Podcasts about Family court

The lie gets declared unfounded, the TRO gets dismissed, and your nervous system finally unclenches. Then your attorney leans in and says the words that can cost you years: “Let's look reasonable and do a step up plan.” We're not letting that happen. We break down why the 48 hours after exoneration are a strategic crossroads in family court, and how “reasonable increases” can turn a temporary CPS investigation into a permanent downgrade of your custody and parenting time.We walk through the core idea in plain English: when restrictions were imposed only as a precaution, the moment the allegation is cleared the baseline must reset to what it was before. No begging. No slow ramp. We use a simple analogy to make it stick, then explain how family law incentives and the power of status quo push judges toward the easiest pattern to maintain, especially in high conflict divorce and parental alienation dynamics.From there, we get concrete. We talk about Time Taken Time Back reforms like Texas SB 718 and Oklahoma SB 1723, and how to demand compensatory parenting time even if your state hasn't passed a statute yet. We also hit the second trap: staying out of the marital home after an ex parte order is lifted. That choice can bleed you financially and hand the other side the physical fortress that shapes custody outcomes.You'll leave with a direct script for coaching your divorce attorney and a clear list of motions to discuss immediately: emergency restoration of the pre-allegation schedule, compensatory makeup time, re-entry and exclusive possession of the home, and where available sanctions and attorney's fees for knowingly false reports. If this helps, subscribe, share it with a dad who needs it, and leave a review so more fathers can find the playbook. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

Some of the language we all use in family court every day didn't always exist. The word “co-parenting” is one of them — and the attorney credited with introducing it sits down with us in this conversation. Anne P. Mitchell was one of the first two attorneys in the United States to fight for a child's right to an ongoing relationship with their father after separation, and what she learned across decades in the trenches of high-conflict custody is exactly what targeted parents need to hear today.In this first part of our conversation, Anne walks us through the warning signs that a false allegation of abuse is on its way, the simple steps that protect you before one ever lands, and the co-parent counseling model she helped pioneer — including the surprisingly effective way to get a judge to order it.

Send us Fan MailCriminal charges and Arizona family court collide more often than most parents realize, and one guilty plea can quietly reshape a custody case. Billie Tarascio sits down with criminal defense attorney Ryan Cummings to break down how DUIs, domestic violence charges, and even a teenager's bad decision online can follow an Arizona family through both courtrooms at once.Ryan Cummings is the founding partner and lead attorney at R&R Law Group, where he focuses exclusively on criminal defense across Arizona. Raised by a 27-year detective, he brings a rare view from both sides of the badge and a mission built on giving clients safety, clarity, and hope through the hardest moments of their lives.What you'll learn:- Why pleading guilty to domestic violence can cost you decision-making over your kids- How the domestic violence "tag" gets added to charges like disorderly conduct or assault- Why a strangulation charge can whittle down to non-DV disorderly conduct, and what that means for custody- How pending criminal charges collide with family court testimony and the Fifth Amendment- Why crime in Arizona runs in seasonal waves tied to heat, holidays, and big events- How marijuana, alcohol, and drug offenses differ in charges and consequences- What the new wave of e-bike and Lime scooter citations means for Arizona kids- Why Snapchat and "deleted" posts keep resurfacing in criminal cases- How AI-generated nude images of classmates can become CSAM charges- What Arizona's Romeo and Juliet laws do and don't protect- How the Maricopa County Attorney decides whether to press charges- The single best conversation to have with your teenager tonightChapters00:26 Meet Ryan Cummings03:04 Balancing Competing Interests in Law04:29 Why Crime Runs in Seasonal Waves08:58 Domestic Violence and the DV Tag11:13 Guilty Pleas, Diversion, and Custody12:14 Criminal Charges Meet Family Court Testimony14:02 E-Bikes, Scooters, and Teen Safety20:02 How the County Decides to Press Charges25:26 What to Tell Your Teenager29:09 Nudes, AI Images, and CSAM Risk33:31 Where to Find RyanIf you're facing a family law matter in Arizona, Modern Law is here to help. Call 480-649-2905 or visit mymodernlaw.com.Connect with Ryan Cummings:- Website: rrlawaz.com- Email: info@rrlawaz.com- Phone: 480-400-1355

Ashish Joshi returns to Been There Got Out — and this time, he's brought a new book and a perspective that may change how you talk about your case forever.If you've been calling your situation a "high-conflict divorce," you may be inadvertently sharing blame you don't deserve. Attorney Ashish Joshi — a domestic violence specialist who focuses on parental alienation and family court litigation — explains why the term "high-conflict" is legally and strategically dangerous for targeted parents, and what the more accurate framework of "family violence" actually means in court.In this conversation, Joshi draws on his brand-new book, Litigating Family Violence, to walk us through the umbrella of behaviors that constitute family violence — from coercive control and emotional abuse to financial abuse, immigration weaponization, and yes, parental alienation. He explains how all of these are interconnected, and why treating them as separate issues misses the point.If you're in family court right now, or trying to understand why nothing seems to be working the way it should, this episode gives you something rare: a practicing trial attorney explaining exactly what courts look for, what language to use, and what actually makes the difference in these cases.IN THIS EPISODE:- Why calling your case "high-conflict" may actually hurt you in family court- What "family violence" means legally — and how it changes the narrative- "Leaving is a process, not an event" — and why courts need to understand this- The difference between parental alienating behaviors (PABs) and parental alienation itself- Resist-refuse dynamics: what they are, and what's really causing them- When to go to court early — and what to ask for instead of pointing fingers- What a proper, enforceable reunification therapy order actually requires- The "running the clock" tactic: how the favored parent uses delay as a weapon- Child voice vs. child choice — and why courts shouldn't let kids decide- Peer-reviewed research: adult children thanked courts for intervening- Enmeshment, parentification, and the cult-like loyalty dynamic- Vicarious trauma and why self-care isn't optional for litigating parentsABOUT ASHISH JOSHI:Ashish Joshi is a practicing family law attorney who specializes at the intersection of domestic violence and parental alienation. He is a sought-after speaker at legal and judicial conferences, including the AFCC (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts), and is the author of two books for legal practitioners and litigants: Litigating Parental Alienation and his newest, Litigating Family Violence. His work bridges the gap between academic research and what actually happens in courtrooms.Ashish Joshi website: www.joshiattorneys.comBook: https://www.amazon.com/Litigating-Family-Violence-Ashish-Joshi/dp/1639057439/#ParentalAlienation #FamilyViolence #HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #CoerciveControl #ReunificationTherapy #FamilyCourt #TargetedParent #BeenThereGotOut

