Podcasts about Family court

A family court judge can reach into your family, single you out by name, and rearrange your life by dinnertime: where your child sleeps tonight, whether you're allowed to see them, whether you're even permitted to raise a concern about your spouse. Karen Winner told me that in the opening minutes of our conversation, and it's the line I keep coming back to. Winner is a journalist turned attorney and the author of Divorced from Justice: The Abuse of Women and Children by Divorce Lawyers and Judges, a book that started as a government investigation and became one of the few serious accountings of how family court actually operates in this country. Winner's path into this work began at the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, where she investigated financial abuse of women by their own divorce attorneys under commissioner Mark Green. Three women brought her their stories, including Monica Getz, the ex-wife of saxophonist Stan Getz, and Peggy Hammond, ex-wife of blues musician John Hammond Jr. Winner went on to interview roughly a hundred people inside the system, insiders included. One judge pulled her aside in an empty courtroom to whisper how the wealthy get exploited by their own lawyers. The resulting report led to New York's Statement of Client's Rights, one of the first consumer protections written specifically for divorce clients, and still law today. What struck me most was Winner's explanation of judicial discretion. Family court judges, she said, "operate without any checks and balances." They decide behind closed doors, rarely have to explain their reasoning, and face almost no outside scrutiny because the whole apparatus runs at the state level. Custody evaluations compound the problem. Courts routinely appoint psychologists to assess parents, but "there's nobody reviewing the reviewers." Their reports are often sealed from the public and, astonishingly, from the parents whose children's futures depend on them. "It's not fair," Winner said. "It's not democratic. It's Kafka." A small, favored pool of evaluators gets reused case after case, regardless of credentials, because judges default to whoever they already know. That is the same undue influence dynamic I study in destructive cults: a closed information environment where the people affected by a decision have no way to question the process that produced it. When Bandy Lee joined me on this podcast, she described family courts as functioning like "a mini cult," advancing a false narrative that protects the wrong parent while the public stays in the dark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Linda, with her four children, celebrating the Millennium Cat is the eldest of four children born to Linda and Glyn Razzell. “Mum had mental health problems, so the immediate assumption was that she had run away, and left the children. But we all knew he was violent”, she says. “He had been acquitted twice of attacking her… me, and then my brother and sister had witnessed it.”In March 2002, just weeks before she disappeared, Razzell had been acquitted of the unlawful wounding of Linda. It was the second time he had been found not guilty of violence towards her. Razzell was jailed for life in November 2003. He had claimed that Linda, from whom he was estranged, had disappeared, walking away and leaving their four children. A week earlier, the Family Court had frozen his bank account, because he was refusing to pay child maintenance. The prosecution case was that his motivation was primarily financial; he wanted to access his money without having to go to court. On March 19th, 2002, Razzell borrowed a car from a friend, then drove across Swindon to abduct Linda from an alleyway on her route to work. He then murdered her and disposed of her body.He was arrested eight days after her disappearance. There were significant inconsistencies in his story, and police accused him of disposing of evidence. He applied twice for leave to appeal, in 2004 and 2005, but was refused both times. He then went to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, (CCRC), which also refused. Never having shown remorse or admitted guilt, he was refused parole three years in a row. The first attempt was in 2021, when he became the first prisoner to be denied parole under Helen's Law. This legal principle is named after Helen Court, a 22-year-old insurance clerk murdered in 1988 by Ian Simms. Like Linda, her body has never been found.The Prisoners (Disclosure of Information about Victims) Act 2020 requires a parole board to weigh a convicted murderer's refusal to the location of their remains. In January this year, the parole board approved his release, claiming he was no longer a risk. But four months after the Parole Board's ruling, the High Court overturned the decision to release Razzell. Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said she was “not persuaded that the risk has diminished to such a level that offender management is capable of keeping the public safe if the defendant is released”.It was the first time that the High Court had overturned a Parole Board ruling after a referral from the Secretary of State for Justice.Following the decision, Cat said her father was “actively choosing to be controlling and abusive from within prison”.Listen to my interview with Cat, in which she speaks about her mother's disappearance when Cat was just 14, and how not knowing where her mother's body is has affected her and her siblings. Razzell has never admitted his crimes, and shows no remorse. Cat RazzellThe full judgement from the High CourtA BBC report from 17th August on what happens next for RazzellAdvocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AFFDA) website and report on the case This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebindel.substack.com/subscribe

In this classic episode from the archives, Bill and Megan sit down with retired Judge Bruce R. Cohen, who spent 24 years as a family law attorney and nearly 20 years on the bench in Arizona's Superior Court, for a rare look at family court from both sides.Judge Cohen pulls back the curtain on how judges actually weigh a case, why the old assumptions about gender bias no longer hold up, and what separates a parent who gets heard from one who doesn't.Judge Cohen unpacks how the "best interests of the child" standard actually gets applied in the courtroom, sharing personal stories — including the memorable "Bonnie story" — that show how presence and genuine humanity shape better outcomes for families.The conversation turns practical: rather than laying out a chronological case history or trying to prove who's "right," Judge Cohen explains that success in family court comes down to demonstrating your ability to meet your children's needs. Bill and Megan dig into how understanding your jurisdiction's specific factors — and letting go of assumptions about judicial bias — can make or break a case.Judicial Insights Addressed:How judges actually determine a child's best interestsWhy gender bias in family court looks different today than it used toWhat separates a "high conflict" case from a routine oneHow jurisdiction-specific factors shape a judge's decisionsCourtroom Strategies That Work:Focus on your children's needs and your ability to meet them, not a blow-by-blow of the pastShow up authentically rather than playing to assumed biasKnow your jurisdiction's specific best-interest factors before you walk inCredibility grows when you acknowledge your own weaknesses, not just the other side'sAim your case at future solutions, not past grievancesDrawing on decades on both sides of the bench, Judge Cohen offers a rare, practical look at what actually works in family court — insight you won't get from most legal advice. Combined with Bill and Megan's expertise, this is a conversation worth revisiting anytime you're preparing to walk into a courtroom.Additional ResourcesBooks & Expert Publications:Managing High Conflict People in CourtThe Future of Family CourtMeet the Judge:Judge Bruce R. Cohen (ret.) bioClasses & Consultations:New Ways for Families® online class for parentsConflict Influencer™ online group for parents or anyone1:1 Consultation with Bill Eddy/Megan HunterStay Connected:Sign up for our newsletterVisit High Conflict InstituteSubmit a question for Bill and MeganAll of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.You can also find these show notes at our site as well.Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing general patterns of behavior. Nor are we providing legal or therapeutic advice. Please seek the assistance of your local professionals to seek help. (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault (01:02) - Welcome Judge Bruce R. Cohen (Ret.) (01:29) - Judge Cohen's Background (06:01) - Connecting (08:28) - The Bonnie Story (13:18) - Time in Court (14:20) - Bill's Time in Court (16:59) - Communicate Simply (27:29) - Best Interest Factors (29:50) - Gender Issues (35:31) - Control What You Can Control (37:07) - Identify Needs of Child (39:22) - High Conflict Cases (43:55) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: Answering Listener Questions

