Podcasts about divorce attorney

If you've been ordered into parenting coordination, or you're wondering whether a parenting coordinator could help your high-conflict custody case, this conversation is for you.Lisa sits down with Nicole Sodoma, a family law attorney with 26 years of experience, founding partner of Sodoma Law (seven locations across the Carolinas), and a practicing parenting coordinator since 2005. What makes Nicole's perspective uniquely powerful is that she's not just an expert — she's a targeted parent who has personally worked with three different parenting coordinators since her own separation in 2019. She knows this process from every angle.Together, they break down what a parenting coordinator actually does, who gets one (and why), what the most common and costly mistakes parents make are, and the practical communication and documentation strategies that can help you stop making them — starting today.Whether your parenting coordinator seems to be favoring your ex, you're confused about what decisions they can and can't make, or you're just trying to understand how to use this process strategically, Nicole gives you a clear, honest roadmap.

What does a Guardian Ad Litem really think when a 10-year-old says they want 50/50 custody?Crystal Wright has heard it hundreds of times — and she can tell instantly when a child has been coached. As a family law attorney AND a working GAL in Atlanta, Georgia, Crystal is one of the rare practitioners who has seen the custody system from every angle: as the attorney fighting for clients, as the neutral investigator protecting children, and as the professional who has had exactly one parent incarcerated for defying her court orders.In this conversation, Crystal joins Lisa Johnson to unpack one of the most contentious questions in family law: when should a child's voice be allowed to decide their custody arrangement — and when should it be completely disregarded?The answer, Crystal says, has nothing to do with how articulate or advanced your child is. It has everything to do with whether the language they're using sounds like an actual child — or like someone's lawyer.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How GALs instantly detect when a child has been coached — and what specific language is a dead giveaway✅ Why "I want 50/50 custody" coming from a 10-year-old should raise immediate red flags✅ What the 'borrowed scenarios' phenomenon looks like in a real investigation✅ How Crystal visits kids at their schools — without telling the parents — and why she always gets new information✅ The real impact on children when they're put in the middle: clinical depression, self-harm, 17-year-olds calling their GAL crying at 10pm✅ At what ages (11 and 14 in Georgia) a child's preference becomes legally relevant — and why that still doesn't mean they get to choose✅ The non-negotiable case for reunification therapy — and what Crystal does to parents who try to block it✅ How to find a qualified GAL and what to look for in a mental health expert for an older, refusing child✅ What to do when your child won't see you: Crystal's direct advice to rejected parents⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction: How Lisa and Crystal met at the Bridging the Gap conference in London01:45 — How a GAL tells the difference: coached child vs. genuine preference04:30 — Crystal's background: family law attorney, boutique firm in Atlanta, and why she loves GAL work06:00 — Advanced children vs. coached children: why intelligence isn't the issue08:15 — "I want 50/50" — why that phrase signals coaching immediately10:00 — Age and preference in Georgia: the affidavit of election at 11, determinative weight at 1413:30 — Why Crystal stopped having children sign affidavits of election15:45 — The 17-year-old: even at near-adulthood, best interest analysis still controls18:00 — Reaction to New Jersey's ruling: what does it mean for children's long-term wellbeing?21:00 — Why Crystal visits children at their schools — without telling parents — and what she learns23:30 — Children and truth-telling: parroting, fawning, and protecting a parent26:00 — Loyalty conflicts: the real emotional impact on children stuck in the middle29:00 — Clinical depression, self-harm, and older kids calling Crystal crying at 10pm32:00 — Older children refusing contact: how to make the case for intervention to the court35:00 — Reunification therapy: Crystal has never been denied an order for it — and here's why38:30 — What happens to parents who block reunification therapy: contempt motions and incarceration41:00 — What kind of expert witness to bring in for an older refusing child43:30 — False allegations and fake documents: how they're handled in investigation46:00 — How to find a good GAL and what qualifications actually matter48:30 — How to prepare your child for a GAL interview (and what NOT to say)51:00 — Advice for rejected parents: don't give up, keep reaching out, send birthday gifts54:00 — Memory, photographs, and why fighting for a child who doesn't want you right now still matters56:30 — How to find Crystal Wright and closing remarks

Dateline anchor Lester Holt shares his new reporting on the case of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In Cleveland, 13 years after a mother was stabbed to death, her divorce attorney is on trial for her murder. In Dateline Round Up, updates from the trial of Larry Millete, a San Diego man accused of buying magic spells, then murdering his wife. Plus, an expert on ankle monitors answers the question: How useful are they, really? Find out more about the cases covered each week here: www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dateline anchor Lester Holt shares his new reporting on the case of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In Cleveland, 13 years after a mother was stabbed to death, her divorce attorney is on trial for her murder. In Dateline Round Up, updates from the trial of Larry Millete, a San Diego man accused of buying magic spells, then murdering his wife. Plus, an expert on ankle monitors answers the question: How useful are they, really? Find out more about the cases covered each week here: www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He hadn't heard from one of his four daughters in four years. Then she reached out. And the first thing she said changed everything.Jon McKenzie, founder of @malevictimsoffemalenarcissists (IG) and a returning BTGO guest, joins Lisa to share something that happened just two weeks before this recording: his adult daughter reached out after four years of complete silence, asked to rebuild their relationship, and opened with the words every alienated parent needs to hear: "I'm very sorry for the words I said. My words were very hurtful and disrespectful."If you've been told to "just wait," or you're wondering whether your adult children will ever come back, this conversation is the living proof that they can. And it gives you a philosophy and a framework for surviving the wait.IN THIS CONVERSATION:The two types of parental alienation — legally imposed separation vs. the quiet, psychological erosion that's often more devastatingWhy Jon chose not to divorce until his kids were out of high school — and whether, looking back, that was the right callThe prodigal son framework: how Jon made peace with not chasing his children — and what 'waiting with open arms' actually costs a parent emotionallyWhat his daughter said the moment she reached out — and why Jon didn't pull his punches in their first conversationHow reconciliation with one adult child is opening a possible door with a second — while a third may be permanently enmeshed with their motherWhy Jon refused to badmouth his ex to his children — even after years of alienation — and why he believes that was the single most important thing he didWhat he says to the client who says: 'If one more person tells me the kids will just figure it out, I'm going to lose my mind'GUEST INFO:Jon McKenzieMale Victims of Female Narcissistshttps://malevictimsoffemalenarcissists.comJon's Instagram: @malevictimsoffemalenarcissists

Facing a negotiation with your high-conflict ex can feel like showing up to a battle already defeated — especially when they have more money, more confidence, or a better attorney. But corporate negotiation expert Lynn Price says the power imbalance you're feeling may be less real than you think. What IS real is whether you make the ask.Lynn spent 25 years as in-house corporate counsel and completed over 11,000 negotiations. In this conversation with Lisa Johnson, she breaks down her Three Rs Framework — Ready, Relatable, and Reasonable — and explains exactly how to apply it when you're co-parenting with someone determined to make your life miserable.In this episode, you'll learn:- The one mindset shift that lets you make the ask even when you feel powerless- How to use the 'have to haves / helpful haves / hopeful haves' system to walk into mediation with a clear, strategic game plan- Why you must stop talking after you make a request — and how to handle the silence- The acting technique that protects your most important priorities (your ex will never see it coming)- How to build enough rapport with a difficult person to actually move the negotiation forward- A general rule from a retired army general that will keep you out of trouble in every difficult conversation- Why practicing out loud — even to your mirror or your dog — can change how you show up in mediation- How to use AI to prepare for your next difficult conversation with your co-parentLisa and Lynn also explore the difference between negotiation and mediation, the psychology of letting the other side 'win' things that don't actually matter, and why knowing your 'walk-away' point before you sit down is one of the most powerful moves you can make.This isn't just theory — Lynn spent nearly 14 years in the construction industry, where her company had no leverage, going up against huge players and still getting what they needed. Her approach works on everyone from Fortune 500 executives to toxic co-parents. And it can work for you.If you're heading into custody mediation, a co-parenting negotiation, or just trying to get your ex to switch a weekend, this conversation will change how you approach it.About Lynn Price:Lynn Price is a negotiation speaker, trainer, and attorney. She spent over 25 years as in-house corporate counsel, completing more than 11,000 negotiations.Website: lynnpriceconsulting.comBook: 'Negotiate It!' on Amazon

What does a family court judge actually think when you walk through those courtroom doors?If you have ever walked out of a hearing asking "why did the judge do THAT?" — this conversation is for you.Peggy Walsh spent 18 years as a family court judge — after first building her career representing parents, caregivers, and children as a family law attorney. Then she took off her robe. Not because she stopped caring, but because she believed that the people who love a child should be the ones making decisions for that child — not a stranger, however well-intentioned, in a black robe.Today, Peggy works as a co-parenting coach, helping parents stay out of court altogether — or, when court is unavoidable, understand exactly what to expect and how to show up effectively.In this conversation, Lisa and Peggy go deep on what family court actually looks like from the inside — and what most attorneys never tell their clients before they walk into that hearing.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS INTERVIEW:✅ Why judges assume BOTH parents are high conflict — and how that shapes everything they observe✅ What judges really notice about demeanor (and why the person blurting things out in court isn't necessarily the problem outside of court)✅ The one question you should always ask your attorney before your first court appearance — and why most attorneys forget to answer it✅ What "forced resolution" vs. "compromised resolution" actually means — and why Peggy always preferred to help parents reach their own agreements✅ The specific things only you know about your family that no judge ever could — and why that makes negotiated parenting plans almost always better✅ What status conferences are, why Peggy loved using them, and how they can reduce conflict over time✅ Why appearing to "want it all your way" in front of a judge rarely ends well — and what to do instead✅ How to think about co-parenting communication as modeling behavior for your children — not just logistics management✅ Why your child hears your tone of voice even when they are upstairs and cannot hear your words✅ What it looks like to stop making your ex the "star of your show" — and why that shift changes everythingTHIS INTERVIEW IS ESSENTIAL IF YOU:- Are going to court and do not know what to expect- Are frustrated by a custody decision you do not understand- Are trying to build a parenting plan and wondering whether to negotiate or let the judge decide- Keep getting pulled back to court by a high-conflict co-parent- Want to understand what judges actually value — not what TV court dramas portray- Are ready to shift from reactive victim to proactive problem-solver in your caseABOUT PEGGY WALSH:Peggy Walsh is a retired family court judge who served for 18 years, primarily handling divorce and family law matters. Prior to her time on the bench, she represented parents, caregivers, and children as a family law attorney. She is now a co-parenting coach, helping parents navigate high-conflict situations, create workable parenting plans, and stay out of court whenever possible.Connect with Peggy Walsh: https://peggywalsh.com/

She stayed with her partner too long, and tragically, he murdered her. This is the Chicago domestic violence case everyone is talking about. My guest is Divorce Attorney, Liz Felt Wakeman, and we discuss the case, along with tips for those facing domestic violence.