What happens when your ex doesn't just badmouth you to the kids, but tells them God is on their side? In this episode, Lisa talks with interfaith minister and trauma-informed therapist Sherri Heller about one of the most under-recognized weapons in a high-conflict divorce: faith itself.When a marriage involving a high-control religious system breaks down, the parent who leaves is rarely treated as someone making a healthy choice. They're cast as the one who “deviated,” the one who is “morally depraved,” the one the children must be protected from. Sherri explains exactly how this plays out as parental alienation and why family courts so often miss it, pushing for reconciliation “at any cost” while the smear campaign hides in plain sight behind a veneer of virtue.If you've heard your own child repeat phrases that don't sound like them, like one parent in this episode, whose child said she should be talking to “good Christians, not bad divorced people,” you've seen what Sherri calls borrowed scenarios and abuse by proxy: the child used as a vessel to carry the alienating parent's message. She and Lisa talk through what to actually do in that moment, why opposing the indoctrination head-on backfires, and how to find the “middle ground” and the “way in” instead.You'll also hear Sherri's candid take on a hard truth we teach our own clients: in a system that won't recognize this abuse, you have to learn to play the game. Stay tactical. Gray rock. Build leverage so you're not completely cut off from your child, and plant seeds quietly (through nature, literature, science, and critical thinking) that give your kids room to find their own autonomy as they grow, especially in adolescence when the contradictions start to surface.Sherri and Lisa also talk about where to put your energy instead of into endless arguments. At Been There Got Out we teach our clients to look for the “universal agreements,” the handful of things both parents claim to want, like a child who is healthy, happy, and well cared for. Anchoring your communication there keeps you on the high ground, gives a watching judge a clear contrast between your behavior and your ex's, and quietly removes the conflict your ex is fishing for. Sherri's clinical framing of why opposition feeds the narcissist lines up exactly with the strategic communication we coach every day.There's also real hope in this episode. Sherri reminds protective parents that the very contradictions an alienating parent creates tend to surface on their own, especially in adolescence, when the pressure of living inside someone else's story starts to produce its own symptoms. The seeds you plant now, quietly and consistently, are often what your child reaches for later when they begin to question. Your steadiness is the long game.This is essential viewing if you're navigating custody where religion, a controlling community, or a “messianic” ex is part of the picture. It pairs directly with our book “When Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You” and our work on strategic communication.About our guest: Sherri Heller is an interfaith minister and trauma-informed therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse and complex trauma recovery, and a survivor herself.⏱ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome — a topic we rarely cover00:52 What is spiritual & religious abuse?02:12 Meet Sherri Heller: minister & trauma-informed therapist03:40 Common misconceptions (it's not just isolated sects)06:02 How love bombing opens the door08:17 When the community sanctions the abuse09:44 A survivor robbed of her future11:23 Rigid rules: controlled marriages & forced isolation13:31 Narrowing it to the family system14:17 Red flags: cognitive dissonance & the absence of humility17:47 Covert vs. overt: ontological gaslighting18:48 Triangulating with the divine & prosocial camouflage20:34 Grooming children into martyrs24:49 Divorce, leaving the faith & parental alienation25:51 Learning to “play the game” in family court28:49 Borrowed scenarios & abuse by proxy29:36 Finding the middle ground with an alienated child31:34 When (and how) to tell kids a parent is mentally ill33:32 Getting out: reclaiming yourself35:27 Gray rocking, planting seeds & the adolescent awakening37:21 Where to find Sherri Heller37:53 Closing thoughtsWHO WE ARE: Been There Got Out helps protective parents survive high-conflict divorce, custody battles, and parental alienation. Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry teach the strategy that attorneys often don't — how to communicate, document, and present your case while protecting your relationship with your kids. We've been there. We got out. We'll help you do the same.→ Struggling with alienation right now? Book a free 30-minute discovery call: https://btgo.as.me/?appointmentType=24686877→ Get the book “When Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You”: https://www.amazon.com/Been-There-Got-Out-Against/dp/1967674183/Find Sherri Heller: https://sheritherapist.com/index.html#ParentalAlienation #ReligiousAbuse #HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #ProtectiveParent #CoParenting #BeenThereGotOut

Family court rarely says “dad is unfit” anymore, but it can still sideline you fast, especially when your child is under five. The most common move is the polished, pseudo-scientific claim that overnights with dad will disrupt attachment, cause emotional regression, or create long-term harm. I break down why that argument is often a tactical rebrand of the tender years doctrine, and how it turns the starting line of your custody case into a permanent defensive position if you don't counter it early.We walk through the history: how maternal preference became law, how it was formally abolished as unconstitutional, and how the “ghost” still shows up through phrases like attachment theory and the primary caregiver presumption. Then we get specific about woozling, the flawed studies that get cited in briefs, and why the broader mainstream research base does not support blanket bans on overnight parenting time for infants and toddlers.Most importantly, I give you the tools to fight back with real consensus science, including the Warshak Consensus Report and Linda Nielsen's meta-analysis on shared parenting outcomes. We also map out step-by-step counters to the three courtroom scripts you're likely to face: the suitcase kid myth, breastfeeding as a barrier, and the conflict veto. You'll leave with a practical checklist for an evidentiary packet, plus parenting plan features like 2-2-3 or 5-2-2-5 schedules, parallel parenting structure, and communication tools like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

For many people facing divorce, the idea of handling the process without an attorney can be appealing. It may seem like a way to save money, reduce stress, and maintain greater control. But is a do-it-yourself divorce really the right choice?In this episode of The D Shift, host Mardi Winder is joined by former family law attorney and family court strategist Tracey Bee to explore the realities of self-represented divorce. Drawing on years of experience inside the family court system, Tracey explains when representing yourself may be a practical option, when additional guidance is essential, and when hiring an attorney is simply the safest path forward.The conversation also examines common misconceptions about family court, the importance of understanding how judges approach cases, and why making informed decisions can have a lasting impact on both the divorce process and life afterward.Whether listeners are considering a DIY divorce, preparing for mediation, or simply trying to better understand their legal options, this episode provides valuable insights to help them make more confident decisions.In this episode, listeners will discover:• When a self-represented divorce may be an appropriate option• The warning signs that indicate professional legal support is needed• Common mistakes people make when navigating family court• Why understanding the likely legal outcome can improve negotiation and mediation• How informed decision-making can reduce unnecessary conflict, cost, and stressThis practical conversation reminds listeners that every divorce is different, and choosing the right strategy begins with understanding both the opportunities and the risks before moving forward.About the Guest:Tracey Bee is the Founder of The Divorce Solutionist and a former family law attorney turned Pro Se Family Court Strategist. She focuses on helping people successfully navigate the complex Family Court system using strategy and not just the law.For Tracey's Wednesday 10-4pm ET calls: 862-800-7850To connect:Website: https://thedivorcesolutionist.com/About the HostMardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.For Mardi's gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbbConnect with Mardi on Social Media:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4womenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4womenThanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the PodcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave an Apple Podcast ReviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

(Jul 9, 2026) With the midterm elections just four months away, we get an update on the race to replace Elise Stefanik in Congress; advocates are pushing for Governor Hochul to sign Kyra's Law, a bill that aims to protect children during contentious child custody proceedings; and, David Sommerstein previews the Ottawa Blues Festival, which kicks off tonight in Canada's capital. It's far more than blues, with pop, country, hip hop, and alt-rock anchoring the schedule.

Family court is the part of divorce most people hope to avoid – and for good reason. But if it becomes part of your journey, knowing what to expect can change everything.Kate is joined by Beth Kirkland from AdviceNow to talk about what happens when court becomes unavoidable, what it actually feels like to walk into one and how to give yourself the best chance if you're representing yourself.We talk about:How AdviceNow can help if you're going through a divorce or separationThe reasons couples end up in family court – and why it should be a last resortWhat court actually feels like and what the common myths and misconceptions areBeth's practical advice to anyone facing court without legal representationThis episode is for anyone navigating divorce or separation in England and Wales who wants to understand the family court process – whether court feels close, or you simply want to know your options before things escalate.A note before you listen: this episode includes references to domestic abuse and coercive control. If you're affected by anything we discuss, you'll find support organisations listed at the bottom of this description.Support organisations:Women's Aid – womensaid.org.ukRefuge – refuge.org.ukManKind Initiative – mankind.org.ukMen's Advice Line – mensadviceline.org.ukMind – mind.org.ukSamaritans – dial 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258If your life is in danger, dial 999The statistic Beth references comes from the Everyday Business report, published by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner in October 2025, which found evidence of domestic abuse in 73% of observed family court cases and 87% of case files involving children. Read the full report here. About AdviceNowAdviceNow is a UK-based not-for-profit organisation and charity that increases access to justice by helping people to deal with life's legal problems. They provide legal support, including information, legal self-help tools, and training to help people use the law.You can access free resources for divorce and separation that Beth mentions in the episode on AdviceNow website, and you can watch a video about the experience of family court with some helpful tips here. More divorce resourcesReady to understand your options?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.Want ongoing support through separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on the legal side of divorce and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate's book amicable divorce includes a clear breakdown of the different ways to separate, from solicitor-led routes to mediation to cooperative services like amicable, so you can choose what fits your situation. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.#Legal

Your child looks you in the eye and repeats something that doesn't sound like them. It sounds like an adult's script. If you're a divorced dad dealing with bad mouthing, lies, or subtle parental alienation, that moment can hit like a punch to the chest and it's exactly where a lot of fathers lose ground by reacting instead of leading.We walk through what parental alienation is, the warning signs that matter, and why this pattern is so damaging for kids who naturally identify with both parents. Then we get practical: how to stay calm when you're hurt, how to avoid the trap of trashing your ex, and how to correct misinformation without turning your home into a courtroom. We also share simple example responses you can use when your child says things like “Mom says you don't love me” or throws out an accusation that clearly came from somewhere else.From there, we shift to the long game: strengthening your father-child relationship so the truth is felt, not just argued. We talk about quality time, consistent love and support, and routines and traditions that create stability during transitions between households. Finally, we cover when it makes sense to seek professional help, what to be careful about with counseling in high-conflict situations, and when legal guidance may be needed to protect your parenting time. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