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 In this episode: California family law attorney Mark Reel breaks down Luka Dončić's international custody battle with his ex-fiancée. Mark explains why dueling cases were filed in Slovenia and Los Angeles, how the UCCJEA and “home state” rules decide where custody belongs, and why filing in California was such a high-stakes move financially. He also walks through how child support is calculated for ultra–high income earners, why a $50 million demand may really be about leverage, and why these cases often end in confidential lump-sum settlements rather than massive monthly payments.

This week's episode comes from a question I was asked by a group of family law attorneys."What behaviors can we look for in a child that tell us coercive control or domestic violence is happening?"On the surface, it seems like a simple question. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized just how complicated, and potentially harmful, that question can become.As a child therapist, I absolutely believe we need to understand children's experiences. Their voices matter.But when our legal and child protection systems rely too heavily on children to provide the evidence, we can unintentionally place them in impossible loyalty binds, increase pressure on them, and even teach them that speaking up doesn't change anything.In this episode, I process these tensions out loud and share why I believe we need to think differently about assessing coercive control.We answer:Why is it so difficult to use children's behaviors as proof of coercive control or domestic violence?What should parents actually pay attention to when trying to understand their child's experience?How can we support our children without turning them into evidence in a family court case?If you've ever wondered why your child's behaviors seem confusing—or why professionals sometimes miss what's really happening—this conversation is for you.Please 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/Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.htmlIf you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7Where to find more from Rising Beyond:Rising Beyond FacebookRising Beyond LinkedInRising Beyond Pinterest 

Have you ever felt like the system is writing the ending of your grandchild's story before they've even found their voice? Are your grandchildren weighed down by labels—traumatized, behind, abnormal—while you're expected to manage their pain and follow rigid rules? If you've ever felt powerless to change the narrative or wished you could help your grandchild reclaim their identity from the case files, this episode is for you.I'm Laura Brazan, and after my own family was reshaped by adversity, I discovered that healing doesn't come from fixing every problem—it comes from helping children find their voice. When today's guest, Kate Markland, was granted just one hour a week on FaceTime with her son by the courts, she chose not to fill it with grief, but with a question: “Do you want to be the hero of your own story?” What followed was more than a bestselling book; it was a masterclass in how grandparents and kinship caregivers can become the scribes of their grandchildren's triumphs.On ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we delve deep into the realities of kinship care—navigating the legal, financial, and emotional challenges, but also recognizing the hidden power you have as a caregiver. This episode unpacks therapeutic storytelling, a simple but profound way to move children from trauma to creativity. Through asking questions like “tell me more,” you can help your grandchild move from fear to self-expression, turning moments of heartbreak at the kitchen table into stories of courage and hope.Join us as we explore how to listen, clarify, and capture your grandchild's words—without correction, without judgment—and help them take back the pen. Together, we'll nurture resilience and rewrite futures, one story at a time.Send us Fan MailWhen we look at the child welfare system today, it's clear that the framework we've inherited is completely outdated. We keep trying to "fix" programs, but what if the problem isn't just funding or execution? What if the problem is how we frame the issues in the first place?Ali Caliendo, founder of the Kinship Policy Lab, reminded us that the questions we ask determine the policies we write, the data we collect, and the outcomes we pursue. Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook 

Could a routine trip to the hospital lead to your children being taken away? In this eye-opening episode of Patriots with Grit, special guest Sarah Goble shares her family's shocking experience with CPS, Children's Mercy Hospital, family court, and what she believes is a deeply broken child welfare system. Hear her firsthand account, learn what every parent should know, and discover why families across America are speaking out. This is an interview every parent and grandparent needs to watch.Links to our petition: https://c.org/kN7ndmGK4MWebsite: https://www.thehonestdiagnosisproject.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahrgoble?lang=enIG: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdiagnosisproject/Kansas City Star Article:https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/melinda-henneberger/article309860195.htmlNOTE: This information is for educational and investigative purposes.-------------------------Check out all of our vendors at: https://patriotswithgrit.com/patriot-partners/SPONSORS FOR THIS VIDEOGold, Silver and Precious Metalshttps://NobleGoldInvestments.com/GRIT❤️ Cardio Miracle – One Drink. Endless Benefits.Feel steady energy, sharper clarity, and stronger resilience every day.Own your freedom in health & experience the full power your body was designed for.

It's the 100th episode of A Year and a Day! To celebrate this milestone, Jaime Davis is revisiting five conversations that have resonated with listeners over the years. From knowing when it's time to leave a marriage to understanding relationship patterns, preparing for family court, navigating co-parenting with a high-conflict ex, and finding joy after divorce, these episodes capture some of the most meaningful moments from the first 100 episodes of the show.Featuring highlights from…How to Know When to Leave Your Marriage, with Kate AnthonyFrom "My Relationship Fail" to Learning: Rebuilding After a Breakdown with Bryan PowerTips for Appearing in Family Court with Judge Brian RatledgeCo-Parenting with a Narcissist: Strategies for Protecting Your Children and Your SanityDivorced, Not Done: Caroline Stanbury on Co-Parenting, Reinvention, and Owning Your PowerWhether you've been listening since episode one or you're discovering the show for the first time, we're glad you're here. Thank you for helping us celebrate 100 episodes!If you are in need of legal assistance in North Carolina, contact us at Gailor Hunt by visiting www.divorceistough.com.Like this show? Rate it here! 

