🔗 Read the full podcast blog on Finding Freedom After Separation: Practical Legal Advice for Single Mums: https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast/freedom-after-separation-practical-legal-tips-for-mums/

💛 Join our single mum community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine

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Separation can feel like the end of something, but what if it’s also the beginning of something better?

In this episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast, I’m joined by family lawyer Ella Hickman to unpack what freedom after separation really looks like—practically, emotionally, and legally. Whether you're just beginning the process or still dealing with the ripple effects, Ella shares expert advice and gentle encouragement every step of the way.

We explore common legal misconceptions, how to create realistic parenting plans, where to begin when separation becomes inevitable, and what kind of legal clarity brings the most peace. Ella’s down-to-earth style makes even the complex feel manageable, helping you take that next step with confidence.

💛 You’ll also hear how to handle a difficult ex, prioritise safety and finances, and why the right support network is crucial—not just for surviving separation, but for rebuilding something better.

00:00 – Welcome + Meet Ella Hickman 01:58 – What “freedom” looks like post-separation 04:21 – The biggest legal misconceptions single mums have 07:45 – First steps to take when separating (legally + emotionally) 11:30 – Creating parenting arrangements that actually work 15:00 – Talking finances: urgent priorities for single mums 18:42 – Dealing with a difficult ex during the legal process 22:10 – How the right legal advice empowers emotional healing 26:33 – Ella’s final message of encouragement for mums

If you’re a mum considering separation or divorce but don’t have the means for a private lawyer, these resources are here to support you.

🆓 Legal Aid Commissions - Each state and territory offers a Legal Aid Commission. They provide free legal advice, assistance with court documents, and representation in family law matters—especially if you’re on a lower income.

🆓 Community Legal Centres (CLCs) - Community legal centres offer free family law guidance, cover separation and domestic violence, and often assist when Legal Aid isn’t suitable. There are nearly 200 across Australia, including specialist services like Redfern and Kingsford Legal Centres in NSW.

🆓 Family Relationship Advice Line -This national helpline (1800 050 321) refers callers to legal, financial, and mediation services. They can help you explore all available free options.

🆓 Women’s Legal Services - Offers free, confidential legal advice and tailored support, especially for mums experiencing separation or domestic violence.

✨ https://hickmanfamilylawyers.com.au — Learn more about Ella Hickman Family Lawyers. Expert guidance and compassionate legal support tailored specifically for single mums navigating separation.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

🎧 Subscribe for more expert chats, practical tips, and heartfelt support.

In this heartfelt episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast, we dive into Women’s Health through the real and relatable lens of motherhood. With the ever-inspiring Ashley Sonnenberg from Mommy and Me Fitness, we explore what it truly means to prioritise your wellbeing in a life filled with demands, love, and little people.

Ashley shares her journey from healthcare professional to mama-focused fitness coach, and how she’s helping mums ditch the guilt, perfectionism, and pressure to "do it all." Together, we unpack small, doable shifts that lead to lasting change—because your health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

From energy and sleep to mindset and movement, this episode gently reminds you that you are worthy of care. You don’t need a perfect routine—you just need a starting point and perhaps a village around you.

Tune in to feel seen, supported, and inspired to put yourself back on the list—with kindness and without overwhelm.

🌸 https://mommyandmefitness.org/home — Start your Women's Health journey with Ashley here.

✨ https://www.facebook.com/ashley.sonnenberg — Ashley's dedicated FB page to all things fitness and wellness.

📘 https://www.subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts — Grab your 'Organized Mama Meal Blueprint' and many other single mum resources right here!

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. Remember to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

Growing Your Tribe: How Single Mums Can Build Connection and Community

Being a single mum doesn’t mean doing it alone! In this episode, we chat with Sarah McLaughlin from Liberty about the power of community and how single mums can build strong, supportive networks. We explore the rise of ‘mommunes’—a growing trend where single mums share living spaces to ease financial pressures, offer mutual support, and create a village-like environment for their children.