The Prime Minister says he's shocked the Family Court gave a staffer paid leave for five years until he was convicted of money laundering last month. Ex-lotto host Russell Harrison was arrested for transporting gold bas for the Comancheros in 2021. Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this is 'unacceptable'. 'As taxpayers don't need 5 years of taxpayers' money given to someone who's sitting at home having a cushy life.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you haven't yet caught up on the drama involving the former Lotto presenter and the gold-bar smuggling operation, you need to hear this because it basically involves your taxpayer money. The chap's name is Russell Harrison. You might remember him from the Lotto draws. He went on to a job at the Ministry of Justice as a Kaiārahi, a Family Court navigator. He took the job in June 2021 and later that same month he was charged with money laundering after meeting a man in an Auckland cemetery, where the man handed him $420,000 in cash. We now know that money was the proceeds of drug offending, although frankly, you could probably have guessed that at the time. He then went to New Zealand Gold Merchants and bought six gold bullion bars. Ten days later, he flew to Turkey to deliver them to the head of the Comancheros. When he was charged — bearing in mind he'd been in the job for less than a month — had he even turned up to work 20 times? I don't know. But when he was charged, the Ministry of Justice stood him down from his job and kept paying him his full salary for five years, right up until two weeks ago when he pleaded guilty. If you look at the salary range for that role, he may have received as much as $564,000 of taxpayers' money while sitting at home and drawing out the court process, all the while collecting an income. Everybody I've spoken to, including an employment lawyer, says this guy should have lost his job within months. The employer could reasonably have given him a few weeks but by the two- or three-month mark they should have sat down and sorted this out. An employer does not have to wait for the courts to find somebody like this guilty. They can conduct their own independent investigation and determine for themselves whether dismissal is justified based on the available evidence and, for example, the likelihood that the employee has committed the alleged offences. We don't know why the Ministry of Justice didn't do this because they're not talking about it. Instead, all we know is that they took an approach we are beginning to see repeatedly across the public sector: not really having much regard for the fact that this is absolutely taking the mickey out of the taxpayer. They simply kept spending the money on him for five long years. Now, hands up: which employer in the real world would keep you on full pay for five years after you're charged with helping the Comancheros? Answer: no one. Actually, disclaimer: the public service. But that's not the real world. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tea Time Podcast | Dean Tong on False Allegations, Family Court & Protecting ChildrenTonight on Tea Time, Elizabeth sits down with internationally recognized forensic trial consultant and expert witness Dean Tong for an eye-opening discussion about false allegations of child abuse, high-conflict custody disputes, parental alienation, and the importance of evidence-based investigations.Drawing from more than 25 years of experience—and his own personal story of being falsely accused—Dean explains how family courts, Child Protective Services, forensic interviewers, and expert witnesses can impact the outcome of cases involving children and families. He also discusses why science, proper forensic protocols, and due process are essential when investigating allegations of abuse.During this episode, we discuss:☕ False allegations in family court☕ Child forensic interviews and evidence-based investigations☕ The Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony☕ Parental alienation and child hearsay☕ Choosing experienced legal representation☕ Protecting children while ensuring fairness for families☕ Needed reforms in the family court systemDean also shares insights from his books:Abuse ExcuseDon't Blame Me, DaddyElusive InnocenceParents' Pawns (co-authored with Dr. Alan Blotcky)If you're an attorney, mental health professional, investigator, advocate, or parent navigating a high-conflict custody case, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the most challenging areas of family law.To learn more about Dean Tong, book him for consulting or expert witness services, or invite him to speak, visit:https://www.expertdeantong.com

Listen to this episode if… You keep asking yourself "is it me, or are they controlling?" The examples online always sound more extreme than what you're living You're walking on eggshells but second-guessing whether you're allowed to feel that way You've been told to "just set boundaries" but it only seems to make things worse You want to understand coercive control from both a psychological and a family-law angle Legal Disclaimer & Family Violence Warning This is general education – not legal advice or a psychological diagnosis. It discusses coercive control and abuse. If you're in danger, call 000. Support: 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 | Lifeline 13 11 14. Episode Summary "Is it me, or are they controlling?" That question ran under almost every message you sent in – so we turned it into a six-part series, and this is Part 1. Laura and Lyn are joined by clinical psychologist Krasi Kirova to answer the one nearly everyone asked: is this really coercive control? Krasi shares her three Ds (disrespect, disempowerment, distortion), explains why coercive control is a pattern and a function rather than a list of behaviours, and how good qualities like compromise and empathy get weaponised. Lyn explains how family law treats coercive control differently from the criminal courts. 00:00 – Is It Me, or Are They Controlling? 03:30 – What Best Illustrates Coercive Control?  04:30 – The Restaurant Metaphor: Pattern, Not a Checklist 06:00 – The 3 Ds: Disrespect, Disempowerment, Distortion 07:30 – Psychology vs Family Law: Section 4AB 09:00 – Family Court vs Criminal Court: Different Tests 10:00 – When You Lose Sight of What's Reasonable  12:00 – How Compromise & Empathy Get Weaponised 13:00 – When Your Ex Wasn't As "Extreme" as the Examples  16:00 – Is Anger & Yelling Coercive Control?  18:00 – Can It Exist Without Financial Control? 19:00 – Repeated Pressure & Monopolised Decisions ( 22:00 – Stonewalling, Delay & Deflection  25:30 – The PA Dynamic & Exploitation  28:00 – Needy or Controlling? How to Tell the Difference 30:00 – Blame-Shifting, DARVO & Perspecticide 33:00 – Infidelity, Guilt & Trying to Leave  39:00 – Silent Treatment as Punishment  43:00 – Why He Does Less When You're Sick  45:00 – Emotional Abuse vs Coercive Control 47:30 – Can the Main Breadwinner Be Controlled? 53:00 – Why Do They Do It? Can Survivors Heal?  58:00 – The Anxious, Controlling Attachment Style &  Have Your Say – Krasi's Conference Call-Out

You thought leaving would be the hard part. You didn't know the hard part was what comes after.   In part two of her conversation with Sarah McDugal, Kristin goes deeper into what happens when a woman decides to end a destructive marriage — and the patterns she's been living with follow her directly into family court. What she thought would be a place of vindication often becomes one more arena where the truth doesn't land the way she expects.   Sarah and Kristin cover: Why family court is not designed for justice — and what it actually is designed to do The single most dangerous misconception conservative Christian women bring into the courtroom Why the betrayed parent often looks like the less stable parent — and what to do about it What "high conflict" really means in court, and why courts misread it almost every time The three-role team every high-risk custody case needs (and why your lawyer and therapist alone aren't enough) The High Conflict Court Case Risk Index — how to assess your risk level before you start Why how you begin the process can save or cost you tens of thousands of dollars A compassionate word about the fear of leaving your children part of the time — and data that may surprise you   This is hard, important, necessary listening. Both Kristin and Sarah have lived this story. You are not alone in it.   If you're a man who caused this harm and she is now leaving: this episode will show you what she is up against. That matters.   For pastors, counselors, and coaches: This episode includes a segment specifically for people helpers who work with women when reconciliation is no longer possible. Sarah's provider toolkit is linked in the show notes.   Be gentle with yourself as you listen. Pause when you need to. Take a walk.   Learn more about our programs: Living-truthLiving Truth, Women in the Battle, Men in the Battle | sex addiction The Living Truth Podcast: Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal. #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth     Sarah McDugal Resources:

86% of Americans agree on something that family court still treats like a fight to the death: equal shared parenting should be the default when parents separate. We unpack why that number matters, why it signals real bipartisan momentum, and how the old “every other weekend” model became a legal trap that sidelines fit fathers through early status quo and financial pressure. If you're staring down a custody dispute, you'll hear exactly where the system is finally bending and where it still resists.We walk through the most important legislative signals right now, including Florida Senate Bill 1128 pushing a mandatory parenting time hearing within 30 days, similar momentum in Pennsylvania House Bill 1499, and why Kentucky's 2018 equal parenting presumption remains the blueprint other states keep copying. We also talk results: Kentucky's divorce rate drop and how removing winner-take-all incentives can reduce scorched-earth custody warfare before it starts.Then we go “ground level” with a major practical win: Colorado House Bill 25-1159 eliminating the notorious 93 overnight cliff in child support guidelines. We explain how the old cliff turned one overnight into thousands of dollars and created the war over Tuesdays, and how a graduated credit model finally makes every overnight count. From there, we follow the money and the lobbying pressure that tries to kill 50/50 custody bills, including the incentives inside the family law litigation industry and the tactics used to keep proof standards low enough to weaponize allegations.We close with a dad-focused strategy you can use immediately: how to document your historical involvement, how to build objective proof with calendars, school and medical logs, work records, and photo metadata, and why you can't wait until papers are filed to protect your role. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a dad who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more fathers can find the show. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

