Two of Australia’s top family law voices launch explosive new podcast to help people survive divorce
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 24 Feb 2026
Australia's family law system is complex, emotional and often overwhelming. Now, two of the country's most experienced and respected legal professionals have joined forces to pull back the curtain on separation, parenting disputes and domestic violence with the launch of a bold new podcast, Dear Divorce Diary.
Hosted by award-winning family lawyer and domestic violence advocate Joplin Higgins OAM and leading Melbourne barrister Dr Darren Mort, the podcast is rapidly gaining traction for its raw, practical and honest conversations about divorce, family conflict and the realities of the courtroom.
The aim is simple. To give everyday Australians the knowledge, confidence and clarity they need to navigate one of life's most stressful transitions.
"Too many people walk into separation blind," Higgins said.
"They rely on hearsay, social media or well-meaning advice from friends. By the time they seek professional help, damage has often already been done. This podcast is about empowering people early, before conflict escalates and before children are caught in the middle."
Real advice, not legal jargon
Launched in December 2025, Dear Divorce Diary delivers real-world insight into family law, parenting, property settlements and domestic violence, explained in language people can actually understand.
The podcast covers the issues people are often too afraid to ask about, from high-conflict parenting and financial control to navigating the Family Court and protecting children from ongoing trauma.
Mort said there is a growing appetite for credible, expert-led content that cuts through misinformation.
"Divorce is one of the most significant legal and emotional events people will ever face," he said.
"Unfortunately, most Australians have no idea how the system works until they are in it. That lack of knowledge fuels fear, conflict and poor decision-making. We want to change that."
He added that education and prevention are at the heart of the project.
"If people understand the process earlier, they can make better choices, reduce conflict and create safer, healthier outcomes for children. That is the long-term goal," he emphasised.
A powerful partnership
Higgins and Mort bring decades of combined courtroom experience and national credibility.
Higgins is the founder and director of Joplin Lawyers in Maitland in the Hunter Valley and has dedicated her career to supporting women and children impacted by domestic and family violence. In 2021 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to law and the community. She is also co-author of Domestic and Family Violence Law in Australia and author of Split Happens, a practical guide to parenting after separation.
Mort has been a family law barrister for more than 30 years and is recognised for his expertise in complex parenting and children's matters. He is the founder of the To Be Loved Network, an international charity focused on supporting children affected by family conflict. His award-winning educational films and resources are used globally in parenting programs and judicial training.
In 2022 he was named Barrister of the Year at the national Lawyers Weekly Law Awards and in 2025 he received the Pioneer Lawyer of the Year award.
The pair also share a strong focus on prevention and public education.
"We are not here to inflame conflict," Higgins said.
"We are here to help people make informed, strategic and child-focused decisions."
Why now
Separation rates remain high and the emotional and financial stakes are rising as families navigate housing pressures, financial stress and complex parenting arrangements.
At the same time, social media and online forums are reshaping how people seek information about divorce, often exposing them to misinformation.
Mort said this makes credible, accessible expert content more important than ever.
"People are consuming content at scale, but not all of it is reliable," he said.
"Our podcast is designed to be a trusted source. It is honest, practical and grounded in real legal experience."
Driving awareness and changing outcomes
The goal for Dear Divorce Diary is to build a national and international audience, expand into television and radio and ultimately create a platform that supports families through education and prevention.
"We want to normalise conversations about separation and help people move forward in a healthier way," Higgins said.
"Divorce does not have to destroy families. With the right information, it can be managed in a way that protects children and preserves dignity."
Dear Divorce Diary is available now across major podcast platforms and YouTube.