these cases are argued, assessed, and ultimately decided.</p><p><br></p><h4>🌍 International Relocation After Divorce</h4><p>Darren and Joplin explore what happens when one parent wants to relocate internationally with children following separation — particularly where one parent feels isolated, unsupported, or desperately wants to return to family overseas.</p><p>The episode examines:</p><ul><li>Moving overseas after divorce or separation</li><li>Relocating interstate with children</li><li>The difference between a parent’s rights and a child’s best interests</li><li>Whether courts can stop a parent from leaving Australia</li><li>The emotional impact of relocation litigation</li></ul><h4><br></h4><h4><strong>The Norway Scenario: A Realistic Courtroom Role Play</strong></h4><p>Through an emotionally realistic mock separation between “Svetlana” and her Australian husband, the episode demonstrates:</p><ul><li>How relocation disputes begin</li><li>Common mistakes parents make during negotiations</li><li>How quickly conversations become adversarial</li><li>Why wording and attitude matter in court</li><li>The danger of becoming positional and hostile</li></ul><p>The fictional scenario highlights issues including:</p><ul><li>Sick overseas parents</li><li>Cultural identity</li><li>Children with dual heritage</li><li>Long-distance parenting</li><li>Schooling and support systems</li><li>Maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents</li></ul><h4><br></h4><h4><strong>Key Legal Topics Discussed</strong></h4><h4>⚖️ What Judges Look For in Relocation Cases</h4><p>Darren and Joplin explain that relocation cases are not about “winning” as a parent — they are about what is in the best interests of the children.</p><p>Key considerations include:</p><ul><li>The child’s relationship with each parent</li><li>Existing care arrangements</li><li>Emotional and practical support available overseas</li><li>Whether the relocating parent can facilitate ongoing contact</li><li>Schooling and stability</li><li>Financial practicality</li><li>Long-term parenting proposals</li><li>Emotional wellbeing of the relocating parent</li></ul><h4>✈️ Can the Court Stop a Parent Leaving Australia?</h4><p>The episode discusses:</p><ul><li>Airport watchlists and injunctions</li><li>Recovery orders</li><li>Relocation applications</li><li>Interim versus final hearings</li><li>Why courts rarely make permanent relocation decisions urgently</li></ul><p>Listeners gain insight into how quickly relocation matters can escalate once one parent fears the children may leave the country.</p><p><br></p><h4>📱 Technology and Long-Distance Parenting</h4><p>Darren and Joplin discuss how modern communication tools like:</p><ul><li>FaceTime</li><li>Skype</li><li>Video calls</li><li>Messaging apps</li></ul><p>have changed the way courts assess international parenting arrangements.</p><p>But they also explain the harsh truth:</p><blockquote>Technology can help maintain relationships — but it can never fully replace physical parenting time.</blockquote><h4><strong>The Importance of Child-Focused Proposals</strong></h4><p>One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is this:</p><h4><br></h4><h4><strong>Connect with Dear Divorce Diary</strong></h4><p>Follow Dear Divorce Diary for more real conversations about separation, parenting, family violence, court processes, mediation, and rebuilding life after divorce.</p><p>Available on:</p><ul><li>YouTube</li><li>Spotify</li><li>TikTok</li><li>Instagram</li><li>LinkedIn</li></ul><p>Listeners are encouraged to continue sending topic suggestions, questions, and lived experiences via social media DMs for future episodes.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
July 3, 2026
Pornography, Power & Divorce: The Family Law Conversations Nobody Wants To Have
<p>In one of the most confronting and candid episodes of Dear Divorce Diary so far, Darren Mort and Joplin Higgins tackle a topic rarely spoken about openly in family law — pornography, addiction, intimacy, coercion, and the impact it can have on marriages, parenting, finances, and divorce proceedings.</p><p>This is not a sensationalist conversation. It’s a nuanced and thoughtful discussion about how pornography increasingly appears in affidavit material, relationship breakdowns, financial disputes, coercive control allegations, and parenting concerns inside the family court system.</p><p>Darren and Jop explore the difficult reality that pornography itself is not illegal — but the way it affects relationships, consent, emotional safety, financial stability, and family dynamics can become deeply problematic.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>When Pornography Becomes a Family Law Issue</strong></h4><p>Darren and Jop discuss how pornography increasingly surfaces during:</p><ul><li>Initial client consultations</li><li>Parenting disputes</li><li>Financial settlements</li><li>Family violence allegations</li><li>Affidavit evidence</li><li>Addiction-related relationship breakdowns</li></ul><p>The conversation examines the point where:</p><ul><li>private viewing habits,</li><li>online platforms,</li><li>or sexual behaviours</li></ul><p>…move from personal choice into behaviour that damages a relationship or family unit.