It's one of the most common questions people ask a divorce attorney in their initial consultation: How much is this going to cost? My guest in this episode is Divorce Attorney, Catherine Becker Good and we are breaking this down by talking about all the factors that go into the cost of divorce.

Welcome back to The Viall Files: Reality Recap!  Justin Sylvester is BACK in the studio to give us his takes on the West, Amanda and Ciara situation in Summer House, RHOBH, RHOA, and more! Plus, we welcome divorce attorney Jake O'Kane to break down the Dorit and PK lawsuit and overall vibes of the divorce. You won't want to miss it :)  "That editor deserves a Nobel Peace Prize!"      HEY! YOU! DO YOU NEED DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE?  Email asknick@theviallfiles.com and be a part of future Ask Nick episodes!   Want ad free episodes and incredible bonus content?  Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/    Subscribe to The ENVY Media Newsletter Today: https://www.viallfiles.com/newsletter  To Order Nick's Book and/or learn more about the show, go to: https://viallfiles.com     THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: CarGurus - Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at https://cargurus.com  Upside - To find out how much you could earn, Download the FREE Upside App and use promo code VIALL to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas.  Nature's Sunshine - Get a daily detox with Chlorophyll Stick Packs. Nature's Sunshine is offering 20% off your first order plus free shipping. Go to https://naturessunshine.com and use the code VIALL at checkout. Mint Mobile - If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at https://mintmobile.com/viall Helix Sleep - Go to https://helixsleep.com/viall for the Best of Web Memorial Day Sale, 27% Off Sitewide (Exclusive for listeners of The Viall Files) American Home Shield - Listeners can get 20% off select plans today! Just visit https://ahs.com/viallfiles to sign up. See https://ahs.com/contracts for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions.  To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles     Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 6:22 - Jake Joins 39:32 - Justin Joins   Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @nnataliejjoy @justinasylvester @jakeo.kane @the_mare_bare @justinkaphillips  

If you have a court date coming up, a difficult phone call with your ex on the calendar, or you're just sick and tired of going blank exactly when you need to be sharp, this conversation is for you.Lisa sits down with Annie Brook, a body-centered somatic psychologist who has trained therapists for decades and spent time in courtrooms testifying for children. Annie brings something genuinely different to this conversation: not just the why behind the freeze, the anger, and the exhaustion you've been feeling, but practical, body-based tools you can use covertly, right now, even with a judge watching.In this episode, Annie explains:- Why hopelessness after a toxic relationship is neurological, not a character flaw- How your birth experience and earliest attachment moments may have shaped the "blind spots" your ex exploited- The science behind why you freeze when you're attacked in conversation or in court, and how to break it- Four covert grounding techniques you can use during a custody hearing without anyone knowing- The "hula hoop" exercise that rebuilds your sense of personal space and power- What "middle tone" is and why it's the secret to staying credible and relational under pressure- How self-attack thinking is not just emotionally exhausting — it may be affecting your physical healthAnnie Brook's website: https://www.anniebrook.com#NarcissisticAbuse #NervousSystemHealing #SomaticTherapy #FamilyCourt #HighConflictDivorce #ParentalAlienation #TraumaHealing #CoParenting #CustodyBattle #AnnieBrook #BeenThereGotOut 

Most people who go through divorce will tell you the same thing: "I was blindsided." But were they really? Or were the signs there all along, just not recognized for what they were? That is the question at the center of this conversation, and Susan Guthrie is bringing in one of the true icons of family law to answer it. Marilyn Chinitz, partner at Blank Rome and renowned matrimonial attorney with more than four decades of experience, has sat across from thousands of clients who never saw it coming. She knows the red flags. She knows the financial blind spots. And she does not mince words. Right now, a memoir is taking over the national conversation. Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden has ignited a bellwether of attention. This book has people everywhere asking, "How did she not see it?" Susan and Marilyn use this moment as a launching pad to go somewhere deeper: the patterns, the red flags, and the financial realities that every person in a marriage or contemplating one needs to understand.  Covered in this episode: The red flags hiding in plain sight, including subtle communication patterns, financial avoidance, and how your spouse treats others  A client story that shows exactly how a prenup gives you a heads up about who you are marrying How trusts work in a marriage, why they are often set up completely legitimately, and when they cross into "funny business" that courts will not tolerate Why you do not divorce the same person you married, and what that really means for how you need to prepare THIS CONVERSATION ALSO DIGS INTO WHY BEING AN EQUAL PARTNER MEANS BEING AN INFORMED ONE  Assets could be held in a trust you did not know about. The home could be rented. The wealth could be encumbered by debt. And if you never asked, you may not find out until you are sitting across from a divorce attorney. Ask to sit down and go through the finances together, even once a year Review bank statements, tax returns, and credit card accounts Understand what is in your name, what is joint, and what is held in a trust If your spouse brushes you off or refuses, that is a red flag worth taking seriously Get professionals around you: a financial advisor, a forensic accountant, and an attorney, even before anything goes wrong This is not about suspicion. It is about being an equal partner and an informed one. The time to understand what you have is during a happy, intact marriage, not across a conference table from a divorce attorney. You are better off having that conversation early. FREE DOWNLOAD: The Red Flags You Didn't See Checklist + Companion Article Susan has created two resources to help you move from hearing this to actually using it.The Red Flags You Didn't See Checklist walks you through the patterns discussed in this episode and gives you a way to reflect more intentionally on your own situation. The companion article goes deeper into the topic, drawing from this broader conversation and what is playing out in real life right now. Both are available at divorceandbeyondpod.com. If this episode helped you, please share it and leave a review. It genuinely helps the show reach the people who need it most. Books Referenced: Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage, Belle Burden  _______________________________________________________________ This Week's Guest: Marilyn Chinitz Marilyn Chinitz is a Partner at Blank Rome with 40 years of experience in every facet of family law. She is known for representing A-list celebrities and influential, high-profile clients in cases that have received national and international attention.  https://www.blankrome.com/people/marilyn-b-chinitz#biography https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-chinitz-a262a91b/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/blank-rome-llp/  https://www.instagram.com/marilynchinitz/  This Week's Sponsor: Hello Divorce Hello Divorce is a modern platform designed to support people before, during, and beyond divorce, providing legal information, tools, and access to professionals who help individuals navigate the process more thoughtfully. Resources created specifically for Divorce & Beyond listeners are available at HelloDivorce.com/Susan. If This Episode Helped You Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share it with someone who needs clear, reliable guidance right now. And if you have a moment, leaving a five-star review makes a real difference in helping this show reach the people who need it most. Follow Divorce & Beyond Website: divorceandbeyondpod.com Instagram: instagram.com/divorceandbeyondpod ______________________________________________________________________ About Our Host: Susan E. Guthrie, Esq. Susan E. Guthrie is one of the nation's leading family law and mediation attorneys, with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals navigate divorce with clarity and strategy. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker and trainer. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast and has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC Chicago Today, among others. As the creator and host of Divorce & Beyond, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with millions of downloads and an Apple Top 100 Self-Help designation, Susan brings together top legal and mental health experts to help listeners move through divorce and into what comes next. Learn more at https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/about Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions shared on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state regarding your specific situation.

