Meet Philippa Kearney — separation and divorce advisor in Verve's Support Squad

Hi, I'm Philippa – a separation and divorce advisor based in Sydney.

I work with people at every stage of the separation process: from the moment they're first considering it, right through to reaching a settlement and starting their next chapter. 

I came to this work because I saw how many people - particularly women - were walking into one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of their lives without the right support around them.

Not because they weren't capable, but because the system is complicated, the language can be intimidating, and too many women find themselves making huge financial decisions without the clear information or support they deserve. I wanted to be the person who sits alongside them and helps make sense of it all. 

I know this not just as an advisor, but from my own experience of separation. I know what it's like to sit with uncertainty, to feel the ground shift under you, and to wish someone would just help you understand what comes next. That's exactly why I do this work.   

During my years of supporting women through separation, what I love most is that no two situations are the same. Every person brings their own circumstances, their own fears, and their own version of what a good outcome looks like. My job is to help them find that - not to tell them what to do, but to make sure they feel informed, prepared and confident enough to make their own decisions. 

What I find most meaningful is the moment when someone goes from feeling completely overwhelmed to feeling like they actually have a handle on things. That shift - from panic to clarity - is what I'm here for. 

One thing I wish more people knew at the start: you don't have to have everything figured out before you reach out. Most people come to us when they're still in the "I don't even know what I don't know" phase - and that's exactly the right time to start a conversation. 

Whether you're just starting to think about separation or you're already in the middle of it, I can help you: 

• Understand what the process actually looks like, in plain English 

• Know what questions to ask your lawyer (and when you even need one) 

• Identify the financial documents and information you should gather

• Think through parenting arrangements in a way that prioritises your children

• Prepare for mediation or negotiation so you don't walk in underprepared 

• Make sense of what happens to the house, superannuation, and shared assets 

• Slow things down when you need to, and move forward when you're ready 

There's no question too basic or too complicated. Common issues people bring to us include: 

• 'I'm thinking about separating but have no idea where to start.' 

• 'What should I do – and not do – before I leave?'

• 'I don't know if I need a lawyer yet.'

• 'How do parenting arrangements actually work in practice?' 

• 'I'm scared about money - what's going to happen to my super, the house, our joint accounts?' 

• 'My partner wants to move quickly and I feel pressured.' 

• 'I'm overwhelmed and just need someone to help me understand my options.' 

If any of these sound familiar, please reach out. You don't need to be in crisis to ask for help – in fact, the earlier we talk, the better placed you'll be. 

I'm not a lawyer, and I don't pretend to be. I offer calm, practical, non-judgemental guidance that helps you feel more in control. No two separations look the same, so I'll always respect that you know your situation best, always be honest with you about what I think, and always make sure the support I provide is about your life - not a generic checklist. 

Separation is hard. But it doesn't have to be chaotic. You don't have to navigate it alone. We are here to help make it as manageable as possible.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. Any taxation, legal and other matters, including any interpretation of existing laws, referred to in this material is not intended to represent or be a substitute for specific taxation or legal advice and should not be relied on as such. You should obtain professional advice from a registered tax agent or legal practitioner. Existing laws may change from time to time. 

All information is general in nature and does not take account of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before deciding whether a particular product is appropriate for you, please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement including any incorporated information, Target Market Determination and Financial Services Guide available at vervesuper.com.au, and consider speaking with a Verve Super Coach or a financial adviser.  

Published by Verve Superannuation Pty Ltd ABN 65 628 675 169 AFS Representative No. 001268903, a Corporate Authorised Representative of Future Group Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 90 167 800 580 AFSL 482684, as the Promoter of the Verve Super product in the Smart Future Trust ABN 68 964 712 340 (the Fund). The trustee of the Fund is Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited ABN 50 055 641 757 AFSL 229757 RSE Licence L0001458.