The word "sure" is quietly costing high-conflict divorce dads their parenting time. If you're the guy who keeps the peace at work but gets cornered at pickups, pulled into off-the-record texting, ignored by your own attorney, or slowly stripped of parenting time through "one quick change" — this episode breaks the pattern.We unpack the high-functioning "yes man" pattern in divorce and co-parenting: years of peacekeeping and absorbing conflict that quietly become your default. Then we cover what changes once divorce becomes an adversarial legal process — where documentation, consistency, and enforcement decide outcomes. Ground you don't defend gets taken. Boundaries aren't combative; they're calm, clear, and non-negotiable — especially with your kids watching.You'll get a real framework for parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard and TalkingParents, attorney responsiveness, and one-directional parenting-time swaps: Name It, State It, Hold It. Plus BIFF-style communication so you stop feeding emotional bait and start building a clean record.In this episode:The "yes man" pattern and why it forms during peacekeeping yearsWhy undefended ground always gets taken in high-conflict divorceThe Name It, State It, Hold It boundary frameworkBIFF replies for parenting apps and co-parenting communicationHow to stay calm and non-negotiable without becoming combative Support the showBeing 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:Weekend Visitor Risk Assessment (TheDivorceQuiz.com): Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Strategic Risk Consultation (TalkWithJude.com): Book a private triage to ensure your mistakes don't become your permanent reality.Your kids are counting on you.

“The court doesn't care who was mean.” That's not a throwaway line, according to Beverly Hills divorce attorney Nikoo Berenji, it's one of the biggest blind spots she sees parents walk into family court with, and it can quietly sabotage an otherwise strong custody case.In this conversation, Nikoo, Senior Counsel at Berenji & Associates and a 20-year veteran of high-net-worth, high-conflict divorce litigation, breaks down exactly what judges weigh when deciding custody, and what doesn't move the needle at all, no matter how unfair that feels. She walks through a real case where a mother spent enormous time and money building a case around her ex's past absence as a parent, only to watch it backfire because the court only cares about what's best for the child going forward, not who was the “better” spouse in the past.She also shares a case where a court took the rare step of giving a father six months of primary custody to reset a relationship that had been damaged by alienating behavior; proof that judges are paying closer attention to alienation than ever before.Whether you're early in your custody case, deep into a years-long battle, or trying to figure out why your strategy isn't working, this episode reframes what “winning” in family court actually requires.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:✅ Why proving your ex was a bad spouse rarely helps your custody case — and can actively hurt it✅ The one best-interest factor that quietly decides more cases than people realize✅ A real case where alienating behavior led a judge to remove children from their primary caretaker for six months✅ How false or exaggerated domestic violence claims get used as a “silver bullet strategy” — and why it can backfire✅ Whether courts are getting smarter about recognizing parental alienation tactics✅ Why interrogating your kids after time with the other parent can be used against you✅ The boundaries you need around discussing legal matters when kids are in the home✅ Why a detailed, specific parenting plan prevents more conflict than any argument ever will✅ The “therapy clause” that can eliminate one of the most common sources of post-divorce conflict✅ Signs your child is struggling, even if they seem like they're handling everything fine✅ A simple daily practice Nikoo recommends to every client, no matter how skeptical they are at firstABOUT NIKOO BERENJI:Nikoo Berenji is Senior Counsel at Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers, a Beverly Hills family law firm marking more than two decades of practice focused on high-net-worth, high-conflict divorce and custody cases. Before family law, Nikoo built her career in corporate law and government criminal practice, graduating from UCLA and earning a full scholarship to Berkeley Law, where she also served as a federal judicial extern to the Honorable Judge S. James Otero before starting out as an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP, one of the largest law firms in the world. That combination of corporate, criminal, and family law experience shapes how she approaches the emotionally charged, financially complex cases her firm handles, many of which involve narcissistic dynamics between spouses who are highly successful in their professional lives. Nikoo is also an adjunct professor at both UCLA School of Law and USC Gould School of Law, and she and her team work with clients across the country and around the world, with a particularly heavy concentration of cases in Southern California.

In this episode of The Father's Rights Playbook, family law attorney Mark Reel Jr. discusses how to defend against false domestic violence allegations in family court. He highlights how California's expanding definition of domestic violence—which includes coercive control—can be weaponized as a "sword" rather than used as a "shield" during custody battles. Ruel explains that unlike criminal court's "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard, family court relies on a lower "preponderance of the evidence" burden, making credibility the central battleground. To counter false claims, he recommends three main strategies: exposing lies and inconsistencies through cross-examination, demonstrating that the accuser was actually the primary aggressor, and utilizing the "8 Mile method"—admitting minor personal flaws or past mistakes on the stand to build trust and authenticity with the judge.   Learn More:

Send us Fan MailArizona just passed a coercive control law, and the family bar, the bench, and the litigants are all figuring it out in real time. Billie Tarascio sits down with returning guest Dr. Cocchiola to look at what actually happened in Connecticut, where a nearly identical statute has been on the books since 2023. The answer matters for anyone facing an Arizona divorce, a custody fight, or a family court judge who has to sort out who holds the power in a relationship.Dr. Cocchiola is a therapist, expert witness, and coercive control researcher with almost four decades in the field. She testified in support of Connecticut's Jennifer's Law, trains judges and court professionals nationally through AFCC, runs a support group for male survivors, and co-authored a collection of survivor accounts from inside the family court system. She also lived it, which shapes how she talks about children, attachment, and what recovery actually takes.In this episode:- Understand why coercive control sits underneath domestic violence instead of beside it- Learn how Connecticut's Jennifer's Law has played out three years in- Spot the abuser traits that read as calm and credible in a courtroom- See how abusers flip the script and file coercive control claims against protective parents- Recognize post-separation escalation as the clearest signal courts overlook- Question the automatic 50/50 custody model and who it actually serves- Protect attachment when a child aligns with the controlling parent- Weigh the real risks of reunification camps and forced repair therapy- Document patterns with parenting apps and written records that hold up- Negotiate with an abuser who needs to believe the outcome hurt you- Rebuild your child's sense of safety as the parent who repairsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Coercive Control and Domestic Violence02:43 Understanding Coercive Control as a Trajectory of Behavior05:46 The Impact of Coercive Control Legislation08:18 Challenges in Family Court and the Weaponization of Laws11:13 The Role of Children in Coercive Control Dynamics13:58 Systemic Issues in Family Court and Child Safety16:49 Expert Testimony and the Nuances of Coercive Control19:47 The Complexity of Parenting Time Decisions24:01 The Role of Court Professionals in Family Dynamics27:02 Challenges in Family Court and Child Safety28:44 The Importance of Documentation and Boundaries31:27 Understanding Power Dynamics in Relationships34:41 Therapeutic Interventions and Their Complexities38:58 Advice for Family Law Professionals and LitigantsModern Law helps Arizona families through divorce, custody, and high-conflict cases across Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Call 480-649-2905 or visit mymodernlaw.com to talk with our team.

