Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce.
Welcome to *Children First Family Law*, a podcast dedicated to transforming the way families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce. In an industry too often focused on litigation, financial battles, and a war-like approach, we advocate for a radical shift in priorities—putting the well-being of children at the forefront. Join us as we explore how to handle divorce in a way that protects children from the collateral damage of parental conflict and legal battles. We offer resources, insights, and expert advice to help parents understand how to manage divorce without destroying their children’s future. By highlighting the flaws in the current system and providing a roadmap for a more compassionate approach, we aim to become thought leaders in this space, calling for change within the professional landscape of family law. We’ll discuss crucial topics like collaborative and amicable divorce, parental alienation, and navigating the complexities of domestic violence and child abuse within the legal system. Through candid conversations and expert guidance, *Children First Family Law* equips families to emerge from the brokenness of divorce with their children’s well-being intact—just like a beautiful stained glass window crafted from shattered pieces. If you’re asking yourself, ”How can I ensure my children aren’t destroyed by my divorce?” or ”Why does my lawyer always push for litigation?” this podcast is for you. Tune in, and let us guide you toward a healthier, more hopeful future for your family.
Episodes
In today’s episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista is joined by Dr. Susan Fletcher, a licensed psychologist in both Texas and Colorado, known for her deep experience with court-involved families and child-focused evaluations. Together, they explore what children truly experience during and after a divorce and how parents and professionals can better support their transition to life in two homes.
Dr. Fletcher explai...
In this episode of the Children First Family Law Podcast, Krista welcomes Seth Goldstein, a California-based family law attorney, expert witness, and former police officer with over four decades of experience in child protection. The conversation centers on how courts respond—or fail to respond—when child abuse allegations arise in the context of divorce or custody disputes.
Drawing on his experience in law enforcement and years of...
In this solo episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista, a Colorado-based family law attorney and child advocate, breaks down her structured approach to serving as a Child’s Legal Representative (CLR) in high-conflict divorce and custody cases across the state.
Krista shares her 11-step process for advocating on behalf of children during some of the most complex and emotionally charged family law matters. Drawing on h...
In this moving episode of the Children First Family Law Podcast, Krista welcomes acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ellen Bruno, the creator behind the powerful films “Split: The Early Years” and “Split Up: The Teen Years.” These documentaries feature a cast of real children who had experienced divorce of their parents, with purely their voices and artwork, no experts, no therapists, no adults – just the kids. Split featured the kids ...
Choosing a therapist for your child often feels daunting because it’s an important decision in the divorce process. Today’s guest offers invaluable advice on what to look for in a therapy professional.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes child custody expert and Texas-licensed professional counselor Christy Bradshaw Schmidt. Christy has served as a private child custody evaluator since 2003, having complet...
Many professionals in the divorce community are beginning to recognize the impact divorce can have on children. Out of that realization, innovative programs are emerging that can help children and families flourish despite a divorce.
On today’s Children First Family Law, Krista interviews Trina Nudson, creator of nationally available child-centered co-parenting programs that parents anywhere can access to transform the quality of t...
When couples split up, animosity and resentment can fester, leaving children caught in the middle.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes Jill Reiter and Dr. Shelley Bresnick to discuss their program, Co-Parenting with Respect, a 10-session curriculum that brings children’s voices to the forefront and delicately facilitates parents learning to be the best possible co-parents. Shelley is a clinical psychologis...
Courts worldwide handle divorce and children differently, and Australia’s system is one today’s guest knows well.
On today’s episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes Justice Tom Altobelli, a family law judge from Sydney, Australia, who has served as a leader of international organizations focusing on doing divorce better. Justice Altobelli is a former professor at Western Sydney University and has been on the bench sin...
Parents often want their children’s voices to be heard during the divorce process. However, how that happens can vary greatly depending on the family’s situation.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista explains the “best interests” standard in Colorado and what families can expect regarding their child’s voice being heard in court. She outlines the nine factors Colorado uses to determine parenting time allocation, inc...
Co-parents often find themselves at a stalemate with one parent distrustful of the other. Trust can be rebuilt, and returning guest Dr. Michael Saini has some tips on how to do it.
On today’s episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes back Dr. Saini, a Toronto-based renowned psychologist who has authored more than 200 publications, including book chapters, government reports, systematic reviews, and a vast number of peer...
Divorce brings many challenges to families going through a divorce, and involving a mental health professional can make all the difference in their outcomes on the other side of the divorce.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista sits down with Lauren Blake, owner and founder of Michigan-based Blake Family Consulting. Lauren is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a decade of experience working in family law ...
Keeping children’s best interests at the forefront in family courts should be a common goal, but unfortunately, they are often caught in litigious battles. Understanding the processes behind court proceedings can often smooth out the rough edges, and today’s guest specializes in advocating for kids and serving their needs.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes Dr. Ben Garber, a superstar in the family law ...
Dispute resolution is a talent, and those gifted with this talent are adept at reaching out to both parties during conflict resolution to reach an acceptable conclusion.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes the Honorable Michael E. Hegarty, long-time attorney, litigator, and a retired federal judge from the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Judge Hegarty served 19 years on the bench before r...
Science offers us some intriguing perspectives on divorce’s impact on children. Today’s guest is using science to better understand and support parents and kids through the complexities of the experiences of loss.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes Dr. Karey O’Hara, a psychologist and assistant research professor at Arizona State University with a focus on navigating the intersection between family law ...
When a divorce or separation occurs, despite the complicated emotions that accompany it, a family remains a family.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista sits down with Dr. Premela Deck, a Boston-area family law attorney and forensic social worker with a Ph.D. in her field who is creating innovative solutions to integrate law and social work to help children and parents navigate conflict amid family law disputes. A...
It’s no secret that separations and divorces can be stressful, costly, and emotionally exhausting, and finding a solution that works for both parties involved and the children can feel impossible.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista outlines the options available to those seeking a divorce or separation, particularly in Colorado. The choices individuals make in this situation have implications, and Krista shares th...
Substance misuse and abuse is a complex topic, especially in a divorce situation in which children are involved. Today’s guest helps to unravel complexities surrounding addiction issues to help families navigate these complex situations while keeping children’s well-being at the forefront.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista sits down with Lorraine Bockman, a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselo...
Too often, family courts focus on viewing cases through a typical civil court lens rather than considering the children and families who need nuanced solutions that best preserve coparenting and meet specific needs of specific children. Typical courts that rotate judges and have little background in these nuances often fail to meet such needs, leading to debate about whether dedicated family courts can serve families and children b...
Maintaining a child’s attachment to a parent with substance abuse issues can be a complex path to navigate. With advice from experts and keeping the child’s best interests first and foremost, parents and courts can successfully co-parent and maintain a healthy parent-child relationship.
This episode of Children First Family Law is part two of Krista’s two-part series on navigating substance misuse issues alongside co-parenting in a...
Substance abuse is often used as a weapon in family court, even when there isn’t a significant problem. Courts have several ways of handling this issue, and each method can have long-term implications.
In this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista explores how family courts determine whether a parent is safe with a child. She outlines her experiences with families dealing with these scenarios, implementing advice and experti...
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