76. Changes in UK family law: What Australia must learn (and face)

Recent reforms in the United Kingdom have shaken the family-law landscape - finally recognising that domestic abuse is not just an adult issue, but a child-safety issue. 

In this episode, Danielle Black breaks down what’s changing in the UK, what Australia has already reformed on paper, and why our culture and professional ideology are still lagging behind.

You’ll hear how both countries are redefining “best interests of the child” to centre safety over shared care, and why this shift is long overdue. Danielle unpacks the uncomfortable truth: perpetrators of family violence are not good parents, and children have a right to be protected - even when that means limited or no contact.

Drawing on her work with protective parents and the 2024 Australian Family Law Act reforms, Danielle explores how society’s obsession with “children need both parents” continues to undermine genuine child-focused practice, and what needs to change if we’re serious about protecting children from harm.

In this episode:

• What the new UK reforms really mean for family courts
• The parallels with Australia’s 2024 Family Law Act changes
• Why ideology still outweighs evidence in many legal processes
• The truth about family violence as a parenting, not relationship, problem

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides general information only. It is not legal advice, counselling, or a substitute for individual coaching. Always seek professional guidance specific to your situation.

The music you hear in this outro is 'Stronger, Braver, Together' - an original track created exclusively for the Post-Separation Abuse Podcast and Danielle Black Coaching.

About Danielle Black Coaching:

Danielle Black is a respected authority in child-focused post-separation parenting in Australia. With over twenty years’ experience across education, counselling and coaching - alongside her own lived experience navigating a complex separation and family court journey - she supports parents to think strategically, build capacity, and protect their children’s safety and wellbeing within complex legal and relational systems.

Through Danielle Black Coaching, she leads a growing team of specialist coaches and a structured support ecosystem designed to provide professionally held, evidence-informed guidance for parents navigating high-conflict separation and family court processes.

Learn more at danielleblackcoaching.com.au

This podcast is for educational purposes only and not legal advice. Please seek independent legal, medical, financial, or mental health advice for your situation.