She spent five years on the inside of the family court system as a Connecticut Family Relations Counselor — the person who meets with both parents, talks to the kids, and writes the recommendation the judge leans on. In this candid conversation, Sue Gabriele explains the quiet, well-intentioned mistakes that sink good parents before they ever reach a courtroom, and what to do instead.If you have ever walked in armed with a binder of everything your ex has ever done wrong, this episode will change how you prepare. Sue shares why "suitcases full of papers" backfire, why a clean, color-coded timeline beats a stack of journals, and how to give a busy professional the facts they can actually use in the limited time they have with you.She also pulls back the curtain on something most parents never hear said out loud: the system is built to push the "weaker link" into giving up, because a settlement means no one has to write the long report. Knowing that going in changes everything about how you hold your ground.Whether you are still deciding to leave, deep in a custody dispute, or trying to co-parent with someone impossible, Sue's insider perspective helps you stop fighting the battles that don't matter and start building the case that does. As we say at Been There Got Out, courts often don't care about the abuse you suffered the way you wish they would — they care about the present, the child, and the proof. This conversation shows you how to meet them there without losing yourself.A quick, important caveat: Sue's experience is grounded in Connecticut, and family law varies widely by state. Treat her insights as a lens for understanding how court professionals think, not as legal advice for your specific case.ABOUT BEEN THERE GOT OUTLisa Johnson and Chris Barry are high-conflict divorce, custody, and co-parenting strategists who help good people navigate the family court system and protect their relationships with their children. We fill the gap between what attorneys are trained to do and what therapists understand.Get our books, "Been There Got Out" and "When Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You," and learn about our courses and 1:1 coaching at BeenThereGotOut.com.#HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #FamilyCourt #CoParenting #CustodyEvaluation #NarcissisticAbuse #ParentalAlienation #DivorceAdvice #BeenThereGotOut

You know it was abuse. But written down, each moment sounds small. This is the episode about proving it. Part 5 of our six-part coercive control series with clinical psychologist Krasi Kirova. Mum and I work through your questions on affidavits, evidence, police reports and what the family court is actually looking for. LISTEN IF YOU... - Have kept notes for a year and worry they sound petty - Have been told by a lawyer that coercive control does not matter - Reported to police and were dismissed because there was no stalking or tracking - Are writing an affidavit and do not know what to include - Are still being controlled through emails, handovers and admin after final orders - Are terrified of going back to court This is general information, not legal or psychological advice. It reflects Australian family law and may not apply to your situation. Always get independent advice. This episode discusses coercive control, family violence, financial abuse and sexual betrayal. If you are in danger call 000. Support: 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732. 00:00 - Explaining Coercive Control When No One Believes You 01:00 - Series Recap and Meet Clinical Psychologist Krasi Kirova 02:30 - Legal Disclaimer and Family Violence Trigger Warning 03:50 - Stacy: How Do I Make My Notes Matter in Court? 06:00 - Why Each Incident Sounds Petty: The Puzzle Piece Problem 07:00 - Death by a Thousand Cuts: Proving Cumulative Harm 09:30 - When the Judge Spots the Pattern Themselves 10:30 - What Courts Look For: Coercive Control and the Property Pool 14:00 - Your Affidavit Is the Proof, So You Have to Say It 14:20 - Anonymous: Should Infidelity Go in My Affidavit? 18:00 - DARVO Explained: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender 19:00 - Win: Can I Use Voice Memos and Home Security Footage? 21:40 - Legal Gatekeeping: When Your Lawyer Says It Does Not Matter 26:00 - How to Change Lawyers Mid-Case Without the Confrontation 28:00 - Katina: The Police Dismissed My Coercive Control Report 30:00 - The Empower You App and Finding a Station That Listens 33:20 - Roberta: Protection Orders When He Explains Everything Away 35:00 - Why Criminal, DV and Family Courts Do Not Talk to Each Other 37:00 - Samantha: Post-Separation Control After Final Orders 41:40 - Grey Rock, Escalation and When to Get a Risk Assessment 43:30 - Coercive Control Versus Ordinary Co-Parenting Conflict 46:30 - Admin Burden as Control: Fix It in Your Parenting Orders 50:00 - Jenna: When His Lawyer Becomes the Mouthpiece 54:00 - Lee: Fear of Court and a Teenager Who Will Not Visit 58:00 - Court Fear Is the Last Hook They Have Left 01:00:00 - Gina: What Evidence Is Actually Enough? 01:02:00 - Thresholds: Therapist Versus Police Versus Family Court 01:04:00 - The Marathon Analogy: Kicked, Then Blamed for Slowing Down 01:06:00 - Never Stop Documenting Until the Behaviour Stops 01:12:00 - The Magistrate Who Knew What Coercive Control Was 01:14:30 - Krasi's Conference Talk and Next Week: Healing EPISODES MENTIONED DARVO in the Family Court - https://youtu.be/pRMOfozwBKs?si=-YgsXkz8ybMB_lkr Documenting Coercive Control - https://youtu.be/SIyXCGXH5nw?si=SY_8UNT5puZ7Uj_F Reporting to Police, Step by Step - https://youtu.be/s7vH5a9y7cA?si=sm1ReJaVxsvqKlNS 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 (24/7 DV support) Lifeline - 13 11 14 Police - 000 (immediate danger) The Divorce Course - www.thedivorcecourse.com.au The Divorce Course Podcast - www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/blog Empower You app - free documentation app run by NSW Police Krasi Kirova - clinical psychologist and board-approved supervisor Share your experience anonymously for Krasi's conference talk: [LINK] If this episode helped you understand how to prove coercive control, please follow, rate, review and share The Divorce Course Podcast so others going through the same thing can find this information too.

