Divorce, Advocacy, and Why Women Need to Know Their Rights— Family Lawyer Cassandra Kalpaxis Walks us Through it All
Content Warning: This interview discusses Domestic Violence and Abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by these topics, please see the bottom of this article for free resources and helplines.
Multi-award-winning Family and Divorce Lawyer, author of Dignified Divorce, and Founder of Kalpaxis Legal, Cassandra Kalpaxis’ advocacy is at the heart of her business and how she connects with women.
Her legal work and coaching programs support countless women so they can safely exit relationships and regain control of their lives- often after years without financial autonomy, superannuation, or stable housing.
Cassandra has seen the devastating toll of domestic violence firsthand and continues to be a vocal advocate for systemic change and prevention.
Did you know? Women often retire with 40% less super than men, and single older women frequently live below the poverty line.
For many, especially for Australian women in situations where they can’t access their money or are taking care of children- the idea of reaching out to a family lawyer is understandably overwhelming.
We spoke with Cassandra to talk about Kalpaxis Legal’s creation, what women need to know when thinking about divorce, and how to find a way forward when you know you need to leave a relationship.
We spoke with Cassandra to talk about her journey, the realities of family law, and why her all-women team is on a mission to make the process safer, kinder, and more empowering for those who need it most.
Q: You’re often in and out of court for work.
What inspired you to choose family law, and how did you get started in legal advocacy?
“For me, it was always about wanting to help people—and it still is.
My practice is designed for families going through separation, especially those who want to get out of the process as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A big part of what I do is help couples have amicable separations.
They might not agree on everything— but they want to look after each other and make sure their children are at the forefront.
The other part of my work focuses on helping women who are victims of domestic violence to leave those relationships safely.
That’s where I spend a lot of my time in court—making sure children have appropriate and safe arrangements with both parents.
Every family’s story is different, so it’s always a nuanced process.”
Q: How did your law firm come to life with such a strong focus on values and advocacy?
“It was a very early decision for me.
I wanted to practice law in a way that aligned with who I am and what I believe in.
That means we don’t work with everyone—we only take on cases that fit those values.
[It’s important we] identify the right clients we can help, and my team do the same.
The legal industry is pretty old-school.
We’re not known for embracing change! But shaping my practice around my values has been incredibly rewarding and has genuinely influenced how I approach law.”
Q: You’re also known for your advocacy outside of court— including both affordable and free educational resources.
How did you step into this more outward role?
“It really started with the women I was meeting—some couldn’t afford to keep working with us, or they were scared to take the first step.
What they needed was education.
I found myself repeating the same advice, so I decided to make that information available before they even walked through my door.
Everyone should have access to basic legal education—especially before making such huge decisions.”
You can visit the Support Space here for free resources including articles and podcast episodes.
Shop: ‘Dignified Divorce: How to Separate Simply and Stay Out of Court’ by Cassandra Kalpaxis via Amazon
Q: Many women are unsure if they want a divorce or don’t know where to start— especially when they’re not financially independent.
What advice can you give them?
“I always tell women to set up what I call an “escape fund.”
Even if it’s just a little bit— slowly start building a savings account that your partner can’t access.
It’s also crucial to have a safety plan: know who you can trust, where you would go if you needed to leave, and make sure you have all your important documents (like IDs, birth certificates, and financial records) ready.
Did you know? Most banks in Australia have a Domestic and Family Violence policy, and are able to put extra security on your accounts and support in different ways if you are in financial difficulty.
I give my clients a checklist, especially in high-conflict or domestic violence situations.”
“You should also know about resources like Centrelink, and even ask your bank about support for people experiencing domestic violence.
The main thing is to have a plan and be ready—especially if you’re not the breadwinner and don’t have access to money.”
Did you know? Centrelink offers a Crisis Payment for family and domestic violence. Important: Contact centerlink or make a claim within 7 days of your living arrangements changing.
Q: The system can be overwhelming. Have you seen women change after going through this process?
“Absolutely. I’m lucky that many of my clients stay in touch—even years later, I go to their weddings, baptisms, or see them open businesses.
So many women come in terrified, thinking they can’t do it on their own.
But the feedback I always get is: “I can’t believe I didn’t leave sooner. I can’t believe I was so scared.”
The truth is, most of them are already doing it all themselves.
They’re just used to their everyday reality—even if it’s hard—so the idea of change is scarier than the reality of leaving.
What changes isn’t the workload—it’s the peace.
They’ll say, “Now I come home and it’s calm. I don’t have to walk on eggshells. I’m still busy, but I get to be happy.”
Q: We’ve noticed your entire team is women, which is quite rare in law. Why do you think that matters?
“Honestly, it just happened that way, but it’s made a huge difference.
We have a diverse mix of women—different cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
That matters because domestic violence doesn’t discriminate, and it comes in many forms, not just physical—emotional abuse, financial abuse, coercive control.
Clients often say how important it is to work with someone who understands their background, whether that’s cultural, religious, or just having similar values.
Our team is genuinely here to help—there’s no judgment, and we put human connection first.
Yes, we do the law well, but it’s about being humans first.”
Q: There’s a lot of confusion about money, especially if women haven’t been the breadwinner or things are in their partner’s name.
What do women need to know about their rights?
“This comes up all the time.
Women will say, “The house isn’t in my name, so it’s not mine,” or “He sold the shares—they’re his.”
But legally, these are matrimonial assets—even if you didn’t earn an income.
Looking after the household, raising kids, managing everything at home—those are contributions that matter.
If you were at home, it allowed your partner to work longer hours or build a business— the law recognises both financial and non-financial contributions equally.
I spend a lot of time educating women about how valuable their role has been, and that when they seek a fair settlement, it’s not selfish—it’s their legal right.
And if your partner is actively stopping you from managing money or doing these things, that’s a red flag.
It’s time to consider what that means for your role and your relationship.”
Final Thoughts
Facing separation and approaching family law can feel daunting, but with the right support, it’s possible to not only survive but rebuild a happier, more peaceful life on the other side.
If you’re considering separation, facing domestic violence, or just want to understand your rights, visit Kalpaxis Legal for resources, support, and a team that puts humanity first.
We’d encourage you to inquire about how Kalpaxis Legal can help if you are considering divorce or separation.
Resources:
For any urgent or dangerous situations, call 000
Get in touch with 1800 RESPECT: You can text them at 0458 737 732, call on 1800 737 732, or use their online chat here.
Shop: ‘Dignified Divorce: How to Separate Simply and Stay Out of Court’ by Cassandra Kalpaxis via Amazon