Finding the right therapist for your child during a high-conflict divorce is one of the most important and misunderstood decisions you'll make.Most parents want immediate results. They want their child to sit down in session one and start processing everything that's been happening at home. But experienced art therapist Ahimsa Luciano has seen this expectation backfire again and again, and she has a more effective approach to share.In this conversation, Ahimsa breaks down what effective therapy for children in high-conflict situations actually looks like, why it takes longer than parents expect, and why that's not a bad thing. She explains how to match your child's personality to a therapeutic style, what to say when the other parent has told your child therapy means something is wrong with them, and exactly why the therapist can't be your source of custody intel, even when you desperately want updates.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:- Why AI will never replace a human therapist, and what the 7-38-55 communication rule reveals about what's really missing- What makes an experienced intake truly different and why this first step is the most important one- How to give a resistant child space to open up, even when their world feels like it's in chaos- Why it can take months (or longer) before a child talks, and why that's not failure- How to handle a child who's been told therapy means they're damaged - a trauma-informed response that actually works- The truth about "parentification" in high-conflict families and its long-term impact on relationships and boundaries- Why children tell each parent something different and why that doesn't mean anyone is lying- What 'your child is fine with both parents' in an evaluation actually means, and why it's not the betrayal it feels like- Why custody exchanges are a major anxiety trigger for children and the specific harm of using kids as tools at handoffs- Questions to ask when choosing a therapist for your child including how to match personality type to therapeutic style- Why your child's therapy space must be private and what the therapist will and won't share with youABOUT AHIMSA LUCIANO:Ahimsa Luciano is an art therapist licensed in New York State and the co-founder and co-owner of Pleasantville Wellness Group, a multidisciplinary therapy practice in Pleasantville, NY serving children through adults, couples, and families. She began her career at a domestic violence and sexual assault agency as the children's therapist — an experience that gave her deep roots in working with kids navigating high-conflict separations, divorce, and trauma. Pleasantville Wellness Group offers a broad range of therapeutic modalities including art therapy, play therapy, and individual and group services, and is currently in-network with NYSHIP, United Healthcare, and Oxford for New York State clients. Some therapists in the practice are also licensed in additional states.  https://www.pleasantvillewellnessgroup.com/home#highconflictdivorce #childtherapy #parentalalienation #coparenting #arttherapy #custodybattle #parentification #divorceandkids #traumainformedparenting #beentheregotout #kidsanddivorce #therapyforchildren

SlimFast sits down with his lawyer-brother-dad, Joshua Mathews, to talk about his journey into law, break down common misconceptions surrounding high-profile trials, and dive into the realities of divorce. You can find him at www.mathewsgrouponline.com. To send in questions to ask Joshua during Mondays' show, message @ChurchofLazlo on Instagram.

Episode 118 What does a divorce attorney who *loves* marriage actually know about keeping one together? A lot, it turns out. This week, Uncle Dale and Kiki sit down with Nicole Sodoma — founder of Sodoma Law, national family law authority, and author of *Please Don't Say You're Sorry* — for one of the most honest, eye-opening, and surprisingly funny conversations we've ever had about marriage, divorce, and everything in between. Nicole has seen thousands of marriages from the inside out. She's also lived it — as an ex-wife, a new wife, and a mom of three. And she's here to tell you: divorce doesn't have to be the end of the story. Neither does a struggling marriage. Whether you're blissfully in love, quietly questioning things, or just nosy about what really happens behind a divorce attorney's closed doors — this episode is *for you.* ----- In This Episode We Talk About - What it means to be a “marriage-loving divorce attorney” - The red flags Nicole sees in couples *before* they ever call a lawyer - Why saying “I'm sorry” to someone going through divorce might be the wrong move - Financial mistakes married women make that put them at a disadvantage - What an empowered divorce actually looks like - How Nicole balances being a mom, ex-wife, new wife, and founder of a 60+ person law firm - The best marriage advice she's ever given — that had nothing to do with the law ----- About Nicole Sodoma Nicole Sodoma is the Founder and Managing Principal of Sodoma Law, one of the Southeast's premier family law firms with five offices across two states and over 60 employees. A nationally recognized authority on divorce and family law, Nicole has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, and Business Insider. In May 2022, Nicole published *Please Don't Say You're Sorry* — an empowering, candid, and often humorous guide to navigating marriage, separation, and divorce with grace and strength. ----- Resources & Links - * *Order *Please Don't Say You're Sorry*:* * [nicolesodoma.com/order](https://nicolesodoma.com/order/) - * *Get the Workbook & Journal:* * [nicolesodoma.com/shop](https://nicolesodoma.com/shop/) - * *Nicole's Website:* * [http://nicolesodoma.com](https://nicolesodoma.com) - ⚖️ * *Sodoma Law:* * [http://sodomalaw.com](https://sodomalaw.com) - * *Follow Nicole on Social:* * @nicolesodoma ----- ### Follow Happily Ever Banter - Instagram: @happilyeverbanterpodcast - TikTok: @happilyeverbanter - Facebook: Happily Ever Banter Podcast - YouTube: Happily Ever Banter ----- ### Support the Show Love this episode? Here's how you can help us keep the banter going: - ⭐ Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it means the world! - Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it - Subscribe so you never miss an episode ----- *Happily Ever Banter is produced independently. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not constitute legal advice.*

If your child just told you something terrible — or if you're afraid they're trying to — this conversation is for you.Lisa sits down with Julia Hochstadt, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma, childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Julia works with adolescents (15+) and adults, including many parents navigating high-conflict custody situations where their children may be in danger. She also testifies as an expert witness in DV and intimate partner violence cases.This interview was recorded during Sexual Assault Awareness Month — but Julia's guidance is something every protective parent needs to hear, no matter what month it is.In this conversation, you'll hear:→ The #1 thing Julia urges parents to do immediately when a child discloses abuse — and the exact words to say→ Why disclosures can sound unbelievable — and why that doesn't mean they're not true→ How years of gaslighting from an abusive partner erode your ability to trust your own instincts (and what to do about it)→ The behavioral signs that should prompt a protective parent to lean in — not wait and watch→ A practical, age-appropriate framework for building a child's safety plan — including how to plan for different times of day, different scenarios, and changing circumstances→ Why Julia compares child safety planning to how the fire department talks about home fire safety — and why you should revisit it every time life transitions happen→ What research says about the #1 protective factor for a child whose abuse was not properly addressed by the legal system→ How to comfort a terrified child when you have to send them on a court-ordered exchange you know is unsafeLisa also shares a real situation she encountered that same morning: a mother whose child disclosed the worst kind of abuse, survived two investigations that were not acted upon, and is now being forced into a form of reunification therapy that's making things dramatically worse. Julia's guidance for this mother, and for the many parents in this community who are living this nightmare, is both clinically grounded and deeply human.ABOUT JULIA HOCHSTADT, LCSWJulia is a licensed clinical social worker licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey. She specializes in primary and secondary survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence. She does training, education, and outreach nationally, and testifies as an expert witness in DV and IPV cases. She is also available for consultation to individuals and clinicians nationwide.Website: https://therapywithjulia.com#ChildAbuse #ChildSafety #ParentalAlienation #HighConflictDivorce #ProtectiveParent #DomesticViolence #SafetyPlanning #ChildDisclosure #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth #CustodyBattle #CoParenting #TraumaTherapist #BeenThereGotOut

If you've ever sat in a courtroom waiting for a judge to address what your ex is doing... and walked out with nothing... AGAIN, you already know this truth in your bones: justice delayed is justice denied.Criminal defense attorney, legal analyst, and law professor James Porfido has spent more than 35 years watching the American legal system from every angle: as a prosecutor in the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, as a certified criminal trial attorney, and as a defense attorney for people caught in a system that often seemed designed to work against them. His book, Unequal Justice, is a frank accounting of what he witnessed.In this conversation with Lisa, James brings that rare "both sides of the courtroom" perspective to the world of high-conflict divorce and custody — and what he sees mirrors exactly what our community lives every day.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why family court cases drag on for months and years, and why judges often feel they have no choice- How a toxic ex uses court delays strategically to wear you down, separate you from your children, and drain your finances- What "parental alienation" looks like through the eyes of a criminal attorney who has represented falsely accused parents- How coached child testimony works and what it means for your case- The single most important thing to look for when hiring an attorney (hint: it's not their fees)- Why knowing the "lay of the land" in your local court system is as important as knowing the law- How court staff relationships can quietly determine whether your case moves forward... or stalls- James's framework for what questions to ask when interviewing a potential attorneyAbout James Porfido James Porfido is a New Jersey-based attorney with over 35 years of experience as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. He is a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. He is currently of counsel at a 65-attorney New Jersey firm, an adjunct law professor teaching advocacy and persuasion at Seattle Law School, and a legal analyst who has provided commentary on high-profile cases including OJ Simpson, the Menendez brothers, and Scott Peterson. His book, Unequal Justice, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.#HighConflictDivorce #FamilyCourt #ParentalAlienation #JusticeDelayed #CustodyBattle #FalseAllegations #DomesticViolence #CoerciveControl #BeenThereGotOut #UnequalJustice 

Major mistake most people make!

But will it work?

You pick your child up from their other parent's, and within minutes, the screaming starts. Maybe they're throwing things. Maybe they're kicking you. Maybe they're saying things you never imagined hearing from your own kid's mouth - things that sound frighteningly like your ex.You're doing everything you can think of. Talking. Reasoning. Setting consequences. Nothing works. And you're starting to wonder if your child is broken... or if you are.You're not. And neither is your child.In this episode, we welcome back Tosha Schore, founder of Parenting Boys Peacefully and co-author of the book "Listen: 5 Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges." Tosha has been a trusted voice in the BTGO community for years, and this conversation may be the most important thing she's shared with us.Here's what she wants you to understand: when your child comes home from the other household and erupts, that behavior is almost never about you. Their limbic system, the emotional brain, has been flooded by stress, fear, and unpredictability. Their prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, self-regulation, and respect, is offline. You can't talk them out of it. You can't punish them out of it. And time-outs make it worse.What you can do - what actually works - is exactly what Tosha walks us through in this conversation.In this episode, you'll learn:→ Why children in high-conflict divorce situations are wired for aggression, and why it's a fear response, not a character flaw→ The one thing you should do first when your child is escalating (hint: it's not talking)→ Why consequences and time-outs create the exact opposite of what you need in these moments→ The stay-listening technique and why staying quiet and present is the most powerful tool you have→ What to say (and what NOT to say) when your child is in a rage spiral→ The note-under-the-door strategy that has helped hundreds of parents reconnect with an escalating child→ The surprising reason why your child's laughter after hurting you doesn't mean they don't care→ How to use "special time" to rebuild connection — and why it creates a window into your child's inner world when nothing else will→ The difference between a stress-driven outburst and a chronic pattern that needs more support→ Why the fastest way to earn respect from your dysregulated child is to stop demanding it in that momentTosha also shares what she calls "good enough parenting shape," and why what you need most before your child gets home is to take care of yourself first, so you can show up fully for them.If your child seems to become a different person after exchanges - angrier, crueler, more out of control - you need to hear this conversation. And if you've ever felt your ex's voice coming out of your child's mouth while they're screaming at you, that's not your imagination. Tosha has words for that too.