Most people believe that once the divorce is final, the chaos finally ends. With a high-conflict, narcissistic, or unpredictable co-parent, the opposite is often true. As they lose day-to-day control, they learn to control you from afar—through the kids, the money, and the legal system. In this honest, practical conversation, UK coach and psychotherapist Louize Yafai joins Lisa Johnson to explain why the abuse can ramp up after separation, and exactly what to do about it.Louize knows this from the inside. After a 16-year marriage, she survived severe financial and post-separation abuse, came close to homelessness twice, and relied on food banks while raising three daughters and litigating on her own. Then she turned her pain into power, trained as a counsellor and psychotherapist, and now helps parents navigate the same storm with their dignity intact.Together they unpack the “Friday Night Bomb”—the email or filing timed to ruin your weekend—and why peace doesn't come from your ex changing. It comes from learning to trust yourself to handle whatever arrives. You'll learn how to stop reacting, when not to respond at all, how to protect your legal fees and your nervous system, and why an impartial guide matters when friends and family keep telling you to “just move on.”✅ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN✅ Why a high-conflict ex often gets worse, not better, after the divorce is final✅ What the “Friday Night Bomb” is—and how to stop it from ruining your time with the kids✅ How to build a “Teflon suit” and respond from a calm, grounded place✅ The in-the-moment “buffer” to use the second a hostile message lands✅ Why you should not respond to every lie—and what judges actually care about✅ How reactivity quietly drives up your legal fees✅ Why being “coached” by AI can backfire badly in a high-conflict case✅ How to know it's time for support—without waiting until burnoutABOUT LOUIZE YAFAILouize Yafai is a divorce, separation, and co-parenting coach with a degree in counselling and psychotherapy. Drawing on her own experience of financial and post-separation abuse—and years of helping men and women face unpredictable, narcissistic co-parents—she specializes in emotional regulation, boundaries, and the practical strategies that help people move through high-conflict divorce with strength and self-respect. She is a contributing author to the #1 best seller “Emotional Alchemy” and to a recent anthology curated with Olympic medalist Fatima Whitbread MBE on overcoming adversity.

One of our most-asked-about topics, revisited: two listeners write in about parental alienation and when to stop fighting in family court. Bill and Megan's answers hold up just as well today.Tackling Listener Questions on High Conflict Personalities in Family LawIn this episode of It's All Your Fault, Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter address questions from two listeners about high conflict personalities in family law. They dive into the complexities of parental alienation, domestic violence allegations, and when to stop fighting in court.Listener Question 1: Understanding Parental Alienation and EstrangementThe first listener asks about the confusion surrounding parental alienation. Bill defines key terms: "refuse and resist," parental alienation, and realistic estrangement. He explains the differences between alienation caused by one parent's behavior and estrangement resulting from a parent's own actions, such as domestic violence or child abuse.Listener Question 2: When to Stop Fighting in CourtThe second listener, from Australia, asks when to give up the fight with a high conflict ex-partner who continues to violate court orders. Bill and Megan address the issue of "legal abuse" and the limitations of the court system in handling these situations effectively.Questions We Answer in This Episode:What is the difference between parental alienation and realistic estrangement?How common are false allegations of abuse in family court?When should you stop fighting in court with a high conflict ex-partner?Key Takeaways:Consider all possibilities in each case without presumptions.Parental alienation and domestic violence both exist and require careful assessment.Fighting in court for more than two years may be counterproductive.Obtain transcripts of court hearings to address false statements or bad decisions.This episode provides valuable insights for anyone navigating high conflict personalities in family law. Bill and Megan offer a balanced perspective, emphasizing the need for an open mind and case-by-case analysis.Links & Other NotesBOOKSDon't Alienate the Kids: Raising Resilient Children While Avoiding High-Conflict DivorceThe High-Conflict Co-Parenting Survival GuideCOURSESNew Ways for Families Course + Coaching for Co-ParentsConflict Influencer ClassOUR WEBSITE: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/Submit a Question for Bill and MeganAll of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.You can also find these show notes at our site as well.Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing general patterns of behavior. Nor are we providing legal of therapeutic advice. Please seek the assistance of your local professionals to seek help. (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault (00:36) - Listener Questions (01:18) - Question 1: Parental Alienation (21:54) - Question 2: When to Give In (30:37) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: More Listener Questions

Everyone walks into family court assuming the “fair” answer is to split the kids right down the middle. Fifty-fifty. Equal time, equal say, problem solved. But what if that instinct toward fairness is quietly setting your children up for years of stress — and setting you up to lose the very argument you should be winning?In this conversation, Lisa sits down with veteran matrimonial attorney Gus Dimopoulos, who has spent 25 years handling complex, high-conflict divorce and custody cases in Westchester County and New York City. After his article “The Equality Trap” struck a nerve, we asked him to walk us through what he's really seeing in courtrooms — and why the growing assumption that 50/50 is automatically best can be, in his words, disastrous in practice.Gus explains something most parents never learn until it's too late: in New York, there is no legal presumption of shared custody. The law requires a best-interest analysis, and the question of a shared-custody presumption has come before the state legislature for 25 years without ever reaching a vote. Yet judges juggling hundreds of cases are under enormous pressure to settle custody early, and “just split it” starts to feel like the path of least resistance. Understanding that gap — between what the law actually says and what tends to happen in a crowded courtroom — changes how you prepare.We get into the practical reality nobody talks about: fifty-fifty demands a level of coordination, communication, and mutual respect that high-conflict co-parents simply don't have. When you add modern kids' schedules — sports, tutoring, therapy, club teams — an equal-time arrangement can turn every week into a battlefield. Gus also walks through parallel parenting and “spheres of influence” as a more realistic alternative for parents who can't cooperate: you take this domain, I take that one, and we keep out of each other's way so the kids aren't caught in the crossfire. He shares his most important courtroom lesson, too: judges reward the parent who shows up as a calm, prepared problem-solver with a pragmatic list of facts, not the parent who comes in with drama and accusations. If something doesn't work for your kids, you have to be able to show why — with logistics, work policies, train schedules, and evidence — rather than simply insisting the other parent is awful. We also talk about why putting real specifics into your parenting plan beats vague promises to “be cordial,” and why a child should never have to decide which parent to run to after scoring the game-winning goal.This one is essential listening whether you're negotiating a parenting plan, heading into a custody hearing, or trying to understand why the “fair” outcome keeps making your life harder. As always, this isn't legal advice for your specific case — it's strategic education to help you walk in better prepared.