Sarah shares expert insights on:

✔️ The benefits of co-living for single mums ✔️ How to find (and create) your own community ✔️ Overcoming fears and challenges of shared living ✔️ Practical tips for making it work

Whether you're looking for deeper friendships, shared parenting support, or considering co-living, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• 💰 Liberty Financial – Learn more about flexible lending options for co-buying a home.

• ⚖️ Australian Property Laws on Co-Ownership – Understand the legalities of joint homeownership in Australia.

• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join The Single Mum Vine – A supportive online space for single mums to share experiences and find like-minded mums.

• 💻 Visit our website - Information, encouragement & support by single mums for single mums.

🎧 Tune in now and start growing your tribe!

Co-Parenting Under One Roof: Heather’s Story

Breaking up is hard enough, but what happens when you and your ex decide to keep living under the same roof for the sake of your children? In this episode, we chat with Heather, a single mum who navigated 3.5 years of co-parenting while sharing a home with her ex-husband.

Heather opens up about why they made this choice, the challenges they faced, and the surprising benefits of keeping their family under one roof post-separation. She shares insights on communication, emotional regulation, and setting boundaries—plus what it was really like when they finally moved into separate homes.

We also dive into:

💡 How their children adapted to the arrangement

💡 The emotional highs and lows of co-parenting under one roof 💡 Practical tips for making it work (including shared calendars and house rules!) 💡 The transition to a ‘nesting’ custody arrangement and the unexpected challenges it brought

Whether you’re considering a similar setup or just curious about alternative co-parenting approaches, this episode is packed with real-life wisdom, honesty, and reassurance.

👉 Tune in now for an eye-opening conversation!

🎧 Listen to Maggie’s inspiring journey here. If you want to hear from another single mum who has faced the overwhelm and come out stronger, this episode is for you. Maggie’s story is a powerful reminder that empowerment and confidence are within reach.

💛 https://calendly.com/singlemamaway/starthere - If you're struggling emotionally with separation, co-parenting, or finding your way forward, you're not alone. Book a nurturing call with Single Mama Way to help you process your feelings, regain confidence, and create a path that feels right.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

Empowering Dating Advice for Single Mums with Laurie Gerber

Balancing parenting, self-care, and the pursuit of love can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Laurie Gerber, renowned life and relationship coach, shares transformative dating advice tailored for single mums. Laurie has been featured on the Today Show, Dr. Phil, and countless other platforms, offering expert guidance to individuals worldwide.

Discover Laurie’s step-by-step approach to preparing for love:

• The Divorce Detox: Letting go of past attachments and creating space for new possibilities.
• Modern Dating Strategies: Navigate dating apps with intention and confidence.
• The Three-Date Rule: Evaluate compatibility using the “Three H’s”—Head, Heart, and Hoo-ha.
• Building Community: Gain the support you need to thrive in your dating journey.

Whether you’re dipping your toes back into the dating world or looking for a meaningful connection, Laurie’s insights will inspire and empower you. Plus, learn about her free webinar packed with actionable advice to find love without repeated disappointment.

Ready to take the leap? Tune in and embrace your journey to love with clarity and confidence.

🌸 "3 Secrets to Finding and Maintaining Healthy Love without Repeated Disappointments" - For more of Laurie’s expert dating advice, join her FREE webinar.

✨ https://lauriegerber.com — Laurie Gerber is an expert in the field of life and relationship coaching with over 20 years of experience coaching thousands of individuals and couples.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Ready to explore love again? The Beanstalk Mums community is here to cheer you on every step of the way!

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Have you got a love story to share? Drop us a voice message on our widget and who knows we might share your story on the next episode!

📰 subscribepage.io/beanstalksinglemums - Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter. Get our newest articles delivered straight to your inbox, together with the latest podcast notes, discount deals procured just for you, highlights of service businesses that share our and tools to help you thrive.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to rate and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

🎙️ In this empowering episode, I sit down with Jane Monica-Jones, Australia’s pioneering financial therapist and author of The Billionaire Buddha. We dive into the emotional side of money and explore how financial capability—not just literacy—can be the key to unlocking financial well-being.

