Divorce with Dominique Bergel-Grant

05/06/2026

Talking Grey Divorce… busting the myths and the important things to consider. An important conversation listen now…

Podcast Episode · Retire Right · 3 June · 57min

14/05/2026

A bit of a different post. I wanted to share what I have written to my financial planning clients about the Federal Budget. Hopefully this helps provide some perspective…

After spending the past few days reviewing the Federal Budget and its implications for clients, the key takeaway is simple: there is little to no immediate impact for most people. While some longer‑term tax proposals warrant careful monitoring—particularly around capital gains—the budget largely falls short of the significant reform suggested in the media commentary. Given the amount of political noise and misinformation following Tuesday’s announcements, I wanted to share a clear, practical summary of what actually matters.

The key message: there is no need to panic and it best to take a pause.

✅ It is not a time to panic.

✅ Superannuation for once was left unchanged.

✅ If you already hold an investment property, then it is business as usual. With the possibility of greater capital gains tax payable on the period you own the property after 1 July 2027. The bottom line, however, is if the property is a good asset this should not change your decision about holding the property.

😢 The budget talked a lot about intergenerational “fairness” and “equality”. The reality is the greatest impact in my view of this budget will be on the younger generations. They will not have the same opportunities as those in the 40's, 50's, 60's and beyond to build wealth through smart tax strategies. Why is this?

1️⃣ The raw reality is that banks will always lend more against residential property than any other asset. Without negative gearing opportunities, the ability to leverage and build when investing in existing residential property will be taken away.

2️⃣ Most clients in their 20's and 30's often buy an investment property before they buy a home to live in. Making this harder delays when they can get on the property ladder.

3️⃣ Forcing younger investors to buy brand new properties takes away the opportunity to add value through renovations, and arguably, they are left paying developers premiums.

😬 For my clients already in retirement, for most, the only significant change, in the short to medium term, is the removal of the additional seniors' private health insurance rebate set to end 1st April 2027.

👀 For clients approaching retirement, there may be some small shifts required. However, possibly the best strategy is to see how long these changes last, with the Opposition already promising to reverse the changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing.

🤯 Overall, this budget has been frustrating to observe. It reintroduces a capital gains tax approach that was previously abolished due to its administrative complexity, and it overlooks the fact that investors do not build wealth for tax reasons alone.

Despite the fanfare, the actual tax impact is modest over the long term. Of greater concern is the lack of meaningful measures to curb government spending and address inflationary pressures. As ever, we will need to watch and see what happens over the coming months.

- Dominique Bergel-Grant
Financial Planner and Specialist Divorce Adviser

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