Liza Friedwald, Family Lawyer and Mediator

Liza Friedwald, Family Lawyer and Mediator Practical Family Law. Human Approach. Consulting Principal Keypoint Law | Former Barrister | 20+ Years Exp
Gold Coast and Brisbane | Helping Aus-Wide

Family law can be hard.But despite the conflict, the court documents, and the difficult conversations, family law is ult...
11/06/2026

Family law can be hard.

But despite the conflict, the court documents, and the difficult conversations, family law is ultimately about helping people move forward.

That's something I'll never get tired of.

09/06/2026

Many people assume that if an asset is held in a trust, it won't be included in a family law property settlement.

That's not always the case.

One of the first questions family lawyers ask is not "Who owns the trust?" but "Who controls it?"

Depending on the structure of the trust, the powers of the parties, and how the trust has been operated, trust assets may form part of the property pool or otherwise be taken into account when determining a property settlement.

The answer is rarely as simple as "the trust protects it" or "the trust is included".

Trusts can be one of the most complex aspects of a property settlement, which is why assumptions can be dangerous.

If there is a trust involved, make sure you understand how it may be treated before negotiating an outcome.

Most people don't make mistakes in a property settlement because they're careless.They make them because they don't real...
09/06/2026

Most people don't make mistakes in a property settlement because they're careless.

They make them because they don't realise they're making them.

A handshake agreement.
A verbal promise.
A quick split of the assets based on what "feels fair".
Waiting until later to sort it out properly.

We see people make these decisions every day, often with the best of intentions. Unfortunately, some of those decisions can become expensive problems months or even years down the track.

In Episode 3 of The Ex-Files - The Divorce and Separation Podcast, we discuss some of the biggest property settlement mistakes people make after separation, including:

• Relying on informal agreements.
• Missing important time limits.
• Treating financial disclosure as optional.
• Assuming property settlements are always 50/50.
• Overlooking superannuation, tax consequences and hidden costs.
• Signing agreements without fully understanding them.

Whether you're currently negotiating a settlement or simply trying to understand your options, this episode provides practical information that could save you significant stress, time and money.

🎧 Episode 3 is available now.

One of the most common misconceptions after separation is that property outcomes are determined by a simple formula.They...
04/06/2026

One of the most common misconceptions after separation is that property outcomes are determined by a simple formula.

They are not.

Family law property settlements involve a structured legal framework designed to consider the unique circumstances of each family, including financial contributions, non-financial contributions, future needs, and overall fairness.

That is why two seemingly similar cases can result in very different outcomes.

Whether an agreement is reached through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, understanding the framework behind the decision-making process can help set realistic expectations and support better-informed discussions.

Knowledge is powerful. Understanding the process is often the first step towards resolving a property matter with greater confidence.

02/06/2026

Family violence is not just relevant to parenting arrangements.

It can also affect the outcome of a property settlement.

Recent changes to Australian family law have strengthened the recognition of family violence in property matters. Courts can now consider the economic impact of family violence, including situations where a person's ability to earn an income, contribute financially, or rebuild after separation has been affected.

Family violence is not limited to physical abuse. It can also include coercive control, financial abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, and behaviours that cause a person to fear for their safety or wellbeing.

Every situation is different, and the presence of family violence does not automatically determine a property settlement outcome. However, it is an important factor that may need to be considered as part of the overall assessment.

In Episode 2 of The Ex-Files – The Divorce and Separation Podcast, we discuss how property settlements work in Australia and explore the growing role family violence can play in property matters.

🎧 Listen now on all popular podcast platforms.

One of the most common misconceptions after separation is that property settlements are automatically divided 50/50.The ...
01/06/2026

One of the most common misconceptions after separation is that property settlements are automatically divided 50/50.

The reality is far more nuanced.

Property settlements in Australia involve a structured legal process that considers the assets and liabilities of both parties, the contributions each person has made, their future needs, and whether the outcome is just and equitable in all circumstances.

In Episode 2 of The Ex-Files - The Divorce and Separation Podcast, family lawyers Alex Wynn and Liza Friedwald break down how property settlement actually works, explain the factors that influence outcomes, and discuss recent changes to family law that may affect separating couples.

If you're navigating separation, understanding the process can help you make more informed decisions and avoid costly assumptions.

🎧 Listen now via all popular platforms.

26/05/2026

Children do not need to know the details of adult conflict to feel the impact of it.

During separation, kids often absorb far more than parents realise - tension, hostility, criticism, silence, anxiety, and loyalty conflicts can all affect a child’s emotional wellbeing, even when arguments happen “behind closed doors”.

Shielding children from parental conflict is not about pretending everything is perfect. It is about helping them feel safe, secure, and free to love both parents without pressure or guilt.

Some important reminders:
• Don’t ask children to take sides.
• Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of them.
• Keep adult discussions away from children.
• Don’t use children as messengers.
• Reassure them that the separation is not their fault.

Children are often more resilient than we give them credit for — but they should never have to carry the emotional weight of adult disputes.

The way parents manage conflict during separation can shape how children experience relationships, communication, and emotional safety for years to come.

Even small steps to reduce tension around children can make a meaningful difference.

One of the hardest parts of separation is that people are often trying to balance two competing things at the same time:...
26/05/2026

One of the hardest parts of separation is that people are often trying to balance two competing things at the same time:

Keeping things calm, while also protecting themselves properly.

Most people are not trying to create conflict.

They are trying to survive an emotionally overwhelming situation while making huge decisions about children, money, housing, and the future.

The difficulty is that avoiding structure early can sometimes create more stress later.

Good communication and civility matters. But so does clarity.

25/05/2026

Separation doesn’t just change your relationship status - it can also affect your digital security.

One of the most overlooked steps after separation is reviewing your passwords, devices, and online accounts. In many relationships, passwords, shared logins, cloud access, location sharing, and banking details become intertwined over time.

Some practical first steps may include:
• updating passwords on email, banking, social media and cloud storage
• turning on two-factor authentication
• checking shared devices, tablets and laptops
• reviewing Apple/Google family sharing settings
• checking location sharing and shared calendars
• updating recovery email addresses and phone numbers
• backing up important documents and photos securely

This is not about creating conflict. It is about protecting your privacy, financial security, and peace of mind during an already stressful time.

If there are concerns about family violence, coercive control, or monitoring of devices/accounts, obtaining early legal and safety advice can be important.

Information is empowering.

Men and women are different. Not better. Not worse. Different.For most of human history, women fought for spaces, protec...
16/05/2026

Men and women are different. Not better. Not worse. Different.

For most of human history, women fought for spaces, protections and opportunities because our lived experience is different. Different bodies. Different vulnerabilities. Different realities.

Humans naturally seek environments that feel familiar, safe and understood. That is not exclusion, it is human nature.

Generations of women fought hard for rights we now take for granted: to be heard, protected, represented and recognised as women.

For many women, recent debates and decisions including Tickle v Giggle, feel less like progress and more like a profound shift in how women’s voices, concerns and boundaries are understood.

Surely equality means we can have these conversations honestly without fear, without labels, and without erasing what makes women uniquely women. I really hope that the High Court comes to the right decision.

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