Divorce with Dominique Bergel-Grant

02/02/2026

I love what I do, supporting and advising clients through undoubtedly one of the hardest times they’ll face.

It is an absolute privilege to help build a safe and clear path forward amid tension, fear, and uncertainty during divorce.

Receiving a beautiful thank you like this is just the icing on the cake.

Deeply grateful for the trust every one of my clients place in me. Thank you. 🌸🙏

10/01/2026

Divorce is a three part process…

1. The business of divorce (financial separation)
2. The care of the kids (parenting plan)
3. The divorce itself

Far too oftern I see people confused and unsure of what order to tackle these.

Every divorce is different, and what you prioritise first will depend on your circumstances.

However, it is vital to ensure certainty and protection, that you complete each step.

As a divorce financial planner, I can help you priortise, working with your lawyer to help them best understand your priorities based on your long term needs.

28/10/2025

In an imperfect system, it is often those that are the most powerless who have the lasting impacts of the failures.

Adults navigate the family law system with unknowing and fear. However, that uncertainty creates levels of instability and a sense of loss for children impacted.

Allowing their voices to be heard should be more than a gesture, and it is good to see a genuine step in the right direction.

What it doesn't take away from, however, is the nature of conflict in the family dispute system. The norm needs to shift from conflict to collaboration.

This is why I am so deeply passionate about the work I do in Collaborative Law. It is about opening up dialogue, recreating healthy communication channels and operating in a space of transparency, without the risk of court litigation in family dispute matters.

If you would like to know more about Collaborative Law, or how I help individuals and couples navigate their divorce with a focus on human impact do not hesitate to reach out.

Sally's legal battle in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia may be years long gone, but the trauma of the experience lingers — especially on her eldest child.

21/09/2025

Take a look at my latest article published for the Australian Financial Advice Association - Confessions of a Divorce Financial Planner.

Divorce is a complex and uncertain process and, regardless of your motivations, it is not about winning or losing. It involves facing the often harsh reality that dreams of a future life imagined on your wedding day are now shattered. Often it is easy to get caught up in the “he said, she said” ...

25/08/2025

What is one question about divorce you want answered??

14/08/2025

Divorce is a pivot point in life. As a professional accountant, financial adviser, lawyer or counsellor, it is vital to understand how to help clients navigate their divorce.

It sometimes starts with a conversation of what if?? Should I stay or should I go??

How do you as a professional, navigate these complex and emotional conversations with clients and do you know what professionals are out there specialising in assisting clients through divorce.

Join me and an expert panel or Suzanne Delbridge, Cathryn Gross and Susan Warda brought together by Julia Newbould for The Stella Network as we explore what needs to be thought about when your clients are thinking divorce might just be their next step.

Please join me and a panel of other professions to discuss how to help your clients thinking about splitting up.

To register for this free webinar, please follow the link here:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mSh3Q8gXTrK3GZh7lsnBnA

20/01/2025

😁 Time to Reclaim Happiness During Divorce 😁

Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences in life, often leaving individuals feeling lost and overwhelmed. However, it's important to remember that happiness is not lost forever. In fact, you can reclaim it and even find new joy during this transition. Here are some essential facts about happiness to help you gain a greater understanding to reclaim your happiness during and after a divorce.

💥 Happiness is not just about your internal feelings. It is influenced by your friends, family, and relationship with the broader community.

💥 Hugs make you happier. Don't just trust me, Harvard research confirms this.

💥 Music and sports will make you happier. For the greatest benefit, get those dancing shoes on 👠🎼.

💥 Time to invest in your health. People who are happier produce around 50% more antibodies.

💥 Just twenty minutes of exercise, three days a week for six months, will likely increase your sense of happiness by 10-20%.

💥 Fake it until you make it! Smiling actually makes you feel happier. The act of smiling sends positive messages to your brain, releasing all-important endorphins.

💥 Happiness isn't gained or lost in just one part of your life. Focus on areas where you are the happiest to bring up those areas where you are struggling.

I look forward to seeing your comments below about ideas on how you create happiness in your own life.

- Dominique Bergel-Grant

19/01/2025

🌟Are you truly well in your relationship, or just alive? 🌟

"The quote by Marcus Valerius, 'Life is not merely to be alive but to be well,' resonates deeply when it comes to the decision to separate and divorce. In my conversations with clients, the core question often is: Should I stay, or should I go? 💔

Many people struggle within their relationships for a long time. They have been alive, but have they been well? This is a question I help my clients navigate as we explore the complexities of choosing the path of divorce.

It's not an easy choice, and in many cases, it can be the brave choice. It's about identifying what truly makes an individual not only alive but also happy and joyful. Can they realistically see this happening within their existing relationship, or do they need to leave to find happiness elsewhere? I always remind my clients that time is the one commodity we cannot buy back. ⏳ We must not take it for granted.

So, if you're wondering whether to stay or go and are unsure about what that means for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. We can have an honest conversation. I can use my expertise to help you understand your choices—emotionally, financially, and more broadly. Together, we can determine whether you can be well in your existing relationship or if the path forward is to choose divorce, which can open up a range of new opportunities.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever faced a similar dilemma? Share your experiences in the comments below! 💬

24/12/2024

Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas 🎄

20/11/2024

"For the Australian Poppies, here is a link to help you find any superannuation you may have lost.

https://www.ato.gov.au/forms/searching-for-lost-super/

Search for lost super online using myGov, phoning our lost super search line or by completing a paper form (NAT 2476).

13/11/2024

I want to share my favourite budget/spending planner with you!!

It reminds you of all the little things to ensure nothing is forgotten. No matter what country you are in, this is the perfect tool to help you put your new spending plan in place for your new life after your divorce.

https://moneysmart.gov.au/budgeting/budget-planner

Our free online budget planner helps you track, plan and prioritise where your money is going.

19/09/2024

✅✅Important Action ✅✅

Have you updated your Will and super beneficiary?

Who will get your money is you pass away?