『Dear Divorce Diary - With Daz & Jop』のカバーアート

Dear Divorce Diary - With Daz & Jop

Dear Divorce Diary - With Daz & Jop

著者: Darren Mort-Family Law Barrister & Joplin Higgins-Family Law Solicitor
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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.


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.


They believe that families deserve dignity, children deserve protection, and adults deserve guidance that is calm, respectful and grounded in expertise rather than conflict.


Together, they explore the issues so many couples face when separating, including:

  • How to divorce with dignity
  • Understanding the family court process
  • What to expect in mediation
  • How to co-parent respectfully and consistently
  • Financial and property settlement — explained in plain English
  • Parenting arrangements after divorce
  • How to avoid court and resolve disputes constructively
  • Practical tips for separating parents
  • Child-focused decision making and emotional awareness
  • When to involve a lawyer or barrister
  • Better communication during conflict and separation


And because no two separations look the same, you can be part of the conversation.

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.


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.


Real law. Real families. Real conversations.


Subscribe, listen, learn — and know that you’re not alone.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Darren Mort-Family Law Barrister & Joplin Higgins-Family Law Solicitor
人間関係 子育て 社会科学
エピソード
  • Community Question: Representing Yourself in Family Court? What You MUST Know Before Final Hearing
    2026/06/19
    In this practical and highly informative episode of Dear Divorce Diary, family law barrister Darren Mort and family lawyer Joplin Higgins answer one of the most common questions sent in by listeners navigating the family law system without legal representation.Drawing directly from a listener question submitted through social media, Darren and Joplin unpack the reality of preparing for a final hearing in the Family Court as a self-represented litigant.This episode delivers real-world insight, courtroom practicalities, and critical guidance for people trying to navigate one of the most stressful legal processes of their lives.Preparing for Final Hearing Without a LawyerThe episode begins with a listener question from someone representing themselves in Family Court who is unsure:What documents need to be filedWhether submissions are requiredHow to comply with court ordersHow to avoid offending the courtDarren and Joplin break down the practical realities of self-representation and explain why preparation, organisation, and understanding court expectations are absolutely critical.Understanding Court Orders & Filing DeadlinesJoplin stresses the importance of:Reading every court order carefullyCreating checklistsTracking deadlines properlyFiling documents early — not at the last minuteThe discussion highlights how procedural mistakes can seriously affect a case and why practical organisation matters just as much as legal argument.The Often-Forgotten “Notice of Risk” DocumentOne of the standout moments of the episode is Joplin’s practical advice regarding:The Notice of Child Abuse / Notice of Risk documentWhy parties should consider updating itHow significant incidents often occur after proceedings first beginWhy these documents remain important throughout parenting proceedingsThis section provides listeners with valuable insight into how courts assess risk and family violence concerns.Affidavits: Telling Your Story ProperlyDarren and Joplin explain one of the biggest mistakes self-represented litigants make:Treating their affidavit as an emotional response document instead of evidenceThe episode explores:Why affidavits should focus on your own case theoryThe dangers of responding line-by-line to the other partyHow word limits matterThe importance of relevance and structureWhy “less is more” in many areas of litigationJoplin explains that an affidavit should present:“Your story — not just your reaction to someone else’s story.”Why Independent Legal Review Is Worth ItEven for people representing themselves, both Darren and Joplin strongly recommend:Having a lawyer review documents before filingGetting advice on hearsay and relevanceUnderstanding evidentiary rulesRefining affidavit structure and toneThe episode explains why even limited legal guidance can significantly strengthen a self-represented case.Key Themes DiscussedSelf-represented litigants in Family CourtPreparing for final hearingFamily law affidavit draftingCourt filing tipsCase outlines and submissionsNotice of Risk documentsParenting proceedingsEvidence and strategy in family lawPractical Family Court guidanceFamily violence considerations in litigationListener TakeawayThis episode is essential listening for:Self-represented litigantsPeople preparing for Family CourtParents involved in parenting disputesAnyone trying to understand how Family Court actually works behind the scenesIt offers practical, grounded advice from two experienced family law professionals who understand both the legal system — and the emotional toll it can take on families.Connect With Dear Divorce DiaryFollow Dear Divorce Diary for honest conversations around:Family lawSeparationParenting disputesDomestic and family violenceCourt preparationTrauma-informed legal practiceReal-life courtroom experiences🎧 Available now on podcast platforms, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    10 分
  • Community Question: “Why Didn’t They Just Leave?” — The Hidden Reality of Coercive Control
    2026/06/12

    ⚠️ Trigger Warning:

    This episode contains discussions surrounding coercive control, family violence, emotional abuse, psychological harm, victim survival responses, and trauma-informed legal practice.

    Listener discretion is advised.

    In this deeply important follow-up episode of Dear Divorce Diary, family law barrister Darren Mort and family lawyer Joplin Higgins revisit one of the most confronting and misunderstood topics in family law: coercive control.

    Responding directly to a listener message sent via TikTok following their earlier episode on coercive and controlling behaviour, Darren and Joplin unpack one of the most common — and harmful — public questions surrounding family violence:


    “Why didn’t they just leave?”

    This conversation explores the reality that coercive control is rarely obvious, rarely isolated, and almost never simple.


    What This Episode Covers

    Understanding Coercive Control Beyond Physical Violence

    Joplin explains that coercive control is not one singular act — it is often a layered pattern of behaviours that can include:

    • Emotional abuse
    • Financial control
    • Isolation from support networks
    • Threats and intimidation
    • Manipulation
    • Monitoring and surveillance
    • Psychological degradation
    • Fear-based dependency

    The discussion highlights how difficult coercive control can be to identify, particularly because many victim survivors may not initially recognise the behaviour as abuse themselves.


    The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

    A major focus of this episode is how lawyers, professionals, friends, and support people can better respond to victim survivors.

    Joplin discusses:

    • Trauma-informed communication
    • The importance of indirect and follow-up questioning
    • Avoiding re-traumatisation
    • Creating emotional safety during disclosure
    • Taking detailed notes so victims don’t have to repeatedly relive trauma

    The episode shines a light on how sensitive and skilled communication can help identify patterns of coercive behaviour that may otherwise remain hidden.


    Why Leaving Isn’t Simple

    Darren and Joplin strongly challenge the damaging misconception that victims can “just leave.”

    The episode explores:

    • Fear of retaliation
    • Threats of self-harm by perpetrators
    • Threats involving children
    • Financial dependence
    • Emotional trauma
    • Safety planning
    • The psychological paralysis caused by ongoing abuse

    They explain that leaving a coercively controlling relationship is often the most dangerous period for a victim survivor.


    How Friends & Family Can Safely Support Someone Experiencing Abuse

    One of the most practical sections of this episode focuses on what supportive friends can do.

    Joplin shares examples of trauma-informed support strategies including:

    • Creating a safe home environment
    • Establishing emergency safe words
    • Holding important documents securely
    • Providing emotional support without judgment
    • Avoiding pressure or ultimatums
    • Respecting the victim survivor’s pace and safety assessment

    The conversation stresses that support should centre around safety and empowerment — not control or expectation.


    Listener Note

    If this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, please seek support from a qualified domestic violence service, counsellor, legal professional, or emergency service in your area.


    Connect With Dear Divorce Diary

    Follow Dear Divorce Diary for more real conversations around:

    • Family law
    • Separation
    • Parenting disputes
    • Trauma and recovery
    • Domestic and family violence
    • Court processes
    • Relationships and emotional wellbeing

    🎧 Available on podcast platforms, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    7 分
  • Facebook, TikTok & Family Court: The Social Media Mistakes Destroying Divorce Cases
    2026/05/17
    In this brutally honest and often darkly humorous episode of Dear Divorce Diary, Darren Mort (Family Law Barrister) and Joplin Higgins (Practising Family Lawyer) dive into one of the biggest modern dangers in separation and divorce proceedings — social media.From angry Facebook rants and passive-aggressive memes to dating app disasters, GoFundMe controversies and children being exposed to online conflict, this episode explores how social media behaviour can seriously damage:Parenting casesFamily law proceedingsPersonal credibilityMental healthChildren’s wellbeingDaz & Jop explain why courts are increasingly examining online behaviour under a microscope — and why one impulsive post can become devastating evidence in the courtroom.The episode delivers practical insight, cautionary tales and hard truths about how people sabotage themselves online during separation.“People Act Like Absolute Fools On Social Media”The Impact On ChildrenA major focus of the discussion is the devastating effect social media conflict has on children.The episode explores:Children reading posts about their parentsSchool bullying linked to family court disputesFriends and classmates discovering online conflictEmotional embarrassment and shameLong-term damage to parent-child relationshipsDaz shares examples of children being ridiculed at school after parents publicly posted inflammatory content online.The hosts repeatedly reinforce:The Family Court prioritises the best interests of children — and social media warfare rarely reflects that.Social Media As Court EvidenceDaz & Jop explain how family lawyers, barristers and Independent Children’s Lawyers routinely conduct “deep dives” into parties’ social media accounts.The episode highlights how courts may examine:Facebook postsTikTok videosInstagram storiesComments sectionsDating profilesGoFundMe campaignsText message labels and contact namesJop explains that social media can reveal:Personality traitsEmotional instabilityAggressionParenting attitudesDenigration of the other parentPoor judgmentKey Takeaways From This EpisodeSocial media posts regularly become evidence in family court proceedings.Children are often deeply impacted by parents’ online conflict.Passive-aggressive memes and public attacks can seriously damage credibility.Dating profiles and fundraising pages may create legal complications.Courts increasingly examine digital behaviour closely.Online conduct may influence parenting decisions and intervention order proceedings.Emotional “purging” online rarely helps legal outcomes.If you wouldn’t want a judge reading it aloud in court — don’t post it.About The HostsDarren MortFamily law barrister focused on parenting disputes, family violence and trauma-informed advocacy.Joplin HigginsFamily lawyer, Director of Joplin Lawyers and advocate for trauma-informed family law practice.Listener AdviceIf you are currently navigating separation or family law proceedings:Avoid posting emotionally reactive content onlineNever involve children in online disputesAssume all posts may eventually be read in courtSeek legal advice before engaging publicly about proceedingsPrioritise your children’s emotional wellbeing above online validationJoin The ConversationHave a question or topic suggestion for Dear Divorce Diary?Connect with Darren and Joplin via:TikTokInstagramLinkedInYouTubePodcast platformsDM your questions, experiences or future topic ideas for upcoming episodes.Follow & SubscribeIf you’re navigating separation, parenting arrangements, or family court processes, Dear Divorce Diary offers real conversations and practical insights from experienced family law professionals.Follow, like, and subscribe to stay up to date with upcoming episodes featuring Darren Mort (Family Law Barrister) and Joplin Higgins (Family Law Solicitor).Real law. Real families. Real conversations.Subscribe, listen, learn — and know that you’re not alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    18 分
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