What do you do when the outcome you feared actually happens?What happens when you've lost time with your children, the professionals who were supposed to protect them didn't listen, and you're wondering how you're supposed to keep going?This is one of the heaviest episodes I've ever recorded—but it's also one of the most important.Too often, survivors are told to "stay positive" or "everything happens for a reason." But that's not what hope looks like after coercive control, systemic betrayal, or devastating family court outcomes.In this episode, I talk honestly about the hopelessness many protective parents experience, including suicidal thoughts that can arise after prolonged trauma and loss. More importantly, we explore what research tells us about hope—and why hope is not passive optimism. Hope is something we build one small step at a time.If you've ever wondered whether you'll make it through this season, I hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone.We discuss:The difference between optimism and hope—and why the distinction matters.Why toxic positivity can feel invalidating after trauma.The grief that many protective parents carry after family court and post-separation abuse.How focusing on what is within your control can restore a sense of agency.Why breaking overwhelming goals into smaller steps builds hope.The importance of community and allowing others to hold hope for you when you can't.Why purpose can exist alongside pain.Practical ways to nurture hope, even when circumstances haven't changed.If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another protective parent who may need to hear that they are not alone.If this episode brought up thoughts of suicide or you feel like you may be in immediate emotional danger, please don't go through this alone. Here are some resources.United States & CanadaCall or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.Chat online through the 988 Lifeline website.International Suicide Hotlines and Resources https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwideRegister for the Free Webinar Series - Why Co-Parenting Feels Like a Trap  here - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/coparentingPlease 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...

When 39-year-old mother of three Maya Millete walked up to her Chula Vista home carrying grocery bags on the afternoon of January 7, 2021, security cameras captured what looked like a routine Thursday. But by the next morning, the vibrant Navy contract specialist had vanished without a trace, leaving behind a new Jeep Wrangler, plans for a family road trip, and an appointment with a divorce attorney scheduled for that very week.What followed was a years-long investigation that peeled back the layers of a marriage built on escalating, obsessive control. Featuring hidden car trackers, a search history involving poison hemlock, and hundreds of frantic emails sent to online spellcasters, the case ultimately centered on one terrifying question: did a devoted mom walk away to start over, or did her husband execute a calculated plan to ensure she would never leave?Support us on PatreonToday's snack: Lesser Evil Space Balls and CheezmosSources:Adan, Melissa. "New Family Court Documents Filed by Husband of Missing Chula Vista Mom." NBC 7 San Diego, 8 Sept. 2021, https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/new-family-court-documents-filed-by-husband-of-missing-chula-vista-mom/2712834/Best, Paul. "California Missing Woman's Husband Planned Murder-for-Hire Scheme Targeting Alleged Boyfriend: Witness." Fox News, 5 Apr. 2021, https://www.foxnews.com/us/husband-of-missing-california-woman-planned-murder-for-hire-scheme-targeting-wifes-alleged-boyfriend-witness Best, Paul. "Missing California Mom: FBI, NCIS Assisting Chula Vista PD in Search for Maya Millete." Fox News, 22 Apr. 2021, https://www.foxnews.com/us/missing-california-mom-fbi-ncis-assisting-chula-vista-pd-search-maya-millete.amp Best, Paul. "Missing Maya Millete: Husband Larry Arrested for Murder 9 Months After California Mom Vanished." Fox News, 19 Oct. 2021, https://www.foxnews.com/us/larry-millete-arrested-maya-chula-vista-home Gregorio-Nieto, Brenda, Karla Rendon-Alvarez, and Eric S. Page. "Judge Defers Request By Maya Millete's Sister for Custody of Kids; Permits Visitation." NBC 7 San Diego, 10 Nov. 2021, https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/maya-milletes-sister-to-appear-in-court-in-hopes-of-getting-custody-of-missing-moms-children/2788109/ Hood, Lindsay. "May 'Maya' Millete's Family Says She Told Them: 'If Something Happened to Me, It's Gonna Be Larry'." NBC 7 San Diego, 9 Apr. 2021, https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/may-maya-milletes-family-says-she-told-them-if-something-happened-to-me-its-gonna-be-larry/2572999/ "Husband of Former Hawaii Woman Missing Since January Charged with Her Murder." Hawaii News Now, 19 Oct. 2021, https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2021/10/19/larry-millete-husband-former-hawaii-woman-arrested-accused-murder/ "Husband of Missing Fil-Am Allegedly Ordered a Hit on Her Suspected Lover." INQUIRER.net, https://usa.inquirer.net/67484/husband-of-missing-fil-am-allegedly-ordered-a-hit-on-her-suspected-lover "Husband of Missing Mother, Maya Millete, Files Response in Family Court." CBS 8, KFMB-TV, https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/investigations/husband-of-missing-mother-maya-millete-files-response-in-family-court-chula-vista-san-diego-larry/509-a4d91957-bdef-44e2-817f-099ab9e01450 Kurosu, Jason. "Larry Millete Murder Trial Set For Closing Arguments Tuesday." Patch San Diego, City News Service, 6 Jul. 2026, https://patch.com/california/san-diego/police-fire "Maya Millete's Husband Arrested on Suspicion of Murder." The Mercury News, MediaNews Group, 20 Oct. 2021, https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/10/20/maya-milletes-husband-arrested-nine-months-after-her-disappearance/ Muia, Katelyn. "Death of Young Women in Media: The Origins of Obsession and a Sentiment Analysis on the Broader Contemporary Cultural Impact." Bryant Digital Repository, Bryant University, May 2024, https://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/honors_data_science "New Details from Arrest Warrant for Larry Millete." CBS 8, KFMB-TV, https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/crime/new-details-from-arrest-warrant-for-larry-millete-husband-of-missing-chula-vista-mother-maya-millete/509-d7d60c88-7b3e-432f-99a2-d33cc8458908 Page, Eric S., and Karla Rendon-Alvarez. "Chula Vista Mom Maya Millete's Husband Enters Not Guilty Plea in Murder Case." NBC 7 San Diego, 21 Oct. 2021, https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/larry-millete-due-in-court-following-arrest-for-wife-mayas-murder/2756723/