If seeing your ex, even from across a parking lot, sends your body into overdrive, you're not overreacting. You're experiencing a trauma response. And it has a name.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Andrea DePetris, a clinical psychologist at Yale School of Medicine and private practice therapist, for a conversation that will genuinely change how you understand yourself in these moments.We start with something that gets thrown around a lot - the word "trigger" - and Dr. DePetris explains precisely what it means in a trauma context: a stimulus that activates your trauma memory network and makes your brain and body feel like the danger is happening right now. Not overreaction. Biology.From there, we dig into the window of tolerance, a concept developed by psychiatrist Dan Siegel that describes the range in which we can think clearly, connect with our kids, and respond (rather than react) to what's in front of us. Trauma narrows that window. Chronic high-conflict divorce narrows it even further. And when something pushes us outside that window, our nervous system responds in one of two ways: it speeds everything up (hyperarousal: fast talking, heat in the body, urgency, needing to win), or it slows everything down (hypoarousal: going quiet, shrinking, emotional flatness, checking out).Both responses make complete sense. Both were designed to protect you. And both can absolutely get in the way of the parent you want to be in that moment.he good news (and Dr. DePetris is practical and clear about this) is that these patterns are learnable and changeable. In this conversation, she walks you through exactly what to do in the moment and how to build the self-regulation muscle when you're not activated, so it's available to you when you are.What you'll take away from this episode:→ The clinical definition of a trigger — and why trigger warnings may not work the way we think→ How to recognize whether you tend toward hyperarousal or hypoarousal when you encounter your ex→ The single best thing to do in any activation moment (spoiler: it's a pause — but Dr. DePetris shows you exactly what that looks like for each response type)→ A breathing technique you can practice with your children right now: breathe in like you're smelling flowers, exhale long like you're blowing out birthday candles→ The '5 neutral things' grounding exercise and why naming them moves you from feeling to observation→ Why stepping away isn't avoiding — it's modeling self-regulation for your kids→ How to repair with your children after a hard moment, and why kids don't need perfect parents — they need present onesDr. Andrea DePetris is a clinical psychologist at Yale School of Medicine and works with adults in private practice. She specializes in helping people understand the internal patterns — shaped by early life and relationship history — that drive how they feel and respond, and supports them in updating those patterns to feel more integrated and at peace.#CoParenting #HighConflictDivorce #WindowOfTolerance #Triggers #EmotionalRegulation #NarcissisticEx #CustodyExchange #TraumaResponse #HighConflictCoParenting #ParentalAlienation #DivorceRecovery #ToxicEx #GroundingTechniques #MentalHealth #BeenThereGotOut

If your ex keeps dragging you back to court - filing motion after motion just to control, harass, and drain you, you already know how the legal system can become the abuser's most powerful weapon. What you might not know is that California is on the verge of changing that.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Monique, one of BTGO's own success stories. After years of navigating the family court system herself, Monique went to law school and founded the Women's Healing Resource Clinic SoCal, a grassroots domestic violence advocacy organization. And she's here to break down a bill that has us genuinely excited: California Senate Bill 1192, known as the RECLAIM Act.This legislation is designed specifically to address post-separation abuse through vexatious litigation — the pattern of filing frivolous court motions not because the filer expects to win, but because being in court means being close to you. It means draining your money, disrupting your work, and reminding you who still holds power over your life.Here's what SB 1192 would actually do, in plain language:- The three-part framework of SB 1192: how to qualify as a victim of litigation abuse, what the affidavit process looks like, and what protections kick in once you do.- Who can write your affidavit: certified domestic violence advocates with 40 hours of DV training under California Evidence Code 1037.1, as well as mental health professionals who know your case.- What "frivolous litigation" actually means under the law, and why the bill's updated language (removing the word "abusive" and leaving just "frivolous") may actually make it easier for survivors to qualify.- The most stunning piece: if approved, all future court filing fees could be waived, and you may be entitled to legal representation at no charge.- How to support the bill right now, including how to contact Senator Rubio's office, how to share your survivor story in a way that makes the most impact, and what Lisa learned from giving live testimony for Connecticut's Jennifer's Law.- What the national coercive control law landscape looks like, from California to Connecticut to Utah to the UK, and how to push for similar legislation in your own state.- The role of domestic violence resource centers in your area (and why so many survivors never think to call them).PLUS: Monique shares her incredible personal journey — from being a client of Lisa and Chris's coaching practice, to representing just 2% of Latina women who go on to become attorneys. Her story is a powerful reminder that people do rebuild, and that sometimes, that rebuilt life becomes a force for change.ADVOCATE FOR SB 1192:- Contact Senator Susan Rubio's office: sd22.senate.ca.gov- Co-sponsor: Family Violence Appellate Project (Oakland, CA)

What if the moment your child starts pulling away isn't a sign of failure, but the beginning of a chapter you can still write?Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst has spent 50 years as a psychologist inside divorce cases, family courts, and the offices of struggling parents. What she's learned might change the way you see everything.In this powerful conversation, Lisa sits down with Dr. Vanderhorst to explore the real psychology behind parental alienation - how it starts, why children pull away, what's actually happening inside your child's developing mind, and what you can do right now to protect and rebuild your relationship with them.Dr. Vanderhorst introduces a framework that most parents have never heard: divorce doesn't just disrupt your child's relationship with you, it disrupts their sense of place and their attachment to the world itself. When children lose two of their three core attachments simultaneously, their behavior shifts in ways that look like alienation but are rooted in survival. Understanding this changes everything.She also offers a deeply compassionate reframe for parents whose children are actively refusing contact: treat your child like a traumatized rescue animal who needs to earn safety at their own pace, not a family member who owes you time. Set your ego aside. Give them space. Stay consistent. That patience, she explains, is what eventually brings children back - and she has decades of cases to prove it.If your relationship with your child has been damaged by a toxic co-parent, this conversation gives you both the psychological foundation for understanding what's happening and the practical strategies for responding with patience, dignity, and hope.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE✅ Why divorce disrupts a child's three core attachments — and what that means for their behavior✅ The subtle, nonverbal ways alienation happens without any spoken words✅ How to talk about your ex's traits in ways that help your child without harming yourself✅ What to do when your child's alienation is getting worse, not better✅ Why age 14 is the most critical and dangerous period for refusal behavior✅ The 'letter strategy' that kept one father connected across years of complete estrangement — and resulted in every one of his children returning✅ How to survive the shame and social isolation that comes with being a rejected parent✅ A simple feelings vocabulary tool that can help you and your children rebuild emotional connectionABOUT DR. GLORIA VANDERHORSTDr. Gloria Vanderhorst is a licensed psychologist with 50 years of clinical experience spanning the full human lifespan. She began her practice with preschool children and has worked with individuals and families through every stage of development. Dr. Vanderhorst has extensive experience in divorce-related psychological work, including court testimony, child and adult evaluations, and post-divorce parenting support. Her website offers a range of downloadable resources, including her highly regarded feelings vocabulary sheet.Website: www.drgvanderhorst.com

Meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming. You're emotional, uncertain, and trying to make decisions that could impact your finances, your children, and your future. The problem is that when you're in that emotional state, it's easy to walk into a consultation unprepared and ask the wrong questions-or miss the questions that actually matter.In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Morgan Stogsdill pulls back the curtain on what really happens during divorce consultations and shares the best—and worst—questions you can ask a divorce attorney.If you're preparing to meet with a lawyer, this episode will help you walk into that consultation with confidence, ask smarter questions, and avoid mistakes that could cost you time and money.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy divorce attorneys struggle to answer questions like “How long will this take?” and “How much will this cost?”How preparation before your consultation can dramatically improve your legal strategyThe surprising question every client should ask their attorney about how they present as a witnessHow communication expectations with your legal team can affect your experience and your billThe powerful question Morgan asks clients that reveals the hidden risks in a divorce caseThe Questions Divorce Attorneys Wish You Would AskDuring your initial consultation, asking thoughtful questions can help you better understand your case and set realistic expectations.Some of the most helpful questions include:1. How would I present as a witness if this case went to court? Even though most divorces settle before trial, understanding how your behavior, communication, and evidence may be perceived can help you strengthen your case.2. Is there anything in my story that could make achieving my goals difficult? This question allows your attorney to set realistic expectations and identify potential challenges early.3. What is the best way to communicate with you and your team? Many law firms work collaboratively with legal teams. Understanding how communication works can help you get faster responses and better support.4. What can I do to be more prepared and save money on legal fees? Being organized—creating timelines, gathering documents, and preparing information—can significantly reduce the amount of billable time your attorney spends on your case.Questions That Are Hard for Attorneys to AnswerWhile they're completely understandable, two questions clients ask most often are also the hardest to answer:“How long will my divorce take?”The timeline depends on many variables, including court schedules, negotiations, cooperation between parties, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.“How much will my divorce cost?”Divorce costs can vary widely depending on how contentious the case becomes, whether mediation is used, and how prepared both parties are throughout the process.The Question That Reveals EverythingOne of the most powerful questions Morgan asks potential clients is:“What's the worst thing your ex is going to say about you?”This question often catches people off guard, but it reveals critical information about potential arguments, credibility, and issues that could surface during negotiations or litigation.Being honest about weaknesses in your case allows your attorney to prepare for them strategically.Preparing for Your Divorce ConsultationWalking into a consultation prepared can make a huge difference in how productive the meeting is. Some helpful steps include:gathering financial documentsunderstanding who your spouse's attorney may beorganizing a timeline of eventsthinking through your goals for the divorceThe more information you bring to the consultation, the easier it is for your attorney to give meaningful guidance.Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseResources Mentioned in This EpisodeGuide: How to Hire the Right Divorce AttorneyThe Divorce Crash CourseHow Not to Suck at Divorce Private CommunityYou can find direct links to these resources in the episode show notes.About the PodcastHow Not to Suck at Divorce helps people navigate divorce with clarity, strategy, and support. Hosted by comedian Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill, the podcast breaks down the legal, financial, and emotional realities of divorce so listeners can avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence.Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicagoMentioned in this episode:Natural Cycles When your body feels unpredictable, your decisions shouldn't have to be. Get insight and clarity with NC° Perimenopause. Visit Naturalcycles.app/divorce to learn more and save on a subscription and wearable.Natural Cycles

