Protecting Legacy and Love with Binding Financial Agreements with Nicola Watts

In this powerful episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, Lyn Hawkins chats with Nicola Watts, Managing Principal of O’Sullivan Davies Family Lawyers, to explore the often misunderstood - yet incredibly important - role of Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) in protecting both legacy and love.

With over 30 years of experience, Nicola is at the forefront of Australia’s most complex family law matters, trusted by individuals and families to navigate wealth, relationships, and significant life transitions with precision, empathy, and clarity.

This conversation goes far beyond the stereotypes of “prenups.” It’s about proactive, values-based planning - creating agreements that support healthy relationships, clarify expectations, reduce emotional risk, and ensure continuity for family wealth and legacy.

Why It Matters:

1. 1 in 3 Australian marriages end in divorce, and for de facto relationships, separation rates are even higher.

2. The average age of divorce is now 45 for women and 47 for men — often after decades of shared life, assets, and family ties.

3. Intergenerational wealth transfers in Australia are expected to exceed $3.5 trillion by 2050 — yet few families have protective frameworks in place.

In this context, Binding Financial Agreements are not just legal tools — they are instruments of foresight, emotional intelligence, and family stewardship.

In this episode, we explore:

1. When and why to consider a BFA — before, during, or after a relationship

2. How to approach these conversations with empathy, not fear

3. The unique role of BFAs in high-wealth and complex family structures

4. Real-life stories and lessons from the frontline of family law

5. How advisers, family offices, and wealth managers can support their clients

Don't miss this episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, streaming on You Tube, Meta, LinkedIn and listing on demand on iTunes, Spotify or the Business Women Australia website.

MEET Nicola Watts – Managing Principal, O’Sullivan Davies Family Lawyers

Nicola Watts is a family lawyer with over 30 years’ experience and Managing Principal at O’Sullivan Davies, a leading Australian firm specialising in complex and high-value family matters. Nicola is trusted by individuals and families navigating significant transitions, bringing precision and empathy to her work with Binding Financial Agreements, estate planning, and wealth protection. Her thoughtful approach empowers women to make confident, values-aligned decisions for themselves and their families.

MEET Lyn Hawkins – Director, Business Women Australia

Lyn Hawkins is the Founder and National Director of Business Women Australia and Principal of Hawkins Consulting. She is a Coach and Advisor to leaders, family office executives, enterprise owners, and NFP managers across the country, supporting strategic clarity and whole-self leadership. Lyn is known for facilitating meaningful conversations that connect intellect and intuition — making her a trusted guide for those shaping the future of business, wealth, and legacy.

About Business Women Australia

Business Women Australia is a community of bold, brilliant women from across the nation who are ready to support, inspire, and grow together. We bring together:

1. Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

2. Executives and Managers

3. Professionals

4. Women on Boards

5. Emerging Leaders

Our focus areas include:

1. Leadership Development - Lead Self, Lead Others

2. Lifelong Learning

3. Business Growth

4. Personal and Professional Transformation

5. Meaningful Connections

Join Business Women Australia Today

Head to https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/

Book a Meeting with Lyn to discuss: https://calendly.com/lyn-hawkins