Family Five with Ivy Law Group Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:21:27 -0400 http://ivylawgroup.com.au en-au © 2026 Family Five with Ivy Law Group yes NSW, Australia 4d034107-294d-5737-af0e-bd5b095af108 Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton episodic false Welcome to Family Five, a weekly podcast series by Sydney-based law firm Ivy Law Group. Join Ivy Law Group’s resident principal lawyer (Shane Neagle) and non-lawyer (Jessica Hamilton) as they delve into the often unspoken and challenging areas of family law and the sticky situations people may find themselves in, all in the time it takes you to drink your coffee. This turbo-charged 5-minute podcast will cover some pretty tough areas of family law in an honest, light-hearted, and refreshing way with just a few bad lawyer jokes thrown in for good measure. So, grab your coffee and let’s get listening!

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) family law, relationships, parenting, divorce, separation, property settlement, family courts, lawyers Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton https://storage.buzzsprout.com/7loj6dusiiyyp6n8ly6vhiy46o2t?.jpg Family Five with Ivy Law Group http://ivylawgroup.com.au Jessica Hamilton Shane Neagle How do I get a divorce if I don't know where my ex is? How do I get a divorce if I don't know where my ex is? Divorce can be tricky enough, but what if your former partner or spouse is nowhere to be found? Or what if thye refuse to co-operate? What happens then? 

In this episode, we talk all things divorce, including whether you can file without them, what happens if someone is overseas, whether you can separate without divorcing and much more. 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Divorce can be tricky enough, but what if your former partner or spouse is nowhere to be found? Or what if thye refuse to co-operate? What happens then? 

In this episode, we talk all things divorce, including whether you can file without them, what happens if someone is overseas, whether you can separate without divorcing and much more. 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13878845 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100 374 3 16 full false Are BFAs worth the paper they are written on? Are BFAs worth the paper they are written on? We're talking all things BFAs in this episode (Binding Financial Agreements), including: 

  • What actually are BFAs? 
  • When do you need one? 
  • Are they worth the paper they are written on? 
  • Is it true they are only for the rich? 
  • Can the Court set one aside?


If you would like some advice about your situation,  our family lawyers are more than happy to assist! 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> We're talking all things BFAs in this episode (Binding Financial Agreements), including: 

  • What actually are BFAs? 
  • When do you need one? 
  • Are they worth the paper they are written on? 
  • Is it true they are only for the rich? 
  • Can the Court set one aside?


If you would like some advice about your situation,  our family lawyers are more than happy to assist! 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13524076 Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +1000 383 BFA, binding financial agreeement, relationships, parenting, de facto, marriage, divorce, separation, assets, property settlement, thorne and kennedy, family lawyers, ivy law group, legal podcast, family courts, podcast, law, legal insights, family law 3 15 full false Is my ex entitled to my inheritance in the split? Is my ex entitled to my inheritance in the split? Dealing with inheritances in a  family law property settlement is not as cut and dry as people might think. 

There are many different factors that the Court will take into account as it's not as simple as, "well, my parents gave me that inheritance so it's all mine and my ex won't get any of it." 

In this episode, we go deeper into the matter of inheritances, how they are treated by the court during a separation and what you need to know should you find yourself in this situation. 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Dealing with inheritances in a  family law property settlement is not as cut and dry as people might think. 

There are many different factors that the Court will take into account as it's not as simple as, "well, my parents gave me that inheritance so it's all mine and my ex won't get any of it." 

In this episode, we go deeper into the matter of inheritances, how they are treated by the court during a separation and what you need to know should you find yourself in this situation. 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13462055 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +1000 400 family five, ivy law group, podcast, legal podcast, family law, family lawyers, separation, divorce, property settlement, inheritance, wills, property, gifts, assets, money 3 14 full false How do I know what my 'future needs' are? How do I know what my 'future needs' are? Future needs is one of four considerations that are taken into account by the Court when deciding a family law property settlement. 

But what exactly are future needs and how do you know if you have any? Do you need to provide provide proof of those needs? 

We discuss all this and more in this week's episode. 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Future needs is one of four considerations that are taken into account by the Court when deciding a family law property settlement. 