What CPS Is Actually Looking For When They Knock on Your DoorWhen Child Protective Services shows up during a high-conflict divorce or custody battle, the fear can be overwhelming. You might be terrified of losing your children, furious at your ex for weaponizing the system, and completely in the dark about what happens next.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Sara Vandenberg, a trauma psychotherapist and former CPS caseworker in Texas, for one of the most practical, fear-reducing conversations we've ever had about what CPS investigations actually look like from the inside.Here's what Sara wants you to know before anything else: about 6-7 million children are investigated by CPS each year in the United States. Only about 5% are ever removed from the home. CPS is not a custody agency, and they cannot take your children and give them to your ex. That's not how the system works.Sara pulls back the curtain on the risk-versus-danger framework that CPS workers use when they walk into your home. Risk is the deer crossing sign on the road at night. Danger is the deer standing in the middle of the road. CPS is concerned with danger, not with judging you as a parent.She also shares something critical that surprises most parents: CPS is not looking to see if you are a good or bad parent. They are looking to see if your child is safe. Understanding this distinction can completely change how you approach a CPS investigation and how the investigator perceives you.

Get the NEW Divorce Crash Course right here!Ever read an email from your divorce attorney and think:“What the hell does that even mean?”You're not alone.In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, hosts Andrea Rappaport and Morgan L. Stogsdill break down the confusing world of legal jargon, attorney shorthand, and “lawyer speak” that leaves so many divorce clients feeling lost.If your attorney has ever said things like:“We'll reserve that issue.”“Opposing counsel is being unreasonable.”“The judge may not view this favorably.”“We need more discovery.”…and you nodded along while secretly thinking “am I winning or am I getting screwed?” — this episode is for you.Morgan translates the most common divorce lawyer phrases into plain English, while Andrea asks the questions every client is secretly thinking.You'll also learn how to tell the difference between normal legal communication and a lawyer who simply isn't communicating well.Because understanding your divorce strategy isn't a luxury — it's your right.What You'll Learn in This Episode✔ What lawyers actually mean when they say “we'll reserve that issue” ✔ Why divorce attorneys avoid giving 100% certainty about outcomes ✔ The real meaning behind “the judge may not view this favorably” ✔ Why discovery is one of the most misunderstood parts of divorce ✔ How to tell if your attorney is explaining strategy clearly ✔ Red flags that signal a bad communicator (or worse) ✔ When it might be time to get a second legal opinionDivorce Lawyer Phrases TranslatedMorgan and Andrea break down common phrases you may hear from your divorce attorney:“That's not something we want to concede.” Translation: Not necessarily a “no” — but definitely not right now.“We'll reserve that issue.” Translation: The decision is being pushed down the road until more information is available.“The judge may not view this favorably.” Translation: This could seriously backfire in court.“Opposing counsel is being unreasonable.” Translation: Something behind the scenes is slowing the process down.“We need more discovery.” Translation: We need documents, financials, or evidence to support your case.Green Flags: Signs You Have a Great Divorce LawyerA strong divorce attorney should be able to explain:• What is happening in your case • Why it matters • What your options are • The risks and rewards of each choice • The strategy moving forward • The potential cost of each moveA good lawyer explains things like they're talking to their neighbor — not lecturing a law school class.Red Flags in Attorney CommunicationIf you consistently feel:⚠ More confused after speaking with your lawyer ⚠ Like your questions are dismissed ⚠ Intimidated for asking clarification ⚠ Unsure of the strategy ⚠ Like you're being told to “just trust me”…it may be time to reconsider the relationship.Questions You Should Ask Your Divorce LawyerIf something doesn't make sense, try asking:• “Can you explain that in plain English?” • “What does that mean for my case specifically?” • “What's the best-case and worst-case scenario?” • “What's the strategy behind this?” • “Is this something judges typically approve?” • “How will this affect my legal fees?”You deserve to understand the process and the plan.When It Might Be Time for a Second OpinionGetting another legal perspective is not a betrayal.Consider a second opinion if:Communication is unclearStrategy hasn't been explainedYou feel dismissed or confusedYour gut says something isn't rightGreat lawyers aren't threatened by second opinions — they welcome informed clients.Resources Mentioned

Have you ever looked back at your relationship with your ex and wondered: how did I get here? Why did I choose someone who would eventually turn the courts, the kids, maybe even your own family against you? Why did this feel so normal... at first? The answer might be encoded in your DNA. In this conversation, Lisa sits down with Dr. Sylvia Kalachinsky — a PhD family therapist with 21 years of clinical experience, a faculty career that took her from Mount Sinai Medical Center to working with migrant families in the California fields, and a newly released book called “Lonely AF.” She is also someone who grew up with a narcissistic father and learned, in adulthood, to trace her own relational patterns back to their roots. Together, they unpack intergenerational trauma — not as a heavy clinical term, but as the lived experience of patterns passed down through families across at least three generations. Patterns encoded not just in behavior but, according to the science of epigenetics, in your actual DNA. In this episode, you'll discover: - Why we are often unconsciously attracted to partners who mirror how we felt emotionally with our primary caregivers, even if that feeling was painful - The science behind “your nervous system will reject what's unfamiliar, even if it feels good,” and why a healthy relationship can feel suspiciously boring at first - Big T vs. little t trauma - why your pain counts even if it “didn't seem that bad” - How to do a genogram to identify the patterns your own family has been running for generations - The BODY Skill: a 90-second grounding technique you can use silently in mediation, at a deposition, or while waiting for a call from your lawyer - Why your healing is the single most powerful gift you can give your children and how modeling emotional regulation stops the cycle of transmission Lisa also shares her own story about how, after 20 years in a high-conflict marriage, a loving, stable relationship initially felt “too boring.” Her nervous system had been conditioned to chaos. The moment you hear Dr. Sylvia's response to that story might be the thing you share with a friend today. Whether you're in the middle of a custody battle, co-parenting with someone you can't trust, or already on the other side and trying to make sure the cycle ends with you — this conversation is going to give you something you've been looking for. Dr. Sylvia's new book “Lonely AF: A Therapist's No-B.S. Guide to Feeling Less Alone” is available now. Find Dr. Sylvia at: Instagram @doctorsylviak | drsylviak.com | The Doctor Sylvia K Show podcast

Your child cried at your house about how much they hate going to their other parent's home. Then you found out they had a great time. Or they came home from your ex's house perfectly happy, when you expected them to be upset. Or they told you one thing — and told your ex something completely different. It can feel like a betrayal. Or proof that something is wrong at the other house. Or maybe it makes you doubt your own perception of what's happening. Here's what's actually going on — and it's less alarming than you might think. Dr. Jill Leibowitz is a clinical psychologist and play therapist in New York City who works with children and families navigating high-conflict divorce and co-parenting situations. In her third conversation with Lisa and Been There Got Out, Dr. Jill unpacks one of the most confusing and emotionally loaded experiences in shared custody: why children behave so differently depending on which parent they're with — and what it means for you as the parent trying to protect them. This conversation also addresses what happens when parents respond to the "two-faced" experience in ways that escalate conflict — even when they mean well. From reporting back what the kids said, to demanding consistency in rules, to getting pulled into a group text where the kids are being used to pressure a decision, Dr. Jill walks through the specific behaviors that keep the conflict burning and the concrete steps parents can take instead.  In this conversation: - Why kids bring different emotional parts of themselves to each parent — and why that's developmentally normal - What it means when your child complains about the other parent's home (and what it doesn't mean) - The "code switching" concept: how kids adapt to different homes the same way they adapt to different classrooms - Why demanding the same bedtime, diet, and screen time rules in both homes creates more conflict than it solves - The group text trap: what your ex is doing and the precise way to step out of it - Why children who seem to want decision-making power are often overwhelmed by it — and what to do instead - How to be the parent your child brings their full self to, not just the brave parts or the scared parts  If you've been confused, hurt, or worried by your child's behavior between homes, this is the conversation that will finally make sense of it.  CONNECT WITH DR. JILL LEIBOWITZ: Website: https://realtkseveryday.com Instagram: @realtkseveryday Facebook: Real Talks Everyday  #KidsBehavior #CoParentingHelp #HighConflictCustody #ChildTherapist #DivorceKids #ParentingAfterDivorce #CoParenting #ParallelParenting #NarcissisticEx #FamilyLaw 

