Divorce & Money

How I Helped One Couple Avoid Financial Heartache—and Watched Another Drive Straight Into It

As a financial neutral accountant and planner, I’ve seen it all: the calm, the storm, and the outright chaos that can unfold when couples separate. I’m not here to take sides—I’m here to help people make smart, practical decisions during one of the most emotionally charged times in their lives. Let me tell you about two couples: Ethan and Daniel, and Sarah and David, who took very different paths when it came to dividing their assets.

Case 1: Ethan and Daniel—The Smart Split

Ethan and Daniel had been together for 15 years. They owned a beautiful home, a rental property, and a boutique consulting business.
When they decided to separate, they agreed that while their relationship was ending, they didn’t want to destroy each other financially in the process. That’s when they reached out to me. I worked with them as a financial neutral—someone who helps both parties equally without taking sides. Together, we laid out their entire financial picture:

- Their home, worth $1.2M with a $400k mortgage.
- A rental property valued at $900k with a $300k mortgage.
- A business generating $200k a year in profit.
- Superannuation and a small amount of joint debt.

After some thoughtful discussions, Ethan and Daniel realised they wanted very different things for their futures. Ethan had built the consulting business and was passionate about continuing to grow it. Daniel, on the other hand, dreamed of completing his Master’s in Fine Arts and becoming a renowned author. Running a business wasn’t in his plans, but having a roof above his head provided him with the stability to pursue his dreams. Here’s what we worked out:

- Ethan kept the business and all its assets, allowing him to continue working in the field he loved.
- Daniel one of the houses. Ethan agreed to pay off the remaining $400k mortgage over a 10-year period as part of a prolonged settlement.
- They split their superannuation fairly and resolved joint debts proportionally.

We formalised everything in consent orders, ensuring it was legally binding and protected them both. Ethan and Daniel avoided lawyers, lengthy court battles, and unnecessary stress. Ethan got to keep his thriving business, while Daniel focused on his creative aspirations with the stability he needed. They parted ways with dignity and a sense of fairness.

Case 2: Sarah and David—Ferraris for the Lawyers

Now let’s talk about Sarah and David. They had a similar financial setup: a home, two investment properties, and joint superannuation.
But instead of working together, they went straight to their lawyers.

Here’s what happened next:

The lawyers’ first move? Prolong the battle. Even though Sarah and David were initially on good terms, the legal process quickly turned combative. Emails flew back and forth, with each lawyer trying to "outdo" the other. Simple disagreements became full-blown disputes.

David accused Sarah of hiding assets. Sarah countered by questioning David’s financial decisions during their marriage.
By the time the dust settled—two years and tens of thousands of dollars later—this is what they ended up with:

- The family home had to be sold, not because they wanted to, but because their legal fees had drained their savings.
- The investment properties were divided, but they were both left with mortgages they could barely afford.
- Their lawyers? They walked away with enough to put a deposit on a Ferrari.

What started as a relatively amicable split turned into a bitter, expensive nightmare.

The Difference: Working With a Financial Neutral

Here’s the thing: separation is hard enough without turning it into a battle royale. When couples like Ethan and Daniel come to me,
my goal is to keep the process fair, fast, and cost-effective. We focus on:

1. Full Transparency: Everything is laid out—assets, debts, superannuation—so there are no surprises.
2. Fair Division: We work together to create a plan that respects both parties’ contributions and future needs.
3. Consent Orders: By formalising the agreement through the Family Court, it’s legally binding and enforceable—no need for lengthy court battles.

But when couples skip this step and dive headfirst into litigation, the results are almost always the same: anger, stress, and a financial mess.

My Mission: Keeping Couples Out of the Lawyer’s Trap

Here’s the truth: lawyers thrive on conflict. The first thing they’ll do is look for ways to drag out the process, even if the couple is on good terms. Why? Because conflict means billable hours. Angry people make the best cash cows, and while you’re fighting, they’re buying Ferraris. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to offer couples an alternative. As a financial neutral, I help people divide their assets without losing their sanity—or their life savings. So if you or someone you know is going through a separation, remember: you have a choice.
You can work with someone like me to find a fair, efficient solution—or you can hand the keys to your future over to a lawyer. The choice is yours.