The race for Minnesota House 44B just got interesting. No Republican on the ballot, a long-time Democrat incumbent, and TJ Hawthorne running as a liberty-minded independent. TJ Hawthorne joins Good Morning Liberty to talk about his campaign, why he is running independent, and how he wants to bring Defend the Guard, family court reform, emergency power limits, and occupational licensing reform to the Minnesota Legislature. This conversation covers Minnesota politics, independent candidates, libertarian ideas, small-government policy, Defend the Guard, National Guard deployments, COVID-era overreach, red tape, food shelves, local community action, and why state programs often create the incentives they claim to fix. TJ for Minnesota — Independent Candidate Chapters: 00:00 TJ Hawthorne returns to GML 03:30 Why the race opened up 06:00 Running independent without dropping liberty 09:15 A heads-up race in MN 44B 10:45 Defend the Guard and war powers 15:45 The biggest issues in TJ's platform 16:15 Family court and incentives 23:30 What Defend the Guard means 32:30 Emergency powers and COVID overreach 34:30 Red tape, state boards, and entrepreneurs 42:30 Licensing as the one liberty change 48:45 How to find TJ's campaign Links: Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA Watch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Join the Fed Haters Club @ https://www.goodmorningliberty.us/fedhatersclub [Martens Minute]: https://martensminute.podbean.com/ All links @ gml.bio.link Subscribe, like, comment, share, and leave a rating or review on your podcast app.  

Send us Fan MailArizona just passed the biggest family law change in two decades. The Alec and Lydia Act reshapes how family court handles domestic violence, coercive control, and child custody, requiring judges to document specific findings before granting parenting time. Billie Tarascio sits down with Hope Hooton, the child safety advocate behind the law, to talk about what failed, what changed, and what it means for Arizona families facing abuse.Hope Hooton is a child safety advocate, author, and podcast host, and the founder of The Alec and Lydia Act. In May 2024, her two children, Alec and Lydia, were murdered by their father during court-ordered parenting time, after a family court granted 50/50 unsupervised custody despite documented lethality risk markers. She turned that loss into landmark legislation now making Arizona one of a small number of states to recognize coercive control in custody decisions.What you will learn:- How Arizona family court granted unsupervised custody despite an order of protection- Why judges are now required to write specific findings in temporary orders- What coercive control is and why it qualifies as a lethality risk- How domestic violence against a partner signals danger to children- The lethality indicators that family courts often overlook- Why Arizona leads the country in family court filicide cases- How the Alec and Lydia Act differs from Cadence Law- What changed in the legislation after concerns about false allegations- Why mental health did not make it into the final bill- How child safety first laws are reducing harm in other states- What this law means for victims afraid to leave abusive relationshipsChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Hope Hooton and Legislative Changes 03:07 Hope's Personal Experience with Family Court 05:50 The Impact of Court Decisions on Children 08:39 The Tragic Outcome and Legislative Response 11:05 Creating the Alec and Lydia Act 13:54 Differences Between Alec and Lydia Act and Cadence Law 16:39 Challenges and Cultural Shifts in Family Court 19:33 Lethality Risks and Child Safety 22:13 Future Legislative Goals and Community SupportConnect with Hope Hooton:Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.comSocials: Hope In The PainPodcast: Voices Against FilicideBook: There's Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unshakable Faith (available on Amazon in ebook, softcover, and Audible)

If you've been living in a high-conflict divorce or custody battle, you probably know that feeling all too well — the exhaustion that never quite leaves, the hypervigilance, the sense that your nervous system has forgotten how to relax. And for many people in these situations, a glass of wine at the end of the day has quietly become two, or three, or something stronger. Not because of weakness. Because of science.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Christal Badour, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Kentucky, where she runs a research lab focused on trauma recovery and the intersection of PTSD and substance use disorders. Dr. Badour's work is dedicated to understanding why trauma and substance use co-occur so frequently — and more importantly, how to help people break that cycle.What you'll learn in this conversation will likely change the way you see yourself.

Send us Fan Mail**Content warning: this episode contains discussion of domestic and sexual abuse and child removal see below for support links***This is the second in a two-part series, produced in partnership with the non-profit organisation Right to Equality, where we look into the shocking subject of child removal in private family proceedings in England and Wales. Today we dive deeper into how these cases have arisen in our family justice system and  deep dive into the impact of experts in these cases. I'm joined by Dr Adrienne Barnett, Reader in Law at Brunel University of London and Co-Director of Right to Equality, and; Natalie Page, advocate, campaigner and Director of Survivor Family Network and author of a soon to be released book “The System Is The Weapon”. To learn more about the work of Right to Equality and read real life reporting from the family courts visit: www.righttoequality.org SupportI provide free weekly online group support sessions. You can find more about the Divorce Coach sessions here.For victims and survivors of abuse in England and Wales information on your legal options is available via: www.flows.org.uk and find out about support via he 24 hour domestic abuse helpline or via the 24 hour sexual violence helpline.For safe parents of children who have disclosed child sexual abuse help is available via We Stand.   For more information and resources, see my website available here: https://saradavison.com/Support the showFind more information and resources here: http://saradavison.com/Follow me on social media►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saradavisondivorcecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraDavisonDivorceCoachTwitter: https://twitter.com/SDDivorceCoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-davison-742b453/

You know that feeling. Your phone buzzes. You see their name. And before you can even read the message, your heart is racing, your chest tightens, and you can barely think straight.You're not overreacting. You're not weak. Your brain has been literally wired by trauma to respond to that notification as if your life is in danger — because for a long time, it was.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Max Weigand, a positive psychologist from Germany and the creator of Psychosomatic Intelligence — a method that brings together the science of the mind, subconscious beliefs, and nervous system mastery to help people who are stuck in chronic fight-or-flight finally break free.If you're navigating high-conflict divorce, shared custody with a narcissistic ex, or family court proceedings, what Max shares in this conversation isn't just inspiring — it's immediately practical. Because the same nervous system that's been hijacked by years of abuse is the one you're being asked to perform with in court, in mediation, and in every co-parenting communication you send.Here's what makes this conversation so powerful for where you are right now:✅ Why negative emotions literally shut down your prefrontal cortex — the part of your brain responsible for logic, reasoning, and staying calm on the witness stand✅ The reason your brain can't tell the difference between a real threat and a text message from your ex — and why that's not a flaw, it's a survival feature you can learn to override✅ What Max calls your 'emotional home' — the default emotional state you keep returning to — and how to identify whether yours is working for you or against you✅ The 'reality filter' concept and why people stuck in victimhood aren't being dramatic — their brains are literally filtering out evidence of anything good✅ Simple, free morning practices (journaling, gratitude, visualization, mindful tea) that Max says can rewire the brain's neural pathways — especially if used during the critical theta window right after waking✅ The famous 'golden crocodile' demonstration that shows, in real-time, why trying NOT to think about something backfires every time — and what to do instead✅ Max's take on forgiveness — not as something you do for your ex, but as the practice of learning to stop swallowing the poisonLisa makes a point in this conversation that will resonate with so many of you: the moment you hear a ding from your phone that might be a message from your abusive ex is the perfect example of the brain treating an imagined threat as a physical danger. Years after separation, the neurology of abuse is still running in the background. Max explains not just why that happens, but what to actually do about it.This is one of those conversations that feels equally useful whether you're deep in the legal battle right now or years out and still feeling the weight of it. The tools work at any stage — and they work faster if you're starting from a harder place.⏱ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction: Max's core philosophy — the further down you are, the more potential you have02:09 — Why mastering the nervous system matters more than just changing your mindset04:41 — Max introduces himself and Psychosomatic Intelligence05:43 — How emotional dysregulation destroys decision-making — the prefrontal cortex goes offline09:33 — Why your brain can't tell the difference between a real threat and a vivid memory or imagination10:33 — The 'notification ding' effect: your body's panic response to a text from your ex12:00 — Neural pathways: why the fear response gets stronger every time you repeat the pattern12:27 — What is Psychosomatic Intelligence? The three-system alignment model13:58 — Step 1: Awareness — identifying your 'emotional home'16:33 — The mind-body feedback loop: how physical tension amplifies emotional states17:01 — Projecting your body state onto other people — why a bad night's sleep creates conflict17:25 — 'Living in victimhood': how the brain's reality filter traps you in suffering19:14 — The reticular activating system: your brain's filter and how to reset it20:33 — Practical tool: the 'what's going right' morning question21:10 — Lisa's recommendation: 10 minutes of fun every day to balance stress hormones21:20 — Abraham Lincoln and the sharp axe: why you can't afford NOT to pause23:05 — Lisa shares her morning journaling practice and how it changed her days24:00 — The theta window: why morning and evening are the most powerful times to rewire your brain25:33 — The neuroplasticity moment: why it doesn't matter if you journal, visualize, or just drink tea26:40 — The 'golden crocodile' live demonstration: why 'don't think about it' never works27:38 — The pink fluffy unicorn: replace, don't resist — the neuroscience of positive focus29:01 — Forgiveness: not about the other person — about choosing not to swallow the poison29:25 — Lisa on 'apathy as freedom' and the goal of emotional peace29:44 — Nikos Kazantzakis quote: 'I want nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.'30:13 — Wrap-up and how to find Max

