Business Tricks in Divorce: 10 Sneaky Tactics to Watch Out For and Outsmart!

Listen to this episode if...

• You're divorcing or separating from someone who owns or runs a business.

• You're in a family business with your ex and things are getting murky.

• You suspect your ex is hiding assets or undervaluing the business.

• You're overwhelmed by the complexity of business valuations in divorce.

• You're preparing for mediation or court and want to understand your options.

📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.

Divorcing a business owner or running a business with your soon-to-be ex? You must hear this. In this eye-opening episode, Mum and I dive into the most common and sneaky tricks business owners use during separation and how to stay one step ahead.

From manipulating business valuations to hiding assets in clone companies, refusing disclosure, and even dragging staff into the mess, we break down each tactic with real-world examples and strategies you can use. Whether you're preparing for mediation or already deep in the property settlement process, this is a must-listen for anyone who suspects their ex isn't playing fair when a business is involved.

Episode Timeline Summary: Business Tricks in Divorce: 10 Sneaky Tactics to Watch Out For and Outsmart!

00:00 – Intro: Divorce and Business Ownership Understanding why divorcing a business owner is uniquely challenging.

01:06 – Real-Life Divorce Scenarios with a Business Involved What happens when you're in business with your ex—or they own one.

03:02 – Trick #1: Making the Business Seem Worthless How business owners hide value before property settlement.

08:12 – Trick #2: Starting a New Business to Hide Assets The "mirror business" strategy and how to uncover it.

09:26 – Trick #3: Issuing New Shares to Dilute Ownership What to do when your share of the business suddenly shrinks.

12:41 – Trick #4: Hiding Income and Creating Fake Tax Debts How income manipulation affects child support and property division.

17:58 – Trick #5: Refusing to Allow a Business Valuation Steps to take when your ex delays or avoids business valuation.

19:58 – Legal Disclaimer: General Education Only Reminder to seek personal legal advice for your situation.

20:39 – How Courts Handle Business Valuation & Disclosure Why you don't need full financial disclosure to move forward.

21:31 – Trick #6: Cooking the Books & Cash Deals Spotting hidden income, second books, and cash-based deception.

26:39 – Trick #7: Financial Abuse via Job Loss or Sacking What to do when your ex cuts your income post-separation.

32:01 – Trick #8: Superannuation and Self-Managed Funds Risks of SMSFs and how assets may be hidden or misused.

36:39 – Court Penalties for Business-Related Divorce Tricks When shady business tactics backfire in property settlements.

40:36 – Listener Review & Free Coaching Call Giveaway Shoutout to a listener + how to win a free call with Mum.

Resources

Central Practice Directions

https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-cpd

Free Disclosure Checklist

https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist

Shinohara & Shinohara [2025] FedCFamC1A 126 (23 July 2025)

https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/126.html

Shamon & Shamon [2025] FedCFamC1A 150 (8 September 2025)

https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/150.html

Episode Links

Your Business and Divorce (old episode)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CwIeW1ZHTphzvhPdlq2Bf?si=JCtAHG7NTom5YSceqdSJ2Q

Weapons of Tax Destruction

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Bvc2JFmgcLMpIZLIXEwVR?si=KT3UdjZRQAWjDRp3EMXhiw

DIY Disclosure

https://open.spotify.com/episode/49yOIB1GLDmXgeZCXkfyJS?si=nhgq3QQlQge-CSYLkMGKBg

🚨 Support Services:

• 1800 RESPECT (Family Violence Support – Australia)

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support – Australia)

📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.