Sorting out child support after separation can feel confusing and overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. In this episode, we break down the essentials in plain language so single mums can feel clearer, calmer, and more confident about their next steps.

📖 What you’ll learn:

~ How child support is calculated in Australia

~ Your options: private agreements vs. Services Australia

~ What to do if payments are late or not made

~ When to seek legal advice

~ Tips for keeping things child-focused and manageable

💛 This is information, not legal advice. For personalised support, connect with Services Australia or a community legal centre.

🔗 Links & Resources:

* Services Australia – Child Support - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/learning-about-child-support?context=60015

* Beanstalk Mums Blog - https://beanstalkmums.com.au/

⌚ Timestamps:

00:00 Why child support feels so overwhelming

01:15 The basics: how it’s calculated

05:40 Option 1: Private agreements

09:20 Option 2: Services Australia

14:00 What to do when payments are late

18:30 Legal advice and red flags

22:00 Tiny Tool for today

24:00 Resources & gentle CTA 🤗

If this helped, share with a mum who’s navigating child support. For more tools and support, join The Vine community https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine

👉 Subscribe for more real talk and tools for single mums subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts

Feeling pressure to “do it all”? In this uplifting episode of Beanstalk Mums – Real Talk for Single Mums, host Elle Sitek chats with coach and solo‑mum Sasha Eburne about life after burnout, redefining success and building a business that truly fits.

Sasha spent 25 years in hotels and events before COVID‑19 wiped out her career. Newly minted as a solo mum, she pivoted into virtual assistant work, discovered a business model that allowed her to leave the nine‑to‑five and has spent the last five years coaching other mums to do the same. She shares candidly about hitting burnout, learning to ask for help, and including her daughter in her business journey.

Together we explore:

• The subtle signs of burnout and why you must prioritise self‑care • Why asking for help is a sign of strength and how to build a supportive village • Practical strategies to rebuild after exhaustion – from realistic to‑dos to setting boundaries and negotiating timelines • Creating a flexible business around your family’s rhythms rather than the 9–5 grind • Bringing your kids along for the ride and redefining what success looks like • Mindset shifts to ditch labels, embrace discomfort and start dreaming again

Tune in for real talk, gentle encouragement and plenty of actionable tips. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck or just ready for something new, this conversation is for you.

Links & resources

– Connect with Sasha on Instagram: @SashaEburne__ – Join our Single Mum Vine community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine – Subscribe to the Beanstalk Mums newsletter for weekly support and life‑hacks: https://subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts – Leave us a voice message via our new podcast widget, and your question might appear in a future episode: https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast – Explore more articles, tools and community resources at https://beanstalkmums.com.au

-Watch this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@BeanstalkSingleMums

Remember to like, subscribe and leave a 5‑star review so more single mums can find this show. You’ve got this!

If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling overseas with your child only to hit the wall of passport applications after divorce, you’re not alone. Between parental consent, court orders, and “special circumstances,” the process can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Beanstalk Mums Maggie breaks it all down clearly for single mums who want clarity before booking those flights.

What you’ll learn:

• Why both parents consent is usually needed for a child’s passport

• What to do if your ex refuses or is missing

• How “special circumstances” can allow you to apply alone

• When and how the Family Court can step in

• Costs, timelines, and what to expect

💛 Gentle reminder: This is information, not legal advice.

Links & Resources:

• Australian Passport Office – Children

• Family Court of Australia

• Beanstalk Mums Blog

• Community legal centres (Australia-wide free/low-cost advice)

In this insightful episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast, we explore the emotional terrain of co-parenting and conflict resolution with the calm and compassionate Thad Hollis, founder of Better Outcomes Coaching & Mediation.

With over 30 years of experience guiding families through separation and beyond, Thad offers practical tools and grounded wisdom to help single mums communicate more clearly, reduce stress, and make decisions that truly centre their children’s wellbeing.

Together, we unpack what healthy conflict actually looks like, how to listen (even when it’s hard), and why mediation can be a powerful resource—not just in crisis, but anytime things start to shift. Thad’s approach is gentle, respectful, and refreshingly human.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a co-parenting loop, unsure how to move forward, or just want more peace in your parenting partnership, this episode is here to support you. Real tools, real talk, and a quiet reminder: you don’t have to do this alone.

Tune in to feel steady, supported, and ready for better outcomes—whatever stage you’re at.

🌸 Visit Better Outcomes Coaching & Mediation

✨ Learn more about divorce coaching with Thad

👯‍♀️ subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts — Subscribe to the Beanstalk Mums newsletter for weekly support, podcast updates, and instant access to our life hacks library!

🎙️ 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 leave us a 5-star review and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

🔗 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!