When Kasia Bukowska's horses refused to cooperate, she thought she was failing. What she discovered instead changed everything she understood about trauma, healing, and why we stay stuck. Kasia is a Polish equine-assisted therapist, equestrian coach, and artist who has spent years learning how to use horses as healing partners for clients working through deep emotional pain - including survivors of narcissistic abuse, people in the middle of high-conflict divorces, and anyone whose nervous system has been shattered by years of coercive control. But here's the most important thing she says right at the start of this conversation: you don't need a horse. The lessons horses teach — about nervous system regulation, about authenticity, about the way your energy affects everyone around you — apply to your dog, your cat, a rabbit, even a tree. If you've ever wondered why you can't seem to calm down no matter how hard you try, or why you walk into a custody evaluation dysregulated even though you desperately want to present well, this conversation is going to give you a completely different lens for understanding what's happening in your body. Lisa and Kasia go deep on how horses act as biological mirrors — literally responding to your internal state in real time — and what that reveals about the patterns keeping you stuck. Including a story about a giant shire horse and a little wooden pole that will stay with you. In this episode: 00:00 - Introduction: Who is Kasia Bukowska and why horses?01:45 - The one thing Kasia says immediately: you don't need a horse!03:30 - Kasia's background: equestrian coach, equine-assisted therapist, and artist05:20 - How she discovered the connection between her paintings and her horses' messages08:10 - What actually happens in an equine-assisted therapy session12:00 - Why Kasia works with horses at liberty (no halters, no riding) and what that makes possible16:30 - How a horse responds when you're reliving trauma vs. when you're regulated19:45 - "The way you do one thing is the way you do everything" - what this means for your healing24:00 - The cavaletti story: what a ton of horse taught one client about softening instead of pushing30:15 - How addiction, self-harm, and deep shame show up in equine sessions33:40 - What to do if you see horses on the side of the road and can't stop36:20 - How to use any animal (or a tree!) as a grounding tool right now40:10 - Can you do equine therapy online? Kasia explains how44:30 - How to find equine-assisted learning and equine gestalt practitioners near you47:00 - Where to find Kasia: Instagram, websites, and upcoming webinars Find Kasia Bukowska:Instagram (coaching): @equestrian_kasha_bukowskaInstagram (art): @kasha_bukowska_artCoaching & therapy: hearthorseexperience.comArtwork: kashabukowska.com Been There Got Out:We are Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry: veteran high-conflict divorce, custody, and co-parenting strategists who help targeted parents navigate one of the most painful experiences a person can face. We fill the gap between what family law attorneys are trained to do and what therapists understand about the legal system. If your ex has a personality disorder, if you're fighting to protect your relationship with your children, or if you're trying to rebuild your life after years of coercive control, you are in the right place! #equinetherapy #traumahealing #narcissisticabuserecovery #nervousystemregulation #highconflictdivorce #equineасsistedtherapy #healingafterabuse #beentheregotout 

No one believes you.  You've said it in every room. To every professional. To the judge, the GAL, the CPS worker. You didn't do this. The allegations are false. And yet — somehow — your children are not with you.  There's a tool that most people in your situation have never heard of. It's not new. It's not experimental. It's legally recognized, it produces a certified written report within 24 hours, and it has caused CPS cases to be dropped and charges dismissed before parents ever set foot in a courtroom.  It's a polygraph — and not the made-for-TV version you're thinking of.  Lisa brought polygraph examiner David Goldberg onto the show specifically because false allegations are one of the most devastating — and most common — tactics used by toxic co-parents in high-conflict custody battles. David has administered more than 20,000 tests over 25 years, many of them for parents exactly like you: falsely accused, emotionally overwhelmed, and desperately looking for something concrete to fight back with.  This conversation covers the practical reality of polygraph testing in custody situations: what it actually costs in time and emotion, what the report contains, how attorneys and judges interact with it, and — perhaps most surprisingly — how many people find the experience therapeutically transformative, not just legally valuable.  About David Goldberg: David Goldberg is a state-licensed, advanced board-certified polygraph examiner based in Virginia. He spent the early part of his career in law enforcement, where he watched innocent people struggle to prove their innocence in a system that defaulted to suspicion. That experience drove him to open his private practice, where he now serves individuals outside the criminal system — people dealing with custody battles, workplace conflicts, past trauma, and more. With nearly 25 years of practice and more than 20,000 examinations behind him, David is also a court-certified expert witness. He is one of the few examiners in the country who takes a full-day approach to each client — never watching the clock, never rushing to the next appointment — because he understands that the conversations that happen before the test determine the accuracy and usefulness of everything that follows.  

You know you shouldn't react. You know exactly what your ex is doing when they push, bait, violate the court order, or put the kids in the middle. You've read the articles. You've heard about grey rock. You're smart — you've built a career, raised children, solved genuinely complex problems.And you still react. Every time.This is not a character flaw. This is your nervous system doing exactly what years of coercive control trained it to do — and no amount of willpower changes a nervous system. You have to work with it.Dr. Jordin Wiggins is a naturopathic doctor, author of The Pink Canary, and fellow survivor who has spent years studying exactly this: why the people least likely to be fooled are the ones most likely to be targeted, what coercive control does to the body at a physiological level, and how to start reclaiming your regulation — and your identity — one small pleasure at a time.Dr. Wiggins' clinical work began at the intersection of women's health and sexual dysfunction — and she quickly realized that a significant portion of the women she was seeing with libido issues were also living with coercive control and abuse. That professional observation, combined with her own experience as a survivor who didn't recognize her abusive relationship until the damage was deep, shaped an entirely new area of practice. She developed a healing model rooted in pleasure — not as a luxury, but as a physiologically grounded return to the self that coercive control erases. Through her book The Pink Canary, her Pleasure Collective community (founded in 2018), and her Pleasure Principles Podcast, she has supported thousands of survivors in reclaiming their sense of self from the inside out. She works with high-functioning, high-achieving survivors who carry the double burden of 'I should have known better' — and she has a particular gift for helping them understand why their very excellence made them a target.00:00 — Introduction: The impossible co-parenting situation — and why smart people keep getting baited01:45 — How Dr. Wiggins discovered the coercive control connection through clinical work in women's health04:20 — Super traits: the qualities that make you exceptional — and that make you a target07:10 — The professional's shame: 'I counsel people on abuse and I didn't see it in my own home'09:30 — The boiled frog analogy: how coercive control escalates in ways that are impossible to detect in real time11:45 — Why the violent incident model of abuse completely misses coercive control — and leaves survivors unprotected14:00 — How small moments of deference establish power dynamics long before abuse is recognizable17:20 — When the erosion is complete: Dr. Wiggins' personal turning point — 'I didn't know what food I liked'20:10 — What chronic hypervigilance does to the body — sleep, weight, immunity, mood, thought clarity23:30 — The MRI research on pleasure centers: abuse literally turns off your brain's capacity for desire27:45 — Pleasure research: how discovering what you want — even in tiny ways — starts rebuilding identity31:00 — Emotional baiting decoded: what it does to your nervous system and why your response is predictable35:20 — A real case study: a male client being deliberately baited through court order violations in front of the children39:00 — The wise owl, watchdog, possum model: how to identify where your brain is in a triggered moment42:30 — Overexplaining — the most expensive mistake in co-parenting with a toxic ex, and how to stop46:00 — Learning to feel your feelings: why victims of coercive control lose access to their own emotional experience50:15 — The feelings wheel and why naming the precise emotion is the first step to regaining power53:40 — Holding rage at an unjust system while still functioning — and not getting stuck in it57:00 — The lotion challenge: five minutes,

What really happens when "happily ever after" doesn't last? In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, host Gregg Goldfarb continues his conversation with Attorney Brett Feinstein to unpack the emotional and financial realities of divorce. From the moment couples start questioning their relationship to the difficult process of legally separating their lives, Brett shares candid advice on how to navigate one of life's most challenging transitions. Divorce can quickly turn emotional, but Brett explains why treating it more like a business transaction can lead to smoother outcomes for everyone involved. He highlights common triggers that lead couples toward divorce, the mistakes people make before speaking with a lawyer, and the importance of honest communication before making life-altering decisions. You'll also hear practical guidance on mediation, preparing financially for divorce, and the dangers of trying to "win" every small detail. Along the way, Brett brings humor and hard-earned wisdom from decades of experience helping people navigate the end of a marriage. Stay tuned for part 3 to learn the next steps in filing for divorce. What to expect in this episode: The emotional reality of divorce and why neutrality matters Common relationship triggers that lead couples to consider divorce Why frequent cheating has less legal impact than people think The myth that children will save a struggling marriage How mediation works and why compromise is unavoidable The biggest mistakes people make during divorce proceedings Why hiding assets can backfire and make the process worse Practical steps to prepare financially and emotionally for life after divorce   Want to stay updated on our latest podcasts? Subscribe to Cut to the Chase: Podcast Newsletter for monthly podcast releases and the latest legal news: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/KqDopgE   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Learn more about Brett's law firm, Feinstein & Mendez: https://fmpalawfirm.com    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

