Can you really separate while still living together?

With rising living costs and Australia's housing crisis, more couples are choosing to separate under one roof. But what does that actually mean for your legal rights, your children, your finances, and your emotional wellbeing?

In this episode, I sit down with family lawyer in residence Dani Zetzer from Respect Legal to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of separation. Together, we explore the legal realities, common misconceptions, and practical strategies for navigating life when moving into separate homes simply isn't possible.

Whether you're considering separation, currently living under the same roof as your former partner, or supporting someone through this transition, I hope this conversation provides compassionate, practical guidance to help you feel more informed and supported.

Family lawyers, parenting coaches, child psychologists, accountants, GPs, Services Australia, Family Tax Benefit, Child Support, and domestic violence financial assistance programs.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going:
Visit Divorce and Separation Hub to explore expert resources, courses, and programs tailored to your needs. Share your questions or comments you're not alone in this.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

The Divorce and Separation Hub Website

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Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Danielle Zetzer, Lawyer, Founder of Respect Legal and Host of Diary of a Divorce Lawyer

This podcast's audio production crafted by Dan at dankingproductions.com.au.

This episode is a collaboration with Respect Legal. If you're enjoying this conversation and want to hear more from Dani Zetzer, listen to her podcast Diary of a Divorce Lawyer. If you are ready for legal advice, Dani leads a family law firm, Respect Legal. The team at Respect Legal are modern divorce lawyers putting the humanity back into family law — one client at a time. They will help you make empowered legal decisions that support life beyond separation. Respect by name. Respectful by nature. If you want modern, respectful legal advice visit Respect Legal.

Disclaimer

I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.

Have you ever had someone close to you separate and suddenly started looking at your own relationship differently? Maybe it was a friend, a sister, someone at school, work or in your friendship circle.

One minute you are supporting them. The next, you are lying awake wondering:

Are we actually okay?
Have I been ignoring things?
Could I leave too?

In this solo episode, I talk about "divorce flu" — the idea that divorce can ripple through social circles and make other people question their own relationships. But can you really catch divorce like the flu?

Not exactly.

I explore the research around divorce and social networks, while making it clear that someone else's divorce does not cause yours. But it can bring up feelings, questions and truths that may have already been sitting under the surface.

This episode is about curiosity, not panic.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

The Divorce and Separation Hub Website

The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram

The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook

The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Loved This Episode?
Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now.

Do you have a question you want answered? Submit your question here.

This episode is produced by Dan King of Dan King Productions.

This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict.

Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au.

Disclaimer

I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.

What happens when leaving feels impossible but staying is costing you your health?

In this honest conversation, Lindy Klim shares her deeply personal journey through divorce, rebuilding her life, and raising four children while starting over from scratch. She opens up about recognizing the physical signs of stress, asking for help, leaving everything behind, and creating a peaceful life for herself and her family.

This episode is a reminder that healing isn't linear, rebuilding takes courage, and life can become lighter after making the hardest decision.

Whether you're considering separation, navigating divorce, or supporting someone who is, Lindy's story offers hope, practical wisdom, and reassurance that you're not alone.

• Recognising when your body is telling you something isn't right
• The emotional weight of staying in an unhappy relationship
• Finding the courage to ask for help
• Leaving with four children and starting over
• Motherhood during separation
• Therapy, breathwork, and healing
• Why rebuilding isn't about possessions—it's about peace
• Supporting children through divorce
• Letting go of guilt and embracing a new chapter

"It's going to be okay. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other."

Let's Keep the Conversation Going:
Visit Divorce and Separation Hub to explore expert resources, courses, and programs tailored to your needs. Share your questions or comments you're not alone in this.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

The Divorce and Separation Hub Website

The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram

The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook

The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Lindy Klim

Loved This Episode?
Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now.

This podcast's audio production crafted by Dan at dankingproductions.com.au.

This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict.

Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au.

Disclaimer

I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.