If you've been told that mediation is impossible when you're dealing with a high-conflict ex—or that it's never safe when there's been domestic violence—this conversation with New York family law attorney Ian Steinberg is going to challenge that assumption.Ian is a matrimonial attorney with Burkman Botker Newman & Shane, a 25-attorney firm based in Manhattan with offices in Westchester and Long Island. He joins Lisa Johnson of Been There Got Out for his second appearance on the show, and this time the focus is entirely on mediation—what it is, what it isn't, and how to navigate it when your ex has a history of coercive control, manipulation, or abuse.The family court system is broken. Ian doesn't sugarcoat that. The system wasn't designed to handle what targeted parents deal with every day, and being forced into litigation often just gives an abusive ex another arena to exert power.That's why understanding your alternatives—including the different forms of mediation—matters so much.In this episode, Ian breaks down a distinction that most people don't know exists: Capital M Mediation versus lowercase m mediation.Capital M is the classic format—just you, your ex, and a neutral third party working toward agreement. Lowercase m covers a broader range of attorney-assisted, structured alternatives that can be more appropriate when power imbalances are a serious concern.He also introduces something Lisa and Chris have seen work with their own clients: the use of retired family court judges as mediators.These aren't people with formal mediation authority—but they bring decades of experience sitting on the bench, and sometimes that gravitas is exactly what it takes to get a controlling ex to actually listen and move.If you are a domestic violence survivor wondering whether mediation is even an option for you, Ian's answer is: sometimes yes, if the right guardrails are in place. He's clear about when it shouldn't happen—when the power dynamic is so extreme that you simply can't withstand it, or when the conflict is too fresh to be productive. But he also explains the tools that can make it safer, including virtual Zoom-based shuttle negotiation, where the parties never have to share a screen or a room.Before you walk into any mediation session, Ian says three things matter most: talk to your attorney beforehand, work with your coach to manage your emotions and know your triggers, and make a clear list of your asks. And remember—nothing is final until you put pen to paper. You are allowed to say, “This sounds interesting. Let me think about it and speak to my attorney.” That is not weakness. That is informed consent.The cost savings of resolving even some issues through mediation can be staggering. Every issue you settle is one that doesn't have to be litigated. Going from ten contested issues to two is real progress—and it also signals to the court that you've made a genuine effort to cooperate, which matters.Whether mediation is right for you depends on your specific situation. That's why working with coaches who understand high-conflict dynamics—and who can help you prepare strategically—is so valuable. Lisa and Chris offer a free 30-minute discovery call where they can help you assess your situation and figure out the right next steps.➡️ Book your free call: https://beentheregotout.com/➡️ Follow us on Instagram: @been_there_got_outConnect with Ian Steinberg: https://www.berkbot.com/attorneys/ian-steinberg/

Send us Fan Mail**Content warning: this episode contains discussion of domestic and sexual abuse and child removal see below for support links***This is the first in a two-part series, produced in partnership with the non-profit organisation Right to Equality, where we look into the shocking subject of child removal in private family proceedings in England and Wales. To help me understand more about this phenomenon I'm joined by three impressive guests:Dr Charlotte Proudman, women's rights barrister, Founder of Right to Equality, and author of the book “He Said, She Said” recalls how she represented a 15 year old girl we call “Florence”. Charlotte talks about Florence's remarkable courage in independently fighting to return to her mum in the High Court, after she was removed from her aged 10. “He Said, She Said” is out now in paperback. You can read more about Florence's case in an article by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism here. Professor Jo Delahunty KC is a leading silk in both public and private law cases. She was the winner of 2025 Family silk of the year for skills. She is also an author of two recent books, “We Set the Bar” and “Domestic Abuse and the Family Justice System”. Jo tells us about a recent groundbreaking case Re: Y (Experts and Alienating Behaviour: The Modern Approach) where she represented a 15 year old boy as he put forward his case to return to his mother, before the most senior family judge in England and Wales. The Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE, also joins Sara's panel of guests to share how she came to learn about the phenomena of child removal and the role that unregulated experts have to play in these removals. She shares her personal experience and work in uncovering the harmful practices of experts and her hopes for imminent change. To learn more about the work of Right to Equality and read reporting from the family courts visit: www.righttoequality.org SupportI provide free weekly online group support sessions. You can find more about the Divorce Coach sessions here.For victims and survivors of abuse in England and Wales information on your legal options is available via: www.flows.org.uk and find out about support via he 24 hour domestic abuse helpline or via the 24 hour sexual violence helpline.For safe parents of children who have disclosed child sexual abuse help is available via We Stand.   For more information and resources, see my website available here: https://saradavison.coSupport the showFind more information and resources here: http://saradavison.com/Follow me on social media►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saradavisondivorcecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraDavisonDivorceCoachTwitter: https://twitter.com/SDDivorceCoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-davison-742b453/

If you've ever found yourself paralyzed by the fear that your ex is slowly turning your children against you and there's nothing you can do about it, this conversation is for you.In this episode of Been There Got Out, Lisa Johnson sits down with Dr. Alicia del Prado, a licensed counseling psychologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, to talk about one of the most painful experiences a parent can go through: parental alienation. But rather than focusing only on what's happening, Dr. del Prado brings her clinical expertise to what you can actually do — specific, grounded strategies to prevent alienation from taking hold, minimize its impact when it has already started, and stay psychologically intact through all of it.One of the most important things she says: fear is a filter. When we're operating from that deep, primal terror of losing our kids, we make decisions that can actually make things worse — not because we're bad parents, but because our nervous system is in survival mode. Understanding that is the first step toward changing it.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:✅ What parental alienation actually is — and why it affects an estimated 22 million divorced and separated parents in the US and Canada alone✅ Why feeling hopeless about parental alienation is understandable — and what to focus on instead✅ How fear acts as a "filter" that distorts your decisions and what to do about it without suppressing your emotions✅ The most common misconceptions people have about alienation — both from inside the situation and from the outside✅ How to support a friend or family member going through parental alienation without saying the wrong thing✅ How to use your child's love language to stay connected even when they're pushing you away✅ What to do when your child screams at you, ignores you, or says they hate you✅ The micro goals framework: how to keep showing up consistently even when you see no results✅ Why children in these situations usually do come back — and what gives them the courage toTIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Introduction: Why we're revisiting this conversation (audio issues from previous recording)01:10 — What parental alienation actually is: a definition from a clinical psychologist02:30 — The 22 million statistic: how widespread parental alienation really is03:15 — Dr. del Prado's personal background and why this topic is close to her heart04:30 — "I feel like it's destined" — addressing the hopelessness alienated parents feel06:00 — Fear is a filter: how trauma responses hijack parenting decisions in high-conflict situations08:15 — Misconceptions about parental alienation from the inside: why catastrophizing makes it worse10:00 — Misconceptions from the outside: what friends and family get wrong and how to ask for support12:30 — The Constructive Conversations model (with Dr. Anastasia Kim) for difficult dialogue14:15 — Using love languages with alienated children: quality time, words of affirmation, gift giving, touch17:00 — When your child doesn't respond to your love language efforts: the power of repetition18:30 — Reliability and consistency: why attachment is built over time, not in a single reunion20:00 — When children are openly hostile: what to do in the moment when your child screams at you22:45 — Self-regulation tools for targeted parents (including Marsha Linehan's distress tolerance skills)24:30 — Setting limits with your child during a hostile encounter without escalating26:00 — Micro goals: why big reunion fantasies set you up to fail — and what works instead28:30 — Making micro goals about your behavior, not your child's response30:15 — Do alienated children come back? What the statistics actually show31:30 — How to find Dr. del Prado and her practiceABOUT DR. ALICIA DEL PRADO:Dr. Alicia del Prado is a licensed counseling psychologist and the founder of a group practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her clinical work spans children, adults, families, and couples navigating relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Dr. del Prado brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to the topic of parental alienation — as a child of divorced parents herself, she understands both the systemic challenges families face and the emotional complexity children carry through these transitions. She is co-developer (with Dr. Anastasia Kim) of the Constructive Conversations model, a step-by-step approach to having difficult but necessary dialogues with people we care about.CONNECT WITH DR. DEL PRADO on Instagram: @DoctorDelPrado & @DelPradoCounseling