Jane shares powerful insights into overcoming financial stress, breaking through emotional blocks, and building confidence in managing your finances. From practical strategies to personal stories of transformation, this episode offers tools and inspiration for single mums ready to create financial success in 2025.

💡 Plus, discover a special giveaway for Beanstalk listeners, including financial therapy packages and wellbeing diaries to jumpstart your journey.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward financial empowerment!

✨ https://financialwellbeing.thinkific.com/bundles/Capabilite?ref=2d30c2 — Use this link to get access to over 150 financial literacy courses on Capabilite.com and go into the draw to win one of these amazing prizes and achieve your financial success:

• Financial Therapy Packages - 4 x Sessions with Jane Monica-Jones valued $650 (3 packages to be won)
• Financial Wellbeing Resource - Choose from either Financial Wellbeing Diary, Money Bubble Cards or Money Mental Health Cards (10 to be won)
• Offer ends 20 February 2025

🌸 https://www.janemonicajones.com/ — Learn more about Jane Monica-Jones here.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

📰 subscribepage.io/beanstalksinglemums - Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter. Get our newest articles delivered straight to your inbox, together with the latest podcast notes, discount deals procured just for you, highlights of service businesses that share our and tools to help you thrive.

Welcome to the Beanstalk Mums Podcast! Here at Beanstalk Mums, we believe that every mum is a powerhouse of potential and strength. Our mission is to uplift, empower, and support single mums on their incredible journey. Each episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and expert insights tailored to help you tackle the unique challenges and triumphs of single motherhood.

Join our vibrant community as we delve into topics that matter most to you – from financial independence and career growth to self-care and parenting tips. At Beanstalk Mums, we understand that your journey is as unique as you are, and we're here to provide a warm, welcoming space where you can find the encouragement and resources you need.

Don’t forget to join our supportive Facebook group, The Single Mum Vine, where you can connect with other incredible mums. And be sure to visit beanstalkmums.com.au for a vast library of resources and articles designed just for you.

Tune in regularly and become part of a network that celebrates your resilience, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. Together, we can turn every challenge into an opportunity and every moment into a stepping stone towards a brighter future. Welcome to Beanstalk Mums – where your story is our inspiration.

Access the full show notes on all episodes on beanstalkmums.com.au

Join our supportive and inspirational Single Mum FB group: The Single Mum Vine

Subscribe to our newsletter: subscribepage.io/beanstalksinglemums

Shining a Light on Australia’s Housing Crisis and Givit’s Impact on Families in Need

As the festive season approaches, many are preparing to celebrate, but for countless families in Australia, the Housing Crisis casts a heavy shadow. In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Danielle Draper, manager of Givit’s Domestic and Family Violence program, to explore the profound challenges facing single mums and their children.

Danielle shares how Givit, a not-for-profit organisation, transforms lives by connecting families in need with essential items—fostering dignity and respect. From helping a mum transition out of refuge with a bed and fridge voucher to delivering nearly 1 million items over four years, Givit’s impact is extraordinary.

We delve into the long-term reliance on transitional housing and the emotional toll it takes, especially during the holidays. Danielle also highlights how donors can provide thoughtful contributions, like bicycles that bring joy and connection or Christmas gifts for overlooked tweens and teens.

Discover how Givit bridges the gap between generosity and need, ensuring families receive exactly what they require, and learn how you can be part of this inspiring mission.

This episode reminds us of the resilience of single mums and the power of community to bring hope when it’s needed most.

🌸 https://1800respect.org.au — 1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

✨ https://www.givit.org.au — Now that's the smart way to give! Donations making real and positive differences to the lives of Australians in need. Discover how a single donation, given the smart way, can change a life forever.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. Please don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!