Parental alienation is a legal emergency, not just heartbreak — and family court is too slow to stop it on its own. Here's how fathers move from venting to evidence with a court-focused, 6-category documentation framework.When a parent starts canceling visits, blocking school and medical access, or quietly rewriting a child's story, the damage becomes "normal" long before a judge ever hears the case. In this briefing we treat alienation as both an emotional crisis and a legal one, and we unpack a real-time split in family law: New Hampshire's HB 1323, which would define parental alienation in statute and force a ruling within 60 days (with remedies like makeup parenting time, custody changes, and attorney's fees), versus Canada's Bill C-223, which would move to ban alienation claims and reunification therapy. We cover the narratives behind both, the peer-reviewed research on long-term harm to kids, and why the data does not support the "junk science" label. Then we bring it home to what you can do this week: a practical documentation system that proves patterns, defends against false claims, and demonstrates your own fitness and flexibility as a dad.In this episode: why speed is alienation's weapon · HB 1323's 60-day rule and its remedies · Bill C-223 and the counter-narrative · what the research really says · the 6-category evidence framework. Support the showBeing 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:Weekend Visitor Risk Assessment (TheDivorceQuiz.com): Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Strategic Risk Consultation (TalkWithJude.com): Book a private triage to ensure your mistakes don't become your permanent reality.Your kids are counting on you.

If you have already left an abusive relationship and you're now staring down the family court system, this conversation was made for you. Lisa Johnson of Been There Got Out sits down with Liz Ortenberger, CEO of SafeNest, the largest domestic and sexual violence nonprofit in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a frank discussion about what actually works once you're in front of a judge.Here's the hard truth Liz names out loud: the court will never understand your abuser the way you do. Judges are busy, they're drawn to whoever tells the cleanest, most linear story, and many of them quietly assume that a mother fighting for custody may be exaggerating the abuse to gain an advantage. That isn't fair - but it is the room you're walking into, and pretending otherwise helps no one.So what do you do with that? Liz lays out a survivor's playbook that lines up almost perfectly with what we coach every day. Get it into the record that your children witnessed the abuse, because a child witnessing abuse has the same chemical brain reaction as a child being abused directly. Build your own clear, linear timeline before you ever walk into the courtroom. Think like a chess player rather than a boxer - anticipate your ex's next several moves and head them off, instead of just reacting. And document, document, document: photograph injuries, keep a private journal, tell a trusted friend, and email evidence to yourself so it carries a date stamp the other side can't explain away.She also shares a statistic that every survivor deserves to know: if you were strangled or choked during the relationship, your risk of a later lethal outcome rises dramatically - and that is something you can get documented medically and entered into the court record. Throughout, Liz zooms out to the bigger picture too: the history of the movement, why our systems haven't moved the numbers in 30 years, and what it would take to actually protect the next generation. Practical, honest, and genuinely useful whether you're just starting your case or years deep into it.A SURVIVOR'S COURT PLAYBOOK- How to get a child's exposure to abuse onto the official record - and why it counts- Building the clean, linear timeline judges actually respond to- Anticipating your ex's legal moves like a chess player instead of reacting like a boxer- The custody bias many survivors run into - and how to get ahead of it- A simple, free way to date-stamp your evidence so it can't be dismissed as fabricated- The strangulation statistic that belongs in your medical records and your court fileRESOURCES MENTIONED:SafeNest (Las Vegas): https://www.safenest.orgReach Liz's team: info@safenest.orgLook up your ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score - and take it for your child, tooIf you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services. In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).This conversation is for education and support; it is not legal or mental-health advice. When you're ready, we're here to help you build a strategy that fits your situation.#DomesticViolence #FamilyCourt #CustodyBattle #CoParenting #NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #DVAwareness #SurvivorSupport

HEY SCUMMERS!This week we're diving headfirst into one of the weirdest rabbit holes in Warhammer 40,000: The Sensei. The Emperor's immortal descendants, blessed with incredible gifts, hunted by the Inquisition, and quietly swept under the rug by the lore when everyone collectively decided, "Let's just not talk about that anymore."The Sensei are fascinating because, unlike almost everyone else in the 41st Millennium, they might actually be good guys. Not "good" by Imperial standards, where the answer to every problem is orbital bombardment, but genuinely compassionate, selfless people who wander the galaxy toppling tyrants, helping the downtrodden, and generally being a massive inconvenience to dictators everywhere. Even if they do get too familiar with xenos.They're freedom fighters in a universe that has almost completely forgotten what freedom even means.Nathan spent a concerning amount of the episode watching Spamuel like he was about to get black-bagged by the Inquisition because I kept describing the Emperor as a bad dad. Look, if your immortal children spend their entire lives unknowingly fighting for justice while you spend ten thousand years glued to a chair, maybe Family Court has a point. Naturally, we also tackle the questions Games Workshop have refused to answer for nearly forty years. Can you befriend a Tyranid Spore Mine? We believe yes. Scientists believe no. The Spore Mine believes in the power of positive thinking right up until the point it becomes an expanding cloud of bio-acid. Then, in an attempt to prove not every parent in the galaxy is a complete disaster, we bring you the most inspirational dad moment in Warhammer history: a Necron Lord patiently teaching his favourite Scarab how to be friends with the flesh bags it's surrounded by. They grow up so fast. One day they're shyly nibbling at loose bolts, the next they're stripping a Baneblade before you've finished your command phase.By the end of the episode we've defended ancient rogue-era lore, argued that the Sensei might secretly be some of the last genuine heroes in the setting, accused the Master of Mankind of being history's most absentee father, attempted diplomacy with a living bomb, and become emotionally invested in a robotic beetle receiving the parental encouragement it deserves.Normal podcast. Completely normal podcast.If you have questions, complaints, corrections or suggestions, email us at Underhivelorekeepers@gmail.com.Want to support the show? ⁠https://linktr.ee/underhivelorekeepersEnd music theme is Celltrance by Lobo Loco.https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loco/free-for-you-cc-by/celltrance-id-2346/