Former Rhode Island police officer Scott Naso shares the story of his late wife Sherry, her battle with breast cancer, their journey to parenthood with daughter Laila, and the devastating discovery he made after Sherry died from a brain tumor in 2024 — when symptoms her own parents (both doctors) had dismissed as medication withdrawal turned out to be something far more serious. Scott opens up about what he witnessed the day Sherry died, and the family court battle that followed with his in-laws over visitation rights. Reality Life with Kate Casey Summer Reading List: https://katecasey.substack.com/p/books-i-cant-stop-talking-about-this Vanity Fair Article: https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/story/martha-moxleys-diary What to Watch List: https://katecasey.substack.com Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/katecasey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/katecaseyca Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itskatecasey?lang=en Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113157919338245 Amazon List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katecasey Twitter: https://twitter.com/katecaseySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode, Legal Speak explores the growing use of private judging as an alternative to traditional family court proceedings. As a former Palm Beach County family court judge, James Martz opens up about launching a private judging practice at Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas in Boca Raton. In addition to explaining how private judging works, Martz identifies the types of family law matters best suited for the process. In Martz's one-on-one with discussion with Texas Lawyer and the Daily Business Review Regional Managing Editor Katie Hall, Martz also outlines the benefits and considerations parties should weigh when seeking a faster, more tailored path to resolving sensitive legal disputes outside the public court system.   Hosts:  Cedra Mayfield & Patrick Smith Reporter: Katie Hall Guest: James Martz Producer: Charles Garnar

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.

Lawrence revisits one of the most practical and requested topics in the parental alienation community: family court. Drawing from insights shared by family law attorney Rachel King, he explores what many parents wish they understood before hiring an attorney, representing themselves, or standing before a judge whose decisions may profoundly impact their relationship with their children.The discussion focuses on preparation, advocacy, communication, courtroom strategy, and emotional regulation during high-conflict custody disputes. Lawrence reflects on how fear, urgency, and grief can influence decision-making, while highlighting tools that help parents stay grounded and informed throughout the legal process. For those navigating parental alienation and family court, this conversation offers realistic guidance, practical wisdom, and a reminder that living fully is not giving up, but an act of love and integrity.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding the judge's style can influence case outcomesAlways review legal invoices and fee agreements promptlySitting in court proceedings provides valuable insights into judicial behaviorEffective communication and emotional regulation are crucial in courtPreparation and knowledge of evidence rules can prevent case setbacksChapters00:00 - Introduction: The Chaos of Family Court01:02 - Revisiting Key Points from Rachel King's Interview01:56 - The Importance of Court Preparation and Self-Advocacy04:13 - Understanding Court Rules, Expectations, and Judge Behavior06:32 - Managing Legal Fees and Billing Transparency08:25 - Self-Representation: Pros, Cons, and Critical Tips14:15 - Observing Court Proceedings to Gain Insights16:01 - The Judicial Process and Judge Selection18:24 - The Impact of Court Procedures on Your Case20:47 - Continuous Learning and Emotional Self-Care22:01 - Final Thoughts: Support, Resources, and CommunitySupport & Community:Parental Alienation Anonymous (PAA): Join our free 12-step support group with 16 online meetings weekly for parents, grandparents, family members, and previously alienated individuals seeking healing and recovery.PA-A.org: Parental Alienation Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering education, advocacy, and support for individuals grappling with the distressing impact of parental alienation, estrangement, erasure, and family disconnection.All our services are free and sustained by grants and community donations. Your support helps us continue offering these vital resources.Donate here: https://pa-a.mykajabi.com/donations-for-the-12-step-programConnect with Us:Email your questions or insights: familydisappeared@gmail.comLike, share, and comment to help us reach more families in need.If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:  Email - familydisappeared@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-hostGlaze Gonzales- Podcast ManagerConnect with Lawrence Joss:Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/Email-         familydisappeared@gmail.com

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

Today on Steel News, Ann Vandersteel is joined by Arizona court watcher and disability-rights advocate Malinda Sherwyn for a critical investigation into the machinery of America's family courts.Using the Geovanna Holton case out of Pima County, Arizona as an illustrative example, this episode examines allegations of denied due process, coerced psychotropic drugging, ADA accommodation violations, denial of kinship placement, and the devastating consequences of court-ordered treatment when parents are labeled “incompetent,” “unstable,” “noncompliant,” or “a danger to themselves or others.”This is not just one family's story. This is a window into a much larger system involving juvenile courts, CPS, DCF, guardianship courts, court-appointed professionals, NGOs, medical contractors, psychiatric evaluators, foster-care networks, adoption pipelines, and government-funded actors who may profit when families are separated.The question today:Is the family court system broken — or is it operating exactly as designed?

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

Today at 1 PM ET on Steel News, Ann Vandersteel is joined by Attorney Christopher Burns, a fearless constitutional attorney and head of the United Law Coalition with American Made Action.This episode exposes the machinery of family court, CPS, guardianship, and attorney discipline systems that appear to punish those who challenge entrenched power.Ann and Chris will discuss his legal career, why he has dedicated his work to families under attack, the Rivera case, the unfolding Macklin guardianship battle in Hennepin County, and what happened to his law license after American Made began exposing CPS and judicial corruption.At the center of today's show is six-year-old Emerson “Sonny” Macklin, who lost both biological parents and is now the subject of a sealed guardianship fight. Pacific Justice Institute reports that Emerson's paternal grandfather, Timmy Ray Macklin Sr., has filed to intervene, objected to Rebecca Good's guardianship petition, and filed his own cross-petition seeking placement with family. A hearing on standing is scheduled for June 24, 2026.This is about family. This is about due process. This is about whether America still recognizes blood, kinship, truth, and the constitutional right to be heard.

We don't talk enough about the real collateral damage of broken systems.And it's not just survivors.It's our kids.In this episode, I'm naming something that so many of you are living through but rarely see acknowledged out loud — the ways children are impacted when systems like family court, child protection, and even therapeutic settings fail to fully understand coercive control and domestic violence.Because this isn't just about what happened in the relationship.It's about what continues to happen after separation… when you're doing everything “right,” and your child is still paying the price.We're talking about the full spectrum of collateral damage — from the quieter, everyday barriers (like not being able to access therapy due to joint decision-making) to the more extreme and devastating outcomes that can occur when abuse is minimized, misunderstood, or ignored.This episode is honest. It's heavy.And it also holds space for hope — because that matters too.In this episode, we cover:How coercive control and post-separation abuse continue to impact kidsWhy joint decision-making can block access to critical careHow children learn to stay silent in medical, legal, and therapeutic settingsThe impact of misinformed professionals (including in therapy and court)How fear, threats, and “provoke and record” dynamics affect childrenThe misuse of terms like “parental alienation” and its consequencesWhat happens when abuse (including sexual abuse) is not believed or substantiatedThe emotional and psychological toll on protective parents and childrenPeer-Reviewed Articleshttps://www.law.georgetown.edu/georgetown-law-journal/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2022/06/Meier_Denial-of-Family-Violence-in-Court.pdfhttps://scholarship.law.gwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2809&context=faculty_publicationshttps://scholarship.law.gwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1857&context=faculty_publicationshttps://barrygoldstein.net/component/tags/tag/the-saunders-studyJoin the Rising Beyond Community today. Learn more at https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/membership.htmlPlease leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.If you want to chat more about this topic I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpcIf you want to support the show you may do so here at, Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/Where to find more from Rising Beyond:Rising Beyond FacebookRising Beyond LinkedInRising Beyond Pinterest If you're interested in guesting on the show please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7Enjoy some of our freebies!Choosing Your Battles FreebieCanned Responses FreebieMic Drop Moments Freebie...

