A Lawyer and a Mediator Walk into a Bar

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 CoveredNew 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 & LinksBayside Mediation: Learn more about safe Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and Mediation Services.Paula Appelhans: Connect with Paula Appelhans on LinkedIn.Support Services and ResourcesIf 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 HostsThe 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.

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 Covered3 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 & LinksHoliday 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 HostsThe 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. 

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 growthWhether 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 SmarterContact 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. 

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 toHelp 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 growthWhether 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 SmarterCall Us: 03 95536491Contact 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. 

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 growthWhether 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 SmarterCall Us: 03 95536491Contact 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. 

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.