Colorado recently signed HB26-1309 into law, and many survivors and protective parents are asking what it actually means for families navigating family court.I break down what I am learning about HB26-1309, a bill focused on domestic violence, coercive control, and child safety in Colorado family courts.While some headlines make it sound like family court has been completely transformed overnight, the reality is more nuanced. Many of the protections addressed in this bill already existed in Colorado law. What HB26-1309 primarily does is clarify, reorganize, and strengthen how courts are expected to analyze evidence of domestic violence and coercive control.We discuss:What changes were actually made to Colorado lawWhy requiring courts to make findings on the record may matterHow coercive control is addressed within the statuteWhat attorneys are saying about how they may use these changes in practicePotential benefits for survivors and protective parentsRemaining concerns about implementation and court cultureI also share insights from attorneys who were closely involved with the bill and discuss how these changes could influence litigation strategy, evidence presentation, and judicial accountability moving forward.HB26-1309 does not automatically change custody orders or fix family court overnight. But it may create greater clarity, accountability, and recognition of abuse dynamics within the legal process.Whether you're navigating family court yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you understand both the promise and limitations of this new law.Register for the Free Webinar Series - Why Co-Parenting Feels Like a Trap  here - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/coparentingPlease 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...

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.

In this episode of I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell interviews Mark Ludwig, President of the National Council on Equal Shared Parenting, during the Shared Parenting Summit in Washington, D.C. Mark shares the deeply personal story that brought him into this work: a custody experience that left him separated from his son for 204 days and forced him to confront the emotional reality many fathers face when trying to remain present in their children's lives. What began as one father's fight became a national mission to educate policymakers, build coalitions, support parents, and advance shared parenting reform across the country. Kenneth and Mark explore the evolution of the fatherhood and shared parenting movement, including the challenges of moving beyond anger, trauma, and old “father's rights” narratives toward mature, strategic, policy-focused advocacy. They discuss how legislative change requires relationships, trust, language, credibility, and the ability to meet lawmakers where they are. The conversation also touches on: • Mark's personal custody journey and why he wrote letters to his son every night • The importance of protecting children from feeling unwanted or abandoned • How the shared parenting movement has matured over time • Why advocacy must be strategic, not reactive • The role of women, veterans, military families, child welfare, child support, and domestic violence voices in shared parenting conversations • Why child support and Title IV-D reform are central to the shared parenting debate • How federal funding structures influence family court systems • The importance of training advocates to work effectively with legislators • Mark's book, The Parental Alienation Playbook • Kenneth's emerging concept of Co-Parenting Maturity • Why responsible fatherhood and shared parenting advocates must collaborate This episode is not simply about custody. It is about children, systems, family stability, and the urgent need to create policies that do not force parents into unnecessary conflict. At the center of the conversation is a shared belief: fathers should not have to prove that they matter after the fact. Systems should begin with the understanding that children need meaningful relationships with both parents whenever it is safe and appropriate.

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

In this episode of Perfect Prey, I'm joined by Professor Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, Professor of Intersectional Justice at University College London (UCL), whose research examines coercive control, legal entrapment, institutional abuse, migration, and human rights.Together, we explore how coercive control extends beyond intimate relationships and into family court systems, why protective mothers and children often experience institutional betrayal, and how legal systems can unintentionally reinforce abuse rather than prevent it. We also discuss the Hague Convention, children's voices in family court, and why meaningful reform must begin by listening to survivors.What we cover•Coercive control beyond intimate relationships•Family court as a form of institutional abuse•The Hague Convention and international custody cases•Legal entrapment and human rights•Why children's voices are often misunderstood•Joan Meier's research on child abuse allegations•The misuse of parental alienation allegations•Why systemic reform is urgently neededWhy listenIf you're a survivor, protective parent, clinician, attorney, researcher, or advocate, this episode offers a powerful human rights perspective on coercive control and family court abuse. Professor Ayeb-Karlsson shares how research can help expose institutional failures and create meaningful change for women and children.Guest bioProfessor Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson is Professor of Intersectional Justice at University College London (UCL). Her research focuses on legal entrapment, intersectionality, coercive control, migration, human trafficking, exploitation, and mental wellbeing.She has published more than 100 academic works, including over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with more than 17,000 citations. Professor Ayeb-Karlsson leads the Everyday Disasters and Violences Research Group at UCL and previously served as a Senior Researcher with the United Nations University's Migration Section. She also leads the mental health and intersectionality work for the Lancet Countdown, is a core member of Hague Mothers and the Council of Europe's Network of Specialised Lawyers and NGOs Assisting Women Victims of Violence, and serves on several international editorial boards.Connect with Professor Sonja Ayeb-KarlssonUCL Profile: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/87069-sonja-ayebkarlssonGoogle Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=kM8LTfkAAAAJ&hl=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/profayebkarlssonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-sonja-ayeb-karlsson-67692676/Facebook ; https://www.facebook.com/profayebkarlsson/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@profayebkarlssonBlueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/profayebkarlsson.bsky.socialMost of Professor Sonja's research articles are available free of charge. She regularly shares free article downloads on her Instagram, including papers that cannot otherwise be made open access due to journal restrictions.Connect with Dr. Christine

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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)

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/

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/

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