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Pornography, Addiction & Relationship Breakdown</strong></h4><p>The hosts unpack:</p><ul><li>How compulsive pornography use can affect intimacy</li><li>Emotional disconnection between partners</li><li>The erosion of trust and sexual relationships</li><li>Sleep disruption and addictive behaviours</li><li>Escalating sexual conduct and risk-taking</li></ul><p>Joplin explains how addiction patterns seen in pornography cases can mirror:</p><ul><li>gambling addiction,</li><li>drug addiction,</li><li>alcohol dependency,</li><li>and other compulsive behaviours that destabilise families.</li></ul><p><br></p><h4><strong>The Financial Impact Inside Marriage & Divorce</strong></h4><p>One of the major themes of the episode is how pornography-related spending can become relevant in property proceedings.</p><p>Darren and Jop discuss:</p><ul><li>subscription-based adult platforms,</li><li>spending on explicit online content,</li><li>OnlyFans,</li><li>escort and brothel services,</li><li>hidden financial expenditure,</li><li>and the impact these behaviours can have on shared family finances.</li></ul><p>The episode explores how financial depletion linked to addiction can become a significant issue during property settlements.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>OnlyFans, Online Content & Coercion</strong></h4><p>The conversation takes a modern turn as the hosts discuss:</p><ul><li>the growing presence of OnlyFans in family law cases,</li><li>coercive pressure within relationships,</li><li>online sexual content creation,</li><li>and how explicit content can later become weaponised during legal proceedings.</li></ul><p>Joplin raises concerns about:</p><ul><li>coercive behaviour involving online adult content,</li><li>financial pressure placed on partners,</li><li>and the emotional harm that can follow when intimate material later surfaces during separation.</li></ul><h4><br></h4><h4><strong>Parenting Concerns & Exposure to Children</strong></h4><p>Darren shares examples of cases where:</p><ul><li>children accidentally discovered explicit content,</li><li>browsing histories were exposed,</li><li>or concerns arose regarding the type of material being viewed in the home.</li></ul><p>The hosts discuss:</p><ul><li>parental responsibility,</li><li>safeguarding children,</li><li>exposure risks,</li><li>and how family courts may assess concerns when children are impacted by adult content within the household.</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h4><strong>Pornography & Family Violence</strong></h4><p>One of the most serious parts of the episode explores the overlap between:</p><ul><li>pornography,</li><li>coercion,</li><li>aggressive sexual behaviour,</li><li>and family violence.</li></ul><p>The discussion examines:</p><ul><li>sexual coercion inside relationships,</li><li>desensitisation,</li><li>consent issues,</li><li>and how some behaviours may cross into emotionally or physically abusive conduct.</li></ul><p>Importantly, Darren and Jop stress the need for:</p><ul><li>open communication,</li><li>early intervention,</li><li>counselling,</li><li>and support before these issues escalate and destroy relationships.</li></ul><p><br></p><h4><strong>Connect With Dear Divorce Diary</strong></h4><p>Have a topic or lived experience you’d like Darren and Joplin to discuss?</p><p>Reach out via:</p><ul><li>Instagram</li><li>TikTok</li><li>LinkedIn</li><li>YouTube</li><li>Spotify</li></ul><p>Search for: <strong>Dear Divorce Diary</strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
June 26, 2026
Community Question: Mediation or Manipulation? The Hidden Truth About Family Law Negotiations
<p>In this powerful and deeply practical episode of Dear Divorce Diary, Darren Mort and Joplin Higgins unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the family law system — mediation.</p><p>After receiving a flood of listener messages and social media comments, Darren and Jop dive into the reality of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), court-ordered mediation, shuttle negotiations, coercive control during mediation, and whether the system is genuinely helping separating families — or simply creating another layer of trauma.</p><p>From unsafe mediation experiences to “tick-box” certificates, legally assisted negotiations, family violence dynamics, and the emotional pressure placed on victim survivors, this episode delivers a brutally honest look at what really happens behind closed doors in family law negotiations.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Are Family Law Mediations Actually Safe?</strong></h4><p>The episode begins with a confronting listener message from a woman who says she felt deeply unsafe during a shuttle mediation — despite being physically separated from her former partner.</p><p>Darren and Joplin explore:</p><ul><li>Why “safe” in legal terms can feel very different emotionally for victim survivors</li><li>The hidden trauma of mediation environments</li><li>How coercive control can continue during negotiations — even without direct contact</li><li>Why some victim survivors feel pressured into agreements</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h4><strong>The “Tick Box” Problem in Family Law</strong></h4><p>One of the biggest discussion points is the criticism of mediation certificates under Section 60I of the Family Law Act.</p><p>The hosts discuss:</p><ul><li>Whether some mediations have become procedural hurdles rather than genuine negotiations</li><li>Concerns that some parties attend mediation in bad faith</li><li>Why some mediators fail to identify abusive or manipulative behaviour</li><li>The frustration of receiving the same certificate as a party who engaged respectfully</li></ul><p>Joplin raises concerns about:</p><ul><li>Inexperienced mediators</li><li>Delays in government-funded mediation services</li><li>Lack of legal understanding from some facilitators</li><li>The risks this creates in family violence matters</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h4><strong>When Mediation Becomes Another Form of Control</strong></h4><p>This episode takes a powerful turn as Darren and Jop discuss how:</p><ul><li>Refusing to attend mediation</li><li>Deliberately withholding financial documents</li><li>Failing to negotiate genuinely</li><li>Creating delays</li></ul><p>…can become extensions of coercive and controlling behaviour.</p><p>The conversation examines:</p><ul><li>Power imbalances in negotiations</li><li>How emotional abuse can continue through legal processes</li><li>The psychological impact of prolonged proceedings</li><li>Why some cases are simply “not settleable”</li></ul><h4><br></h4><h4><strong>Legally Assisted Mediation vs Government Services</strong></h4><p>Darren and Jop openly compare:</p><ul><li>Private mediation services</li><li>Government-funded FDR programs</li><li>Court-based mediation</li><li>Child-inclusive conferences</li><li>Registrar-led negotiations</li></ul><p>They discuss why:</p><ul><li>The skill and experience of the mediator matters enormously</li><li>Family law knowledge is critical in parenting disputes</li><li>Cheap mediation can sometimes become expensive later</li><li>Good mediation requires preparation, realism, and strategy</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h4><strong>Key Topics Covered</strong></h4><ul><li>Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)</li><li>Section 60I certificates</li><li>Coercive control in mediation</li><li>Shuttle mediation</li><li>Victim survivor safety</li><li>Family violence and negotiation</li><li>Court-ordered mediation</li><li>Parenting disputes</li><li>Child-inclusive mediation</li><li>Litigation fatigue</li><li>Power imbalances in family law</li><li>Reality testing in negotiations</li><li>Mediation strategies</li><li>Trauma-informed legal practice</li></ul><h3>“Some cases are not settleable.”</h3><p>Darren and Jop discuss why forcing compromise in high-conflict or family violence matters can sometimes create more harm than good.</p><p><br></p><h3>“You get what you pay for.”</h3><p>Joplin delivers a candid assessment of under-resourced mediation services and why legal expertise matters during negotiations.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Connect With Dear Divorce Diary</strong></h4><p>Have a question or topic you’d like Darren and Joplin to discuss?</p><p>Reach out via:</p><ul><li>Instagram</li><li>TikTok</li><li>LinkedIn</li><li>YouTube</li></ul><p>Search for: <strong>Dear Divorce Diary</strong></p><p>Your lived experiences and questions continue shaping the conversations featured on the podcast.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
19 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Dear Divorce Diary - With Daz & Jop?
<p>When a relationship ends, it can feel like the world is breaking apart — legally, emotionally and practically. The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast exists to guide you through that difficult landscape with clarity, compassion and a child-focused mindset.</p><br><p>Each episode, Darren “Daz” Mort and Joplin “Jop” Higgins draw on their extensive experience within the family law system to unpack what separation and divorce really look like — not just on paper, but in real life.</p><br><p>They believe that families deserve dignity, children deserve protection, and adults deserve guidance that is calm, respectful and grounded in expertise rather than conflict.</p><br><p>Together, they explore the issues so many couples face when separating, including:</p><ul><li>How to divorce with dignity</li><li>Understanding the family court process</li><li>What to expect in mediation</li><li>How to co-parent respectfully and consistently</li><li>Financial and property settlement — explained in plain English</li><li>Parenting arrangements after divorce</li><li>How to avoid court and resolve disputes constructively</li><li>Practical tips for separating parents</li><li>Child-focused decision making and emotional awareness</li><li>When to involve a lawyer or barrister</li><li>Better communication during conflict and separation</li></ul><p><br></p><p>And because no two separations look the same, you can be part of the conversation.</p><p>Listeners are invited to submit their questions for Daz & Jop, with future episodes dedicated to answering real experiences, real challenges and real concerns from the people who need guidance most.</p><br><p>Whether you’re contemplating separation, navigating court, co-parenting, or simply trying to put your children first through the uncertainty — The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast offers steady, professional guidance to help reshape the path ahead.</p><br><p><strong>Real law. Real families. Real conversations.</strong></p><br><p>Subscribe, listen, learn — and know that you’re not alone.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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