There's a moment most people in our community know well. Your phone lights up with a message from your ex. Or you're sitting in the parking lot outside the courthouse. Or you're on the phone with your attorney and your voice starts shaking.You know the response you want to give. You know the person you want to be in that moment. And then something happens — a thought spiral, a surge of adrenaline, a reaction you didn't plan — and afterward, you're sitting there wondering what just happened.That's not a character flaw. That's dysregulation. And it is absolutely something you can learn to change.Our guest today, Bonnie Butler, knows this from two directions: as someone who lived through her own version of emotional chaos — adopting six traumatized teenagers at once after years of fostering — and as a certified emotional regulation coach who has helped hundreds of clients transform the way they respond to stress, conflict, and the impossible situations life throws at them.This conversation with Lisa is one of those episodes where you'll want to stop and take notes. Or maybe you'll just find yourself nodding along, because finally someone is naming what you've been experiencing.Timestamps:00:00 — Opening: the problem of knee-jerk reactions with a toxic ex01:20 — Bonnie defines emotional regulation in plain language03:45 — The pause technique: interrupting the thought spiral with a physical cue07:10 — Why holding your breath makes rational thought impossible09:30 — Bonnie introduces herself: from overwhelmed foster/adoptive mom to regulation coach14:00 — The turning point: hitting a wall and learning the hard way18:20 — Why no one ever teaches us to manage our emotions21:40 — Her 12-week program and what transformation actually looks like25:00 — Why clients resist the tools at first — and what happens when they try anyway29:15 — Self-regulation explained: what it feels like when you've got it33:00 — Co-regulation: how your state spreads to everyone around you37:20 — The heartbreaking thing that happens when kids try to regulate their parents40:45 — How modeling regulation teaches your kids to regulate themselves43:00 — "Name it to tame it": why naming an emotion is the first step to releasing it46:15 — "The anxiety I'm feeling" vs. "my anxiety": a small shift, a big door48:30 — Meet Jim: how one client made friends with their anxiety to stop being controlled by it51:00 — Our thoughts are not facts — and you don't have to keep every thought you have54:20 — The thought closet: choosing what you keep and what you let go57:00 — Change, loss, and grief — why healing always has a harder side01:01:00 — "Paddles in the canoe": taking back the steering wheel of your life01:04:30 — What you focus on grows: the profound shift in how Bonnie saw her own life01:08:00 — From "what might have been" to "what could be"01:12:00 — How to connect with BonnieConnect with Bonnie Butler:Website & booking: bonniebutlercoaching.comInstagram: @bonniebutlercoachingFacebook: Bonnie Butler CoachingEmail: bonnie@bonniebutlercoaching.com#EmotionalRegulation #HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #CoParentingHelp #NarcissistEx #DivorceCoach #BonnieButler #BeenThereGotOut

The Kouri Richins trial brings Christina Miller, Divorce Attorney, to the stand in this segment.The Kouri Richins murder trial continues in Utah as the state prosecutes the children's book author for allegedly poisoning her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl. Prosecutors allege she killed him for insurance money after secretly increasing his policy to $1.9 million. The defense maintains Eric died from accidental drug use.True Crime Today delivers real-time trial coverage as it happens—key testimony, critical cross-examinations, and the moments that matter. No waiting for nightly recaps. Watch the case unfold live.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#KouriRichins #KouriRichinsTrial #TrueCrimeToday #LiveTrial #EricRichins #UtahCourt #TrueCrimeNews #CourtTV #TrialWatch #BreakingCrime

Christina Miller, Divorce Attorney, takes center stage in the Kouri Richins trial.Kouri Richins stands accused of poisoning her husband Eric Richins with a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022—allegedly to collect on a $1.9 million life insurance policy she secretly increased just weeks before his death. What prosecutors describe as a calculated murder-for-profit scheme, the defense calls a tragic accident involving a man who, they claim, had a hidden drug problem.This is gavel-to-gavel coverage of one of the most closely watched trials in Utah history. A children's book author. A grieving widow who wrote about "heaven" for kids while allegedly researching untraceable poisons. A husband who may have been killed in his own bed.Hidden Killers brings you complete trial coverage with expert analysis—no sensationalism, just the facts as they unfold.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#KouriRichins #KouriRichinsTrial #EricRichins #UtahTrial #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #FentanylPoisoning #MurderTrial #TrueCrimeCommunity #Justice

Christina Miller, Divorce Attorney, takes the stand in the Kouri Richins Trial. Complete coverage of the State of Utah v. Kouri Richins. She's accused of murdering her husband Eric Richins by poisoning him with fentanyl in their Kamas, Utah home in March 2022. The prosecution alleges Kouri researched untraceable poisons, secretly increased Eric's life insurance to $1.9 million, and laced a Moscow Mule she made for her husband on the night he died.Kouri Richins has pleaded not guilty. Her defense argues Eric's death was an accidental overdose and that he had a hidden history of drug use.This channel is dedicated exclusively to the Kouri Richins case—every witness, every exhibit, every argument through verdict.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#KouriRichins #EricRichins #KouriRichinsTrial #UtahMurderTrial #KamasUtah #FentanylMurder #TrueCrimeTrial #JusticeForEric #FullTrialCoverage #CourtRoom

How long should you really wait before popping the question—and what's the most annoying thing people do with their phones in public?

What does it mean to be emotionally savvy? My guest in this episode is Katherine E. Miller, Divorce Attorney and author of her new book "The Emotionally Savvy Divorce." Katherine shares some of the key takeaways in her wonderful divorce advice book, with the goal of helping you have the best divorce outcome. 

Join us for this next hour of the Sharathon, here at WSFI 88.5 FM and WSFV 88.7 FM Catholic Radio! The Sharathon is a series of live shows, featuring guests from the local community, and is an opportunity for listeners to donate to WSFI Catholic Radio for much-needed infrastructure and technological improvements. Joining us this hour are Keven Sullivan and Patricia Galvan Cartwright, discussing the subject of marriage. Mr. Sullivan works for the Tribunal for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Patricia Cartwright is a Divorce Attorney and a marriage and family coach with Quiet Mind.*  To make a tax-deductible donation to WSFI Catholic Radio, please call us at 224-206-8455, donate safely online at wsficatholicradio.org/support-wsfi/donate/, or mail your offering to: P.O. Box 885 Libertyville, IL 60048 *To find out more about Patricia Galvan Cartwright's work, visit: patriciarelationshipcoach.com  

The Miami Dolphins just hit the "Delete" button on their roster.

Divorce season is in full swing, and for many listeners, that means overwhelm, fear, and financial uncertainty. Susan Guthrie welcomes back two of her favorite returning experts, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution, to talk about what truly matters in the earliest days of divorce: financial clarity before legal action. Divorce may be a legal process, but in the beginning, it feels emotional and financial. Fear can drive rushed decisions. Anger can fuel unnecessary conflict. And too often, people hire attorneys before they understand what they actually own, owe, or need. Karen and Catherine specialize in helping individuals slow down, gather the facts, and understand what is truly in the marital “pie” before anyone starts slicing it up. Through their structured preparation platform and signature MDS Financial Portrait™, they help people turn panic into power and confusion into confidence. This conversation is about avoiding early mistakes, preventing unnecessary legal costs, and building a foundation that supports smart, informed decisions from day one. What You'll Learn Why divorce should often begin with financial clarity, not immediate legal action How emotional agreements like “you keep the house, I'll keep my retirement” can create long-term financial damage What really happens when couples rely on spreadsheets without full documentation The difference between financial literacy and financial empowerment during divorce How understanding the financial impact of decisions allows you to pivot confidently during negotiations Why assembling the right professional team depends on first understanding the complexity of your financial picture Episode Blog Article:  What Is the #1 Financial Mistake Before Filing for Divorce? Free Episode Resource: Before You File: Divorce Financial Readiness Checklist About the Guests  Catherine Shanahan, CDFA After 25 years in the financial industry, having raised five children and endured her own experience with divorce, Catherine became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), trained Mediator and Daily Money Manager(PDMM). Catherine is collaboratively trained and was a member of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group. She is a member of the  American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP). Catherine is fully dedicated to helping clients understand and navigate all aspects of divorce including planning a secure financial future post-divorce.  Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison  For over 30 years, Karen has worked in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. During her career, she served as an affiliated member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and President Elect of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). Karen now serves clients and the professional team in her role as legal liaison. She is also a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As the mom of three children and one granddaughter, Karen is extremely passionate about helping women in all that she does.    My Divorce Solution Through their professional and personal experiences, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan have created a unique and comprehensive process that greets divorce in a whole new way – a way that empowers those who experience this major life transition. Our mission is simple: to help people move through the divorce process with financial clarity and confidence so they can make the rest of their lives the best of their lives. The MDS Financial Portrait™ is a compilation of data and financial records utilizing the family's key and supporting documentation.  The MDS Financial Portrait provides a clear neutral snapshot of the family's marital and non-marital estate for purposes of determining alimony, child support, and the division of assets and liabilities.  This comprehensive Portrait can then be used by divorce professionals as verification of marital/non-marital assets, and the blueprint when considering various scenarios, alternatives and the resulting implications of any financial decisions. Our services, specialties and certifications help individuals and couples develop a transparent and comprehensive financial plan that will optimize the outcome of their divorce.  We meet with couples in our virtual office so we can assist you no matter where you live! Connect with Karen and Catherine of My Divorce Solution Website: http://mydivorcesolution.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydivorcesolution Podcast: https://mydivorcesolution.com/we-chat-divorce-podcast/ Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our Host Susan E. Guthrie®, Esq. is one of the nation's leading family law and mediation experts, with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate divorce and conflict with clarity and compassion. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker, trainer, and practice-building consultant. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast, where she shared her insights on gray divorce and the changing landscape of relationships. Her expertise has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC's Chicago Today, among many others. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond® Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 3.4 million downloads, Susan brings together top experts and powerful personal stories to help listeners move through divorce and beyond with confidence, insight, and hope. Learn more about Susan and her work at susaneguthrie.com. Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** A Smarter, Simpler Way to Navigate Your Divorce Looking for a clearer and more affordable way to move through your divorce? Check out Hello Divorce. Their guided online platform combines easy-to-follow tools with real legal and coaching support to help you complete your divorce with less stress, less confusion, and far lower costs than a traditional courtroom battle. They have created a special page just for Divorce & Beyond listeners. Explore your options at hellodivorce.com/susan. ***************************************************************************** A Special Offer from Yumiyu YUMIYU Jewelry is Susan's favorite source for meaningful, handcrafted jewelry designed to empower women and celebrate individuality. Each piece is made with care, using high-quality materials like real gold and vermeil, and is water-resistant, non-tarnish, and hypoallergenic. During difficult times, like divorce, wearing a symbol of hope or protection—such as a hamsa or an evil eye—can be a comforting reminder to keep the faith and stay strong. As a special gift to my listeners, YUMIYU Jewelry is offering 20% off your purchase! Use the code "BEYOND" at checkout to claim your discount. Explore their stunning collection at yumiyujewelry.com and find your perfect piece today! Link: https://divorcebeyond.com/YUMIYU  Code: “BEYOND” for 20% off! ***************************************************************************** Opportunities for Expert Guests and Fellow Podcasters Partner with Divorce & Beyond Whether you're a podcaster looking to expand your reach or an expert ready to share your insights, Divorce & Beyond offers the perfect platform to amplify your voice.  Find out more here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/guest-opportunities ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM  

