Show Notes
In Episode 2 of Dear Divorce Diaries, Darren “Daz” Mort and Joplin “Jop” Higgins discuss one of the most critical topics in family law: co-parenting after separation. With years of courtroom experience, they explain why only a small percentage of cases actually need to go to trial, and why many families would benefit from avoiding court entirely—both emotionally and financially. Daz and Jop focus on keeping the child at the centre of every decision, explaining that even if parents hate each other, they still share a lifelong responsibility to their children. They reference the “Tommy” film used in US family courts to illustrate the damage children experience when parents fight. Daz & Jop share practical tools for better co-parenting, including:
Parenting courses (such as Tuning into Kids/Teenagers)
Psychological support and mindfulness
Regular “iron-out” sessions to revisit parenting plans
Mediation and why two-day mediations are often more effective
Co-parenting apps like Our Family Wizard and AppClose
They also highlight common pitfalls that cause conflict, including:
Social media denigration
Involving new partners in the conflict
Using children as weapons during changeovers
Disputes about child support and spending
Rigid parenting schedules that ignore child development
The episode concludes with a reminder that children are impacted by conflict long into adulthood, and that co-parenting is about behaviour—not feelings. Even if parents can’t stand each other, they can still learn to behave respectfully for the sake of their kids. Key Topics Covered
Why court is not always necessary
The “child-focused lens” concept
Parenting courses and tools
The harm of public conflict on social media
The importance of communication boundaries
Why co-parenting requires work
Managing changeovers calmly
The benefits of mediation
Using parenting apps to reduce conflict
Why schedules must adapt as children grow
The long-term impact of conflict on kids
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. 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.
More from Dear Divorce Diary - With Daz & Jop
In this episode of Dear Divorce Diaries, family law experts Darren Mort (Family Law Barrister) and Joplin Higgins (Family Law Solicitor) explore one of the most emotionally charged and increasingly common issues in modern separation: what happens to pets during divorce? With a special guest appearance from “Buddy” 🐶, the conversation unpacks how Australian family law now treats pets—legally defined as “companion animals”—and what that means for separating couples.
In this episode of Dear Divorce Diaries, family law experts Darren Mort (Family Law Barrister) and Joplin Higgins (Family Law Solicitor) unpack one of the most emotionally charged and legally risky issues in parenting disputes: withholding children when court orders are in place—or when they’re about to be made. Through candid discussion, practical legal insight, and real courtroom dynamics, the episode explores when (if ever) a parent can justify not complying with parenting orders, and what consequences follow when they do.
In this emotionally charged and deeply practical episode of Dear Divorce Diary, Darren Mort and Joplin Higgins tackle one of the most heartbreaking and legally complex issues in family law: relocation after separation. What happens when one parent wants to move interstate… or overseas… with the children? Can the court stop a parent from leaving Australia? Does a mother or father have the “right” to move home? What happens when children are caught between two countries, two cultures, and two parents who both love them? Through a powerful role-play scenario involving a separated Australian-Norwegian family, Darren and Joplin unpack exactly how relocation disputes unfold inside the Family Court — from emotional arguments and legal strategy to parenting proposals and the harsh reality of what judges actually look for. This episode explores the devastating emotional impact relocation cases can have on families, while giving listeners a rare behind-the-scenes look at how these cases are argued, assessed, and ultimately decided.
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In this powerful and deeply practical episode of Dear Divorce Diary, Darren Mort and Joplin Higgins unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the family law system — mediation. After receiving a flood of listener messages and social media comments, Darren and Jop dive into the reality of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), court-ordered mediation, shuttle negotiations, coercive control during mediation, and whether the system is genuinely helping separating families — or simply creating another layer of trauma. From unsafe mediation experiences to “tick-box” certificates, legally assisted negotiations, family violence dynamics, and the emotional pressure placed on victim survivors, this episode delivers a brutally honest look at what really happens behind closed doors in family law negotiations.