Coparenting Beyond Conflict: High-Conflict Divorce and Custody Strategies

What if divorce didn’t have to mean years of litigation, mounting legal fees, and a judge deciding your family’s future? In this episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict , Sol speaks with Amanda Singer, a family law mediator and attorney who has spent more than 13 years helping couples resolve divorce and custody issues outside of court. Amanda explains how mediation offers families a more collabora...

A high-conflict custody battle can make even the most devoted parent feel powerless. In this episode, Derek Salyers shares the deeply personal story of fighting for shared parenting after being falsely accused, cut off from his son for months, and pulled into a years-long family court battle. Derek opens up about the mental health toll many fathers silently carry, the realities of parallel parenti...

Divorce is often framed as something you “win” or “lose”—but what if that mindset is exactly what keeps you stuck? In this episode, family law attorney and author Nicole Sodoma shares candid, hard-earned insights from both sides of the courtroom. After decades advising clients—and then going through her own divorce—Nicole reveals what actually matters when you’re navigating high-conflict co-parent...

Are you co-parenting with someone who seems to change the rules, twist reality, and keep you constantly on edge? Divorce is hard enough—but when you’re dealing with manipulation, control, and emotional chaos, it can feel impossible to find your footing. In this episode, Tracy Malone, author and renowned narcissistic abuse recovery coach, breaks down exactly how to protect your peace, support your...

Think family court will give you closure, fairness, or emotional justice? Think again. If you’re walking into divorce expecting the system to make things right, you may be setting yourself up for more frustration, confusion, and costly mistakes. Karen Covy—attorney, divorce coach, and founder of Divorce Road Map—pulls back the curtain on what the legal system actually does (and what it doesn’t), a...

Are you saying “yes” just to keep the peace—while quietly losing yourself in the process? If you feel trapped between avoiding conflict and honoring your own needs, you’re not alone. Amy Ballantyne, executive coach and host of Power to the People Pleasers, breaks down how people-pleasing patterns show up in co-parenting—and how to start setting boundaries without guilt, escalation, or self-abandon...

Why does your ex still live in your head—even after the relationship ends? If you still feel triggered, controlled, or second-guessing yourself, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. Dr. Kerry McAvoy, psychologist and host of Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse, explains why toxic dynamics become an internal “echo”—and how to quiet it, reclaim your voice, and parent from a grounded, empowered p...

Is your anxiety "dumping" all over your kids and fueling the conflict? In this powerful episode, Kirk Martin of the Calm Parenting Podcast joins guest host Louise Love to reveal why your child's "defiance" is often a mirror of your own internal storm. You will walk away with a radical shift in perspective: moving from trying to control an uncooperative co-parent or a stron...

In this conversation, Cherie Morris shares her journey from being an attorney to a coach specializing in co-parenting and conflict resolution. She emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, somatic healing, and the need to slow down in high-conflict situations. Cherie discusses the significance of role modeling for children, setting boundaries, and the power of emotional validation. The co...

In this conversation, Denise Kavaliauskas shares her insights on navigating the complexities of divorce and co-parenting, emphasizing the importance of emotional healing, effective communication, and understanding the dynamics of high conflict situations. She discusses the pitfalls of the divorce industry, the significance of self-empowerment, and offers practical strategies for individuals facing...

In this conversation, Joe Dillon, a seasoned mediator, shares his journey into mediation, influenced by his childhood experiences with divorce. He emphasizes the importance of understanding children's perspectives during parental conflicts and the need for effective communication between parents. Joe discusses the role of mediation as a peaceful alternative to litigation, highlighting the emo...

In this conversation, Teresa Luse shares her journey through co-parenting and the challenges of navigating relationships with ex-partners. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, empathy, and communication in fostering a healthier co-parenting dynamic. Teresa discusses the impact of labeling co-parents as narcissists and encourages listeners to focus on their own actions and responses. T...

In this conversation, Sol and Erin Levine discuss the complexities of divorce, especially during the holiday season. Erin shares her journey from being a family law attorney to founding Hello Divorce, a platform aimed at providing a more humane and accessible approach to divorce. They explore the emotional challenges of divorce, the importance of communication in co-parenting, and how technology,...

Sol and Louise reflect on their podcast journey, discussing the challenges of co-parenting, the importance of community support, and the valuable insights shared by their podcast guests. They highlight key episodes that resonated with listeners, emphasizing the need for child-centric approaches in high-conflict situations. The conversation also touches on future plans for the podcast. Get the Best...

In this conversation, Dr. Karalynn Royster discusses her journey into the field of co-parenting and high-conflict divorce, emphasizing the importance of supporting both parents and children through these challenging dynamics. She delves into the concept of gaslighting, its implications in co-parenting, and how parents can recognize and address it. Dr. Royster highlights the significance of emotion...

In this conversation, David Pisarra, Esq. discusses the challenges fathers face in family law, particularly in child custody cases. He shares insights from his experience in family law, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, emotional support, and self-representation. David highlights the need for fathers to advocate for themselves in court and provides practical advice on how to n...

In this conversation, Bridget Bennett shares her insights on navigating the complexities of family court, particularly for co-parents dealing with high conflict situations. She discusses the importance of understanding the legal process, the value of self-representation, and effective communication strategies. Bridget emphasizes the need for proper documentation, setting boundaries, and finding su...

In this conversation, we explore the journey of shifting focus from working directly with children to engaging with parents for greater impact. The discussion delves into the importance of resilience, the challenