Divorce Holiday Survival Guide: How to Communicate When It's Complicated
View Transcript
Episode Description
-
You're navigating Christmas while going through separation or divorce
-
You're co-parenting and worried about holiday arrangements or conflict
-
You feel pressure from family and don't know how to handle it
-
You're confused about what to expect from lawyers or the courts over the break
-
You're worried about an emotional or legal crisis over the holidays
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer & Trigger Warning:
This episode is for general education and discussion only. It is not legal advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified legal professional for your specific situation. Discussions of Family Violence and Coercive Control.
Holidays can bring joy, but during separation or divorce, it can also bring stress, confusion, and conflict. If you're dreading the tough conversations this holiday season, you're not alone and this episode is here to help.
Mum and I walk through how to manage communication with all the key players during the festive period: your co-parent, your lawyer, your kids, extended family, and even the courts or police. Whether you're trying to set healthy boundaries, stuck living under one roof, or bracing for something to blow up we've got practical strategies to get you through it.
⏱️ Episode Timeline:
00:00 – Introduction: Navigating the Holidays During Divorce
01:52 – Communication Challenges for Divorcing Couples During the Holidays
03:10 – Should You Talk to Your Divorce Lawyer Over the Holiday Break?
06:00 – Co-Parenting Holiday Conflicts & Practical Solutions
13:19 – Managing Property Settlements During the Holiday Season
18:33 – Living Together While Separated: How to Handle the Holidays
22:55 – How to Communicate Holiday Plans with Your Kids During Divorce
26:44 – When to Reach Out to the Court During Holiday Disputes
26:57 – Understanding Court Closures & Delays Over the Holidays
28:06 – Urgent Divorce Matters: Emergency Contacts & What to Do
28:41 – How to Document Incidents for Court During the Holidays
29:16 – Handling Non-Emergency Divorce or Co-Parenting Issues
33:26 – When to Contact the Police During Divorce or Custody Conflicts
37:46 – Setting Boundaries with Family During a Holiday Divorce
39:16 – Creating Emergency Plans & Safety Measures
44:47 – Mental Health Tips for Coping with Divorce During the Holidays
47:04 – Engaging with Your Community for Support
48:07 – Final Thoughts & Holiday Farewell
Resources
Central Practice Directions
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-cpd
Free Disclosure Checklist
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
Episode Links
From no no no to Ho Ho ho in your divorce
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K7q02MlJr1VRteK7uJyTe?si=C1dm9sHMTV2NUuagpYllWw
Christmas & CoParenting
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fcY2B7N0lDo8U1WAqozVz?si=i_RzkSgMSPSbMT4ZeZqDVA
Separated for the Holidays How to deal with it emotionally
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zzVKOc0LJY3uZhnLXfiJC?si=LT0sg7wMT3OACnFHOER8AA
CoParenting without Court Orders
https://open.spotify.com/episode/05BC7rliGHpKcQ58JJzZej?si=iKR82uY6S2G-SF_XHeltQA
Handover Hell
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Pskjns3vZkLyv9FCefvxm?si=v8ILJ4p3Qi6dycn4WhEv4g
Separated under one roof do's and don'ts
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IXSOZ8vVadbcrq10DuxG0?si=RXwC_koDSD2foKqOEIENBQ
Stuck under one roof what are your options
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1i5baNjrk3XwbD1KrHC8hb?si=s-umof6ATtWWhdm893idUg
Reporting Family Violence or Coercive Control to Police
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3EZwSuK51JNZjHT8r4Wzz9?si=p5MmpiUKSmC9UqHLyfMAvw
🚨 Support Services:
1800 RESPECT (Family Violence Support – Australia)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support – Australia)
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances. This discussion is based in Australia. Warning discussions for Family Violence occur in this episode.