But what exactly are future needs and how do you know if you have any? Do you need to provide provide proof of those needs? 

We discuss all this and more in this week's episode. 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13375075 Wed, 09 Aug 2023 17:00:00 +1000 378 3 13 full false If I contributed more in a relationship, does that mean I am entitled to more? If I contributed more in a relationship, does that mean I am entitled to more? Many people are under the belief that assets are split 50/50 in a family law property settlement, but that's not always the case. 

In this episode, we talk about contributions and what they mean for a separating couple, and how it differs depending on how long they were together for. 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Many people are under the belief that assets are split 50/50 in a family law property settlement, but that's not always the case. 

In this episode, we talk about contributions and what they mean for a separating couple, and how it differs depending on how long they were together for. 

Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13335309 Thu, 03 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +1000 461 podcast, family law, legal podcast, relationships, separation, divorce, contributions, property settlement, assets, dividing finances, family law, family courts 3 12 full false My de facto relationship is over, but will the Court agree? My de facto relationship is over, but will the Court agree? When a relationship is over, there is often a tussle between the emotional and the legal. You know when your relationship is over, but how does the family court determine the ending of a de facto relationship, for the purposes of a financial settlement?

In this episode, we talk all things de facto, how it differs from a marriage (legally speaking), and what separating couples need to consider in order for the Court to recognise the end of their relationship.

For more on Fairbairn v Radecki, please see our article: "How does the Court determine the breakdown of a de facto relationship. "


Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> When a relationship is over, there is often a tussle between the emotional and the legal. You know when your relationship is over, but how does the family court determine the ending of a de facto relationship, for the purposes of a financial settlement?

In this episode, we talk all things de facto, how it differs from a marriage (legally speaking), and what separating couples need to consider in order for the Court to recognise the end of their relationship.

For more on Fairbairn v Radecki, please see our article: "How does the Court determine the breakdown of a de facto relationship. "


Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

]]> Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13291652 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 17:00:00 +1000 386 podcast, family law, legal podcast, separation, de facto relationship, divorce, marriage, family courts, property settlement 3 11 full false Everything but the kitchen sink: what property isn't Everything but the kitchen sink: what property isn't
  • What is property and what isn't property in a family law settlement? 
  • What do you do if you need to sell a property but one party won't move out?
  • Are assets actually split 50/50 in a property settlement?
  • Why are dogs considered to be "property?" 

    • We answer all these questions and more in this week's episode. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>
  • What is property and what isn't property in a family law settlement? 
  • What do you do if you need to sell a property but one party won't move out?
  • Are assets actually split 50/50 in a property settlement?
  • Why are dogs considered to be "property?" 

    • We answer all these questions and more in this week's episode. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13235330 Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +1000 445 3 10 full false     My ex is hiding money. What do I do? My ex is hiding money. What do I do? In this episode we discuss what to do if you discover a former partner or spouse is hiding assets and how to go about uncovering the assets.

    We also discuss what financial disclosure is in family law and why it's so important, when you might need a forensic accountant,  what their role is, and what to do if you can't afford to go down that path. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     In this episode we discuss what to do if you discover a former partner or spouse is hiding assets and how to go about uncovering the assets.

    We also discuss what financial disclosure is in family law and why it's so important, when you might need a forensic accountant,  what their role is, and what to do if you can't afford to go down that path. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13122298 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 17:00:00 +1000 388 financial disclosure, financial abuse, legal podcast, family law, family courts, sydney family lawyers, family five, assets, liabilities, ivy law group, separation, divorce, financial agreement 2 9 full false     Do I have to actually go to Court? Do I have to actually go to Court? Many shudder at the thought of having their family law matter potentially dragged out in Court for years. 

    So, how can you settle your matter amicably following a separation, with (hopefully) minimal fuss and what methods are available to you to help you resolve your issues outside of Court? 


    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Many shudder at the thought of having their family law matter potentially dragged out in Court for years. 

    So, how can you settle your matter amicably following a separation, with (hopefully) minimal fuss and what methods are available to you to help you resolve your issues outside of Court? 