Hair Strand Tests can show if parents have been using drink or drugs. Such tests play can a central part in Family Court hearings every year as judges decide whether children should go into care or not. Some barristers have been raising the alarm over the way the tests are presented and interpreted in the Famly Court. And, for the first time, File on 4 Investigates talks to mothers who nearly lost their babies – thanks to hair strand tests.Presenter: Sanchia Berg Senior Producer: Anna Meisel Producer: Mary O'Reilly Technical Producer: Kelly Young Production Co-ordinator: Tim Fernley Editor: Tara McDermottImage: Lead Senior Scientist Dr Ellie Menzies carrying out a hair strand test

Episode 199 of Say What You Mean with Jéan P the MC features a powerful and personal conversation with Matthew P. Kreitzer. Known for his work in Family Court and deep involvement in the Stark County community, Judge Kreitzer sits down with Jéan for a discussion that goes beyond the courtroom.The episode begins with a lighter, human side of the judge — talking about music, hobbies, fishing, family life, misconceptions people have about judges, and what helps him decompress outside of the courtroom. From funny moments to real-life reflections, listeners get to know the man behind the robe.In the second half, the conversation dives into Judge Kreitzer's journey through law, public service, and eventually the bench. He shares what inspired him to pursue criminal justice and law, lessons learned from working as a public defender and magistrate, the emotional realities of family court, and the importance of leadership, empathy, and community involvement.The episode closes with “P's Positive Point,” where both Jéan and Judge Kreitzer share meaningful quotes and words of encouragement centered around character, purpose, and making a positive impact.A thoughtful, inspiring, and grounded conversation bridging community, culture, and public service.

Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!   Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc   Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com   Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com   About This Episode:   This episode provides a critical update on the ongoing legal battle between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen, noting that as of April 2026, a Utah judge has officially granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Dakota. However, because Dakota was already granted a restraining order against Taylor in March, a mutual "no contact wall" has effectively been established between the parties due to cross-allegations of domestic violence. In a massive blow to Taylor, the judge ruled that their two-year-old son, Ever, will remain in the primary custody of Dakota for the time being, restricting Taylor to just eight hours of supervised visitation per week. The court cited volatile behavior as the reason for this restriction, pointing to multiple leaked videos showing physical altercations while the children were present. The episode concludes by looking ahead to the critical court showdown scheduled for April 30, 2026.        

     Slam The Gavel welcomes back Amy Palacios to the podcast. Amy has been on the podcast Season 5, Episodes 308, and multiple episodes explaining the corruption of her case and giving updates. On this podcast, Amy states that they are looking to put her into JAIL June 15th, 2026 for Child Support Arrears as well as Attorney's Fees. However, Amy explains their EXTORTION monies have  already been paid and she owes NOTHING. This fits into the perfect playbook. When the unfit, alienating parent, with the help of attorneys, puts the loving - fit parent into jail, that gives them free rein to not only obtain/EXTORT money, but BRAINWASH the children to hate the other parent.     Attorney Jay White still remains head of DSS Child Welfare AND Child Support. Amy is asking why he is still in his capacity when he had been fired the year prior. His brother is Mayor Merritt White. The conflict of interest in Cabarrus County, NC continues.To Reach Amy Palacios:   dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)Maryann Petri: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maryannpetriFacebook:  https://youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcast?si=INW9XaTyprKsaDklhttps://substack.com/@maryannpetri?r=kd7n6&utm_medium=iosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpeace/Pinterest: Slam The Gavel Podcast/@guitarpeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-petri-62a46b1ab/  Twitter https://x.com/PetriMaryannEzlegalsuit.com   https://ko-fi.com/maryannpetrihttps://www.zazzle.com/store/slam_the_gavel/aboout*DISCLAIMER* The use of this information is at the viewer/user's own risk. Content on this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical or any other professional advice. Viewer/user/guest should consult with the relevant professionals. IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Reproduction, distribution, performing, publicly displaying and making a derivative of the work is explicitly prohibited without permission from content creator. The content creator maintains the exclusive copyright and any unauthorized copyright usage is strictly prohibited.  Podcast is protected by owner from duplication, reproduction, distribution, making a derivative of the work or by owner displaying the podcast. Owner shall be held harmless and indemnified from any and all legal liability.Support the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

A judge running for Family Court is telling her story, as a shooting occurs in a local Smiths store because of a family dispute. Not solved. No parents for two children and the pain goes on. 

What happens when your relationship has ended, but neither of you can move out? This is something I am seeing more and more across Australia. Separation no longer always looks like one person packing a bag and moving into a new home. With the cost of living, rental shortages, mortgage pressure, children, leases, school zones and financial stress, many people are finding themselves separated but still living under the same roof. And while that might be the only practical option, it can also be emotionally exhausting. In this episode, I talk about the growing reality of separation under one roof and how you can move through it with more clarity, structure and support. This is not about pretending everything is fine. It is not about staying in the same relationship. It is about recognising that, for many people, physical separation is not immediately possible but emotional, practical, financial and legal separation can still begin. I explore how to create a same-roof separation plan, how to protect children from confusion and conflict, how to manage the emotional load, and why safety must always come first. This episode is for you if you are living in that difficult middle place: the relationship has ended, but the home, the mortgage, the lease, the children or the finances mean you are still sharing the same address. Resources: If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For domestic, family or sexual violence support in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT (1800737732). It is a national counselling, information and support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For men using, or at risk of using, violent or controlling behaviour, the Men's Referral Service is available nationally on 1300 766 491. Separation under one roof is recognised in Australia, including by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia when couples have lived separately in the same home during the 12-month separation period required for divorce. The Court notes that extra information may be needed if you rely on that period when applying for divorce. Services Australia also recognises this situation and has a "Separated under one roof" form for people who are separated but still living with their ex-partner, so their relationship status can be assessed correctly for payments. Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub. The Divorce and Separation Hub Website The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE. Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE. Loved This Episode? Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now. Do you have a question you want answered? Submit your question here. This episode is produced by Dan King of Dan King Productions. This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict. Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au. Disclaimer I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.

If you've ever said “I know what she's doing” and then realized you can't prove it, this briefing is for you. We're drawing a hard line between truth and evidence and showing how to stop walking into family court with feelings, fragments, and resentment that read like “he said, she said.” The goal is simple: protect your fatherhood by turning repeated bad behavior into a clear pattern a judge, guardian ad litem, or custody evaluator can actually use.We walk through a narrative-building protocol designed for high conflict divorce and child custody fights. You'll hear how to adopt a forensic mindset, apply the “third-party test,” and write entries that sound like a neutral report, not a diary. We break down the Four Ws (who, what, where, when) and the six categories that make patterns instantly visible: exclusion, gatekeeping, interference, control, tactical strikes, and the one most dads forget to track, flexibility, which documents your stability and your willingness to support the kids' relationship with the other parent.Then we get tactical about evidence management: why documentation without evidence is just a story, how to link each entry to a screenshot, parenting app message, email, or video file, and how to store it all in a “digital sanctuary” with a naming convention your attorney can navigate fast. We also cover the three-copy rule for backups, plus the gray rock method so you stop giving high-conflict bait your emotional energy and let the data do the talking. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

What actually happens in a domestic violence assessment? And how do you know if you even need one?In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lisa Fontes, an expert in coercive control and domestic violence assessments, to talk about something many survivors are navigating but don't fully understand — how these evaluations and expert witnesses show up in family court.If you've ever been told to “get an expert” or wondered if that would help your case, this conversation will give you a clearer picture of what that actually means and when it might (and might not) be helpful.We also talk about the reality that many survivors face in family court — where experiences like coercive control, sexual coercion, and post-separation abuse are often misunderstood, minimized, or not given the weight they deserve.Inside this episode, we talk about:• What a domestic violence or coercive control assessment actually looks like • The difference between an expert witness and a subject matter expert • When an expert can be helpful in family court — and when they may not be necessary • Why self-report assessments can be unreliable in abuse cases • How coercive control and sexual abuse often go unrecognized in legal settings • What “manufactured” claims and “provoke and record” tactics can look like • The misuse of the term “parental alienation” and how it shows up in court • Why post-separation abuse is often missed — and why that matters • How to evaluate whether an expert witness is actually qualified • The growing trend of survivors pursuing civil cases for damagesThis episode is especially relevant if you are navigating family court, dealing with custody issues, or trying to figure out how to advocate for yourself in systems that may not fully understand abuse.Join the Rising Beyond Community today. Learn more at https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/membership.htmlPlease leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.If you want to chat more about this topic I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpcIf you want to support the show you may do so here at, Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/Where to find more from Rising Beyond:Rising Beyond FacebookRising Beyond LinkedInRising Beyond Pinterest If you're interested in guesting on the show please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7Enjoy some of our freebies!Choosing Your Battles FreebieCanned Responses FreebieMic Drop Moments Freebie...

