Category: Family Law

Dealing with Narcissism in Divorce (Ep. 21)

Dealing with Narcissism in Divorce (Ep. 21)

Are you co-parenting with someone you believe has narcissistic tendencies? Or perhaps starting a divorce and want to bring up possible narcissism in the other party? 

Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones explore how a diagnosis of narcissism can influence a divorce or co-parenting strategies – especially an early diagnosis. The break down the difference between a true narcissist and someone who just has narcissistic tendencies, stressing the importance of recognizing triggers and establishing boundaries when dealing with these individuals.

Justin and Andrea discuss:

  • What is the difference between a narcissist and someone with narcissistic tendencies
  • What tactics do narcissists use in family law matters 
  • What are effective ways to deal with a narcissist in legal proceedings
  • Why is it important to focus on internal factors, such as setting boundaries, rather than trying to change the narcissist
  • And more!

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Protecting Children: Co-Parenting, Privatization, and Child Safety (Ep. 20)

Protecting Children: Co-Parenting, Privatization, and Child Safety (Ep. 20)

Please be advised the following content discusses child abuse. Some of the information discussed comes from third-party hearsay and may not be completely accurate.

In August of 2023, video bloggers Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on several accounts of aggravated child abuse. Knowing what to look for could help children in similar situations.

Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones discuss the importance of co-parenting and open communication in separated families. They explore the privatization of organizations involved in custody cases, the challenges of gathering evidence in abuse allegations and the role of Child Protective Services in children’s safety. 

Justin and Andrea touch on:

  • The case of Ruby Franke and Jodie Hildebrandt
  • The importance of maintaining cooperative communication while co-parenting 
  • The positive and negative impact of privatization on custody cases
  • What neighbours should keep an eye out for in possible child abuse cases

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Understanding The Impact Of Actions During Divorce (Ep. 19)

Understanding The Impact Of Actions During Divorce (Ep. 19)

Are you thinking about filing for divorce? How will the divorce impact your emotional well-being along with your relationships? And how can you avoid making mistakes with huge repercussions?

In this episode, Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones focus on some of the common mistakes they have seen people make during and before divorce proceedings. They share what to avoid leading to a hasty divorce and why you should consider looking for alternative options to save your relationship instead of divorce.

Justin and Andrea discuss:

  • Why talking about divorce casually should be avoided in a relationship without mentally and emotionally preparing to take action
  • How having an affair before or during a divorce could impact a child’s environment growing up
  • What actions should be avoided to make the right impression to a judge
  • What steps could be taken before choosing to divorce to fix a relationship
  • And more!

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When to Introduce New Love Interest to Children During Divorce or Custody Dispute? (Ep. 18)

When to Introduce New Love Interest to Children During Divorce or Custody Dispute? (Ep. 18)

After a divorce, it can be easy to jump into a new relationship to distract from the emotional pain. But this is rarely a good option for the well-being of the children.

In this episode, Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones explore the potential challenges of introducing a new love interest to your children after a divorce. They share personal experiences and offer advice on timing, communication, establishing boundaries, and prioritizing the well-being of the children. 

Justin and Andrea discuss:

  • The importance of taking your time to heal emotionally before jumping into a new relationship  
  • How to introduce a new relationship to children without replacing an existing parent
  • The benefit of a step-parent counsellor when introducing a new significant other and taking the next step in a relationship
  • The impact of infidelity on the relationship between parent and child
  • And more!

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Ensuring Equal Parenting Rights as a Father during Custody Agreements (Ep. 17)

Ensuring Equal Parenting Rights as a Father during Custody Agreements (Ep. 17)

When women were the primary caregiver for their children, courts tended to favour them when dealing with divorce and custody arrangements. Today, many families split both parenting and work.

In this episode, Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones dive into the father’s rights regarding child custody. They focus on how custody proceedings have changed and what should be prioritized when aiming for primary custody, whether you are a man or woman.