    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13072000 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +1000 342 family courts, family five, law podcast, ivy law group, separation, divorce, mediation, arbitration, binding financial agreement, collaborative law, legal support, sydney family lawyers, podcast, parenting 2 8 full false     Why do lawyers cost so much? Why do lawyers cost so much? It's a question that gets asked a lot. 

    In this episode, we tackle what exactly is involved when you hire a lawyer, how the costing process works and what happens if you decide to go out on your own and self-represent. 

    Shane also shares some examples of cases where it did go well with self-representation, and where it didn't. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     It's a question that gets asked a lot. 

    In this episode, we tackle what exactly is involved when you hire a lawyer, how the costing process works and what happens if you decide to go out on your own and self-represent. 

    Shane also shares some examples of cases where it did go well with self-representation, and where it didn't. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-13036009 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +1000 379 podcast, family law, legal podcast, relationships, separation, divorce, family courts, lawyers fees, cost of lawyer, mediation, shadow lawyer, self-representation, legal support 2 7 full false     Coercive control and trauma in relationships with Alison Howarth Coercive control and trauma in relationships with Alison Howarth In this episode, guest speaker Alison Howarth discusses what coercive control in a relationship can look like, the classic behaviours a partner may exhibit, along with the impact and ongoing trauma response this may have on the person being subjected to the abuse.  

    We also discuss support services available for anyone in this situation, which we have listed below: 

    1-800-RESPECT (1-800-737-732)
    https://www.1800respect.org.au/

    About Alison Howarth 

    Alison Howarth is a speaker, author and trainer who has worked in the trauma support sector for over 25 years. During that time, she has worked in counselling, management, clinical governance and clinical engagement; developing evidence-based training programs to directly enhance support for service users impacted by domestic and family violence trauma.

    Alison has also researched and developed training and support programmes to prevent and manage vicarious (secondary) trauma, which have been adopted by government departments, not for profit organisations and corporate organisations.

    Alison’s Masters research into vicarious trauma literature can be found here: www.acrjournal.com.au Volume 15, Issue 2. 

    Website: www.apactraumaconsulting.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alisonhowarth 

    Books:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BQQZGRZT
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C12D3K61 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     In this episode, guest speaker Alison Howarth discusses what coercive control in a relationship can look like, the classic behaviours a partner may exhibit, along with the impact and ongoing trauma response this may have on the person being subjected to the abuse.  

    We also discuss support services available for anyone in this situation, which we have listed below: 

    1-800-RESPECT (1-800-737-732)
    https://www.1800respect.org.au/

    About Alison Howarth 

    Alison Howarth is a speaker, author and trainer who has worked in the trauma support sector for over 25 years. During that time, she has worked in counselling, management, clinical governance and clinical engagement; developing evidence-based training programs to directly enhance support for service users impacted by domestic and family violence trauma.

    Alison has also researched and developed training and support programmes to prevent and manage vicarious (secondary) trauma, which have been adopted by government departments, not for profit organisations and corporate organisations.

    Alison’s Masters research into vicarious trauma literature can be found here: www.acrjournal.com.au Volume 15, Issue 2. 

    Website: www.apactraumaconsulting.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alisonhowarth 

    Books:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BQQZGRZT
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C12D3K61 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton with guest speaker Alison Howarth Buzzsprout-12941949 Tue, 30 May 2023 11:00:00 +1000 468 family law, legal podcast, relationships, coercive control, abuse, trauma, vicarious trauma, separation, divorce, support services, family lawyers, ivy law group, family five, counselling 1 6 full false     Leaving a violent relationship Leaving a violent relationship In this week's episode, we discuss violent/abusive relationships, looking at what to do if you need to flee a violent relationship and what happens if you are falsely accused of being abusive. We also discuss support services available for those in need.

    Warning: this podcast discusses some serious topics that may be distressing for some listeners. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     In this week's episode, we discuss violent/abusive relationships, looking at what to do if you need to flee a violent relationship and what happens if you are falsely accused of being abusive. We also discuss support services available for those in need.