Some states require a separation period before you can officially get divorced. North Carolina is one of those states and my guest is Divorce Attorney, Whitney Butcher, who talks about the law and offers advice on those thinking of separating or who are already separated. 

Divorce Attorney Marketing announced the availability of their new Divorce Attorney Marketing Service beginning It's available from 2/14/2026 12AM Agency City: Dallas Address: 1919 McKinney Ave Suite 100 Website: https://12amagency.com Phone: +1 855 603 5723 Email: PR@12AMAgency.com

Negotiating cases in which neither spouse wants custody of the cat, setting clients' expectations about what's legally possible (versus what feels "right"), and finding hope in people's ability to bounce back from dark times with Lucy Stewart-Gould, a divorce lawyer in London. What simple question can break open a deadlocked settlement? And what's a "jurisdiction race"?IF YOU LIKE THIS EPISODE: Check out what it's like to be a criminal defense attorney, a forensic accountant, or a couples therapist.WANT MORE EPISODE SUGGESTIONS? Grab our What It's Like To Be... "starter pack". It's a curated Spotify playlist with some essential episodes from our back catalogue. GOT A COMMENT OR SUGGESTION? Email us at jobs@whatitslike.com FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Email us at partnerships@whatitslike.com WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW? Leave us a voicemail at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: 1. What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean? 2. What's a specific story you tell your friends that happened on the job? It could be funny, sad, anxiety-making, pride-inducing or otherwise. We can't respond to every message, but we do listen to all of them! We'll follow up if it's a good fit.

The F Words That Predict Lasting Love with Sarah Intelligator Is your relationship truly built to last? Or are you dating and trying to understand whether someone is right for you? In this powerful conversation, divorce attorney and author Sarah Intelligator breaks down the relationship patterns she has seen for more than twenty years and reveals the early signs that predict long lasting love. We explore her full F Words framework, the hidden dynamics that lead people to stay too long, and why fear plays such a big part in choosing the wrong partnerships. This episode offers clarity, confidence, and a new way to evaluate love. What you will learn • The early indicators that reveal whether a relationship can last • The core ingredients that strong couples share • The F Word that becomes a complete deal breaker • Why fear keeps people stuck in the wrong relationships • How to trust your inner wisdom and choose better Sarah Intelligator is an attorney in Los Angeles, California, who has practiced family law since 2008. She earned a Juris Doctorate, from Southwestern Law School and graduated from UCLA, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts, in English. Sarah has also been a yoga instructor since 2000 and is the author of: "Live, Laugh, True Love: A Step-By-Step Guide to Dating and Finding a Meaningful Relationship, from a Divorce Attorney." Find Sarah in IG here: Sarah.A.Intelligator.Esq Learn more about Junie here: https://www.midlifeloveoutloud.com

Wondering when to switch divorce lawyers because your attorney isn't calling you back, isn't explaining things clearly, or keeps pushing you to “just sign it”? In this episode of The Crazy Ex-Wives Club, Erica sits down with Heather Quick (Founder and CEO of Florida Women's Law Group) to break down the biggest divorce attorney red flags, what good representation actually looks like, and how to trust your gut when you're already overwhelmed.They talk about how to find a lawyer when you're not ready to tell anyone you're divorcing, how to read reviews with discernment, and why the “best lawyer” is the one who matches the phase and complexity of your divorce (collaborative vs contested, calm vs high-conflict). If you've been spiraling in the waiting, second-guessing your legal support, or feeling like you're asking “too many questions”, this episode will give you a grounded checklist, smarter consult questions, and the confidence to advocate for yourself, without turning your legal bill into an emotional support subscription.You'll learn:How to choose the right divorce lawyer when you're not ready to tell friends or familyWhat divorce attorney red flags look like early (before you waste time and money)Why your divorce “phase” matters (collaborative vs contested, calm vs high-conflict)What healthy communication expectations look like (and what's actually reasonable)Why local court and judge experience changes outcomes more than most people realizeHow to avoid paying legal fees for emotional processing (and where that support belongs)Why “just sign it, you can change it later” can lock you into years of expensive regretHow to advocate for yourself without spiraling, second-guessing, or feeling like “too much”We talk about:00:00 Divorce your divorce lawyer, what it means and why it matters02:00 How to find a lawyer when you're not ready to tell anyone you're divorcing04:00 Google, reviews, and what the “bad reviews” can reveal06:00 Consult wait times, and why urgency hits when you're finally ready07:00 Collaborative vs contested divorce, and how mindset shapes outcomes08:00 What a good lawyer actually does (empathy, truth, strategy, reality checks)10:00 Unrealistic expectations, and why a good lawyer will tell you “no”14:00 When you need a different lawyer for a different phase of divorce15:00 When it's time to stop waiting and set a hearing18:00 “You know who you married, you know who you're divorcing”20:00 Why local court knowledge matters (judges, patterns, the legal landscape)23:00 Cheap now, expensive later, why expertise can save you money26:00 Divorce court isn't about fairness, it's about process and law28:00 Why legal conversations trigger spirals, and how to stay grounded30:00 The biggest red flag: “Just sign it, you can change it later”32:00 Your lawyer isn't your best friend (and why community support matters)36:00 The waiting game, nervous system stress, and slow timelines38:00 Trust your gut, advocate for yourself, and switch if it's not the fitLinks Mentioned in the ShowLooking for support on your journey? Join THE CLUBReady to Define the New You? Create your BLUEPRINTLoved this week's guest? LEARN MOREContact Erica & The Crazy Ex-Wives Clubwww.thecrazyexwivesclub.com Tag us @ Instagram | Facebook | TikTokDid you love this episode? Make sure to follow for more.

From courtroom litigator to emotionally intelligent mediator, Katherine Eisold Miller shares how she is reshaping divorce into a process grounded in clarity, compassion, and agency for women navigating one of life's hardest transitions.Today, I sit down with Katherine Miller, founder of the Miller Law Group and a New York-based divorce attorney, mediator, author, and podcast host who is changing the cultural conversation around divorce. Coming from a family of therapists, Katherine saw early in her legal career that traditional litigation focused on winning rather than helping people through deeply personal crises. Her work now centers on mediation and emotionally savvy decision-making, empowering women to move through divorce without losing themselves in the process.Katherine opens up about her early years handling hundreds of child welfare and litigation cases and the moment she realized there had to be a better way. With nearly all divorces settling outside of trial, she chose to pursue mediation training to help people make thoughtful decisions aligned with their real priorities. That pivot marked a powerful shift from adversarial problem-solving to collaborative clarity, especially for women who often carry the emotional and financial weight of family transitions.We dive into the art of listening beyond surface-level demands to uncover what truly matters, whether in divorce, entrepreneurship, or leadership. Katherine explains how interrupting destructive conflict patterns creates space for solutions that honor both parties' needs. She also shares why conversations about money, prenuptial agreements, and financial values are not signs of failure, but foundations for stronger partnerships and healthier outcomes.This conversation is a reminder that leadership begins with self-trust, preparation, and the courage to ask better questions. Katherine's insights offer women permission to approach divorce without shame, fear, or defaulting to systems that do not serve them. If you care about agency, emotional intelligence, and building a life that reflects your values, you will want to listen all the way through.Chapters

Sarah Intelligator is a family law attorney and author of the book Live, Laugh, Find True Love: A Step-By-Step Guide to Dating and Finding a Meaningful Relationship, By a Divorce Attorney. She joins Natalie to talk about all the things she's observed from couples who have solicited her help when they make the decision to file for a divorce. These observations have led Sarah to have some clear cut do's and don't's on how to really be intentional on finding the right partner. In this episode, she gives some solid advice on how to pay attention to the important details when you're dating to make sure you're a good match.How to Support TATMITB:Want more TATMITB content? We just revamped all of our tiers on Patreon! Our Patreon is now the one stop shop for written content, the monthly newsletter, social content, bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and more! You can join our free tier or try out a free trial for our paid tiers here.We are also still keeping our Instagram and TikTok accounts active so feel free to follow the show on those as well!Support SarahWebsiteInstagramOrder Her Book