Justin and Andrea discuss:

  •  What father’s rights mean in the modern custody case
  • How courts determine primary custody when both parents work
  • Why 50/50 custody may not be the best option for the child’s development
  • The importance of keeping an organized and clear presentation of legal strategies during custody cases 
  • And more!

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How Third-Party Possession and Custody Requests Are Handled (Ep. 16)

How Third-Party Possession and Custody Requests Are Handled (Ep. 16)

Gaining custody of a child as a third party may be in the child’s best interest, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy to attain. Even grandparents and close relatives have limitations to gaining custody. 

In this episode, Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones discuss third-party custody requests and the process behind them in Texas. They dive into the who, when, and how of filing for parental responsibility and the limitations of rights as a third-party custody holder.

Justin and Andrea explore:

  • How a biological parent risks losing custody 
  • When can a non-parent file for custody, and why they may need to wait before filing
  • The limitations of legal rights for third parties to retain custody of a child
  • The limitations of grandparent rights when it comes to grandchild visitation
  • And more!

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What Rights Your Teenagers Have During A Divorce (Ep. 15)

What Rights Your Teenagers Have During A Divorce (Ep. 15)

As your children get older, they often get bolder. 

This can make things a little trickier during divorce and custody cases.

In this episode, Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones join Mary Maloney to discuss the rights teenagers in the state of Texas have during a divorce settlement. Together they discuss how to co-parent when handling a difficult ex-spouse effectively, give advice for managing conversations with children who wish to live with their other parent, and recommended strategies for handling these sensitive conversations.

Justin and Andrea discuss:

  • What rights teenagers have in the state of Texas during a custody case
  • What happens when a child wants to live with the other parent after the divorce is settled
  • How to approach a situation where you disagree with how your ex is disciplining your child
  • How to effectively coordinate the schedule of your teenager’s school and extracurricular schedules with your ex
  • And more!

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Behind The Scenes Of Divorce Proceedings (Ep. 14)

Behind The Scenes Of Divorce Proceedings (Ep. 14)

In divorce proceedings, half of the battle is behind-the-scenes, when attorneys gather information and build the right strategy for each circumstance. 

In this episode, Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones focus on the process behind divorce proceedings and how attorneys function as a team to build your divorce strategy. Justin shares how he stays in constant communication with the client and ensures they are confident in the team.

Justin and Andrea discuss:

  • The first step in starting a divorce proceeding  
  • How technology has made communication easier for attorneys and their clients, as well as between attorneys
  • Why compartmentalizing personal emotions is essential for clients when in court and facing their spouse
  • How your actions reflect on future relationships
  • And more!

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Understanding Child Custody in Texas (Ep. 13)

Understanding Child Custody in Texas (Ep. 13)

Child custody is always a challenging conversation to have, but with the right information you can make the process easier on everyone involved.

In this episode, Justin Sisemore, a Texas-based attorney, and Andrea Jones join Mary Maloney to unpack the options available in child custody battles and clear up some common misconceptions. 

Learn about joint custody, 50-50 custody, primary custody, sole custody, and parents’ rights under each arrangement. 

Justin and Andrea discuss:

  • The meaning of joint managing conservatorship in the Texas Family Courts
  • The significance of the different types of conservatorship arrangements
  • The role of decision-making in child custody
  • The hierarchical structure of the court’s approach to child custody
  • And more

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Where Step Parents Stand During A Divorce (Ep.12)

Where Step Parents Stand During A Divorce (Ep.12)

Being a step-parent during your spouse’s divorce can mean watching where you step. How could your actions impact the view of your love to the judge? 

In this episode, Justin Sisemore and Andrea Jones explore the step-parent side of divorce, the importance of understanding where they stand during the legal process and how they could negatively impact the final outcome.

Justin and Andrea discuss:

  • Why step parents need to step back during the divorce proceedings
  • The importance of ensuring a new relationship goes well for both the adults and any children 
  • What boundaries step parents need to abide by
  • How to legally adopt a stepchild from a divorce while the other parent is still alive
  • And more!