    Warning: this podcast discusses some serious topics that may be distressing for some listeners. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-12810928 Tue, 09 May 2023 11:00:00 +1000 415 family law, legal podcast, ivy law group, family lawyers, relationships, violent relationships, abuse, separation, divorce, support services,family court, counselling 1 5 full false     Am I in a financially abusive relationship? Am I in a financially abusive relationship? Financial abuse is not a topic that is often spoken about. It can sometimes be difficult to detect and someone may not even be aware they are in a financially abusive relationship or a victim of it. 

    In this podcast episode, we look at what financial abuse is, how to spot the signs and what you can do to protect yourself. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Financial abuse is not a topic that is often spoken about. It can sometimes be difficult to detect and someone may not even be aware they are in a financially abusive relationship or a victim of it. 

    In this podcast episode, we look at what financial abuse is, how to spot the signs and what you can do to protect yourself. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-12680577 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +1000 391 financial abuse, relationships, family law, family courts, family lawyers, divorce, separation, narcissist, mental health, legal support, sydney family law firm, ivy law group, counselling 1 4 full false     What do I do if my partner is a narcissist? What do I do if my partner is a narcissist? We hear the term narcissist thrown around a lot, but what exactly is a narcissist?  

    In this week’s episode of the Family Five podcast, we discuss narcissism, steps to take if you want to leave your relationship, along with strategies that may assist you with co-parenting with a narcissist.

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     We hear the term narcissist thrown around a lot, but what exactly is a narcissist?  

    In this week’s episode of the Family Five podcast, we discuss narcissism, steps to take if you want to leave your relationship, along with strategies that may assist you with co-parenting with a narcissist.

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-12634432 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +1000 386 narcissist, abuse, relationships, family law, family courts, legal support, divorce, separation, co-parenting, family lawyers, legal podcast, sydney law firm, ivy law group, counselling 1 3 full false     How do I know whether to leave my relationship or not? How do I know whether to leave my relationship or not?
  • Is your relationship healthy or unhealthy? 
  • What are the signs of an unhealthy relationship? 
  • How do you spot the signs of abuse? 
  • When do you know if it's time to leave the relationship? 
  • What's the first thing you should do if you decide to leave? 

    • We cover all this and more in this episode and give you some valuable tips to take away with you. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>
  • Is your relationship healthy or unhealthy? 
  • What are the signs of an unhealthy relationship? 
  • How do you spot the signs of abuse? 
  • When do you know if it's time to leave the relationship? 
  • What's the first thing you should do if you decide to leave? 

    • We cover all this and more in this episode and give you some valuable tips to take away with you. 

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-12521493 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100 303 separation, divorce, family lawyers, legal support, family courts, relationships, parenting, financial settlement, counselling, family lawyers, legal podcasts, sydney law firm, ivy law group 1 2 full false     The Trailer The Trailer In this trailer, we discuss what the Family Five podcast is all about, why we are doing it and what you will get out of it.  

    Hosted by Jessica Hamilton (non-lawyer) and Shane Neagle (actual lawyer) of Sydney based law firm Ivy Law Group, this weekly podcast will tackle the tough family law issues in the time it takes you to drink your coffee (which we estimate to be at the 5 minute mark!)

    The aim is to keep it light hearted, informative, helpful and a bit of fun and we are hopeful that you will learn a few things along the way.

    So grab your cofffee and get listening!

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     In this trailer, we discuss what the Family Five podcast is all about, why we are doing it and what you will get out of it.  

    Hosted by Jessica Hamilton (non-lawyer) and Shane Neagle (actual lawyer) of Sydney based law firm Ivy Law Group, this weekly podcast will tackle the tough family law issues in the time it takes you to drink your coffee (which we estimate to be at the 5 minute mark!)

    The aim is to keep it light hearted, informative, helpful and a bit of fun and we are hopeful that you will learn a few things along the way.

    So grab your cofffee and get listening!

    Recognised in Feedspot's Top 40 Family Law Podcasts List!
    https://podcasts.feedspot.com/family_law_podcasts/

    ]]>     Shane Neagle & Jessica Hamilton Buzzsprout-12491769 Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +1100 389 family law, legal podcast, sydney law firm, family lawyers, ivy law group, family five, parenting, property, financial settlement, divorce, separation, relationships, legal support 1 1 trailer false