Send us Fan MailArizona families navigating divorce or custody disputes often face an issue no one talks about: what happens when a spouse, parent, or loved one is in a mental health crisis and refusing treatment. Under Arizona Title 36, there is a legal process that allows family members to petition for a court-ordered mental health evaluation, and in some cases, court-ordered treatment. Knowing how this process works, when it applies, and how it intersects with family law can be critical for parents trying to protect their children.Modern Law attorney Emily Palomino brings a perspective most family law attorneys do not have. Before joining Modern Law, Emily served as a mental health defense attorney in Arizona, representing patients who had been detained under Title 36 petitions at facilities including Palo Verde and Banner South. She worked inside the court-ordered evaluation and treatment system every day, and she knows exactly how it works from both sides.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Meet Emily Palomino00:49 Emily's Path from Disney World to Law School03:43 What Is a Mental Health Defense Attorney in Arizona05:27 How to File a Title 36 Petition for a Loved One06:34 The Ex Parte Nature of the Evaluation Process08:19 Medical Privacy and What the Petitioner Gets Access To09:50 When Title 36 Gets Weaponized in Family Court11:07 The Right to Legal Representation in Mental Health Cases18:39 When Court-Ordered Treatment Actually Works19:51 Title 36 and Minors: What Age Does This Apply20:46 Recommended Arizona Treatment Centers21:36 Substance Abuse and the Mental Health System22:35 What Happens If You Violate Court-Ordered Treatment23:24 Emily Joins Modern Law: What She Is Looking Forward ToIf you or someone you love is facing a mental health crisis that is affecting a family law case in Arizona, the attorneys at Modern Law can help you understand your options. Call 480-649-2905 or visit mymodernlaw.com to schedule a consultation with our team.

   Slam the Gavel welcomes new guest, Doug Devitre who is Founder and President at CoTrackPro. Doug has built AI-Powered Apps for Family Justice, Mental Health and Legal Reform. CoTrackPro is more than a breath of fresh air for families navigating the legal system.    Doug most recently created CoTrackPro which is a family-focused SaaS Platform comprising 7+ integrated applications. These tools support not only parents but attorneys, therapists and court officials with AI-Powered documentation, compliance tracking and communication management during custody or legal situations. This wonderful app carries within it: Decisions, Mental, Cyber, Bridges, Legal, and Talk. CoTrackPro helps families and professionals collaborate, document and resolve issues in real time.To Reach Doug Devitre: LinkedIn or CoTrackPro.com or https://mailchi.mp/2ed059283bd7/signup and https://cotrackpro.comSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)Maryann Petri: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maryannpetriFacebook:  https://youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcast?si=INW9XaTyprKsaDklhttps://substack.com/@maryannpetri?r=kd7n6&utm_medium=iosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpeace/Pinterest: Slam The Gavel Podcast/@guitarpeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-petri-62a46b1ab/  Twitter https://x.com/PetriMaryannEzlegalsuit.com   https://ko-fi.com/maryannpetrihttps://www.zazzle.com/store/slam_the_gavel/aboouthttps://mailchi.mp/2ed059283bd7/signup*DISCLAIMER* The use of this information is at the viewer/user's own risk. Content on this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical or any other professional advice. Viewer/user/guest should consult with the relevant professionals. IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Reproduction, distribution, performing, publicly displaying and making a derivative of the work is explicitly prohibited without permission from content creator. The content creator maintains the exclusive copyright and any unauthorized copyright usage is strictly prohibited.  Podcast is protected by owner from duplication, reproduction, distribution, making a derivative of the work or by owner displaying the podcast. Owner shall be held harmless and indemnified from any and all legal liability.Support the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

That sick jolt in your chest when her name lights up your phone isn't random. We know exactly what it is: a trigger that pushes good dads into “explaining,” and then into messages that can be twisted into court exhibits. We slow that moment down and replace it with a communication strategy that protects your peace and your parenting time.We walk through the Grey Rock Method for high-conflict divorce communication: how to become emotionally unrewarding, keep replies short and neutral, and stop feeding the fire with long defenses. We also unpack the psychology behind emotional extraction and “narcissistic supply” so you understand why the conflict keeps looping, even when you bring facts, logic, and good intentions. If you've ever thought, “If I just explain it clearly, she'll finally get it,” this conversation shows why that approach backfires.Then we connect it to the reality of family court. When decisions run on preponderance of evidence, the calmest parent often wins the narrative. We share practical scripts for common traps, explain a “yellow rock” variation for false accusations, and warn you about the extinction burst when you change the pattern, and the other side escalates. We also zoom out to parallel parenting as the long-term infrastructure: fewer points of contact, tighter orders, and fewer loopholes for conflict to exploit. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

    Slam The Gavel welcomes Kathy Watrel, Etha Jones, Dennis Merritt and Tess Harmon to the podcast. Today we discussed how another parent has been pulled from Family Court into the criminal justice system and incarcerated. Her name is Agness McCurry. Many of her know her from her TikTok channel: I am not a lawyer 96 with over 10,000 followers. Agness was last on Slam The Gavel Season 5, Episode 211.     We are here to talk about the facts as we understand them and provide a brief history of Agness's case and discuss what people can do to help, including getting in touch with the Governor of Tennessee, Senate and legislators. To Reach all contributors:  dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)Maryann Petri: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maryannpetriFacebook:  https://youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcast?si=INW9XaTyprKsaDklhttps://substack.com/@maryannpetri?r=kd7n6&utm_medium=iosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpeace/Pinterest: Slam The Gavel Podcast/@guitarpeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-petri-62a46b1ab/  Twitter https://x.com/PetriMaryannEzlegalsuit.com   https://ko-fi.com/maryannpetrihttps://www.zazzle.com/store/slam_the_gavel/aboout*DISCLAIMER* The use of this information is at the viewer/user's own risk. Content on this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical or any other professional advice. Viewer/user/guest should consult with the relevant professionals. IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Reproduction, distribution, performing, publicly displaying and making a derivative of the work is explicitly prohibited without permission from content creator. The content creator maintains the exclusive copyright and any unauthorized copyright usage is strictly prohibited.  Podcast is protected by owner from duplication, reproduction, distribution, making a derivative of the work or by owner displaying the podcast. Owner shall be held harmless and indemnified from any and all legal liability.Support the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

Hawk shares global statistics on intimate partner violence and femicide, noting that roughly 140 women per day are murdered by romantic partners or family members worldwide, and that women face intimate partner homicide at a rate ten times higher than men in the United States. Drawing on three real cases from his early legal career in Mansfield, Ohio, Hawk describes clients who had active restraining orders and still lost their lives. One woman died when her husband filled their home with gas and she unknowingly lit a candle. Another was beaten to death in a parking lot with a tire iron. A third was shot in front of her five children by a husband who borrowed a weapon from a sheriff's deputy who was fully aware of the restraining order and domestic violence charges. The cases raise serious questions about how courts and law enforcement handle firearms in domestic violence situations, how dangerous separation can be for women, and what patterns of male violence against women reveal about systemic failure. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Truth Be Told with Booker Scott – Family courts and medical authorities expand power with alarming consequences. Parents risk losing custody for questioning treatment decisions, while agencies operate under low standards of proof. Urgent reform calls for due process, transparency, and protection of parental rights, restoring trust and balance between child safety, medical judgment, and fundamental family freedoms...

He walked into family court thinking justice meant truth—and walked out realizing it meant strategy. Today's guest, Alex R. Dane, lived through a brutal custody battle that could have broken him. Instead, he turned that pain into a playbook—helping parents protect their kids, their peace, and their sanity when the system feels stacked against them.Today we're joined by Alex R. Dane, father, strategist, and author of How to Win Your Divorce: A Parent's Battle-Tested Guide to Family Court. After surviving a high-conflict divorce and custody war, Alex made it his mission to help other parents fight smarter—not angrier—while keeping their kids at the center. His work blends tactical planning, emotional intelligence, and raw honesty about what really happens inside family court.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Custody Battle02:09 Life Before the Divorce03:52 The Emotional Toll of Separation07:24 Developing a Strategic Mindset11:11 Understanding the Court System14:59 Navigating Emotions During the Process18:34 Protecting Yourself and Your Child21:55 Managing Perceptions in Court28:56 Navigating the Unfairness of the Process30:09 Strategic Parenting Through Legal Battles32:29 Finding Grounding Amidst Chaos35:20 The Refinement of Parenthood Through Struggle38:41 Defining Winning in Co-Parenting41:17 Transforming Experience into Guidance42:49 The Evolution of Co-Parenting Dynamics44:47 Embracing the Good Old Days46:21 Lighthearted Reflections in the Dad ZoneVisit the website for interactive activity guides and everything YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Click the link for YDP deals (Triad Math, Forefathers, and more) - https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Interested in being a guest on the Young Dad Podcast? Reach out to Jey Young through PodMatch at this link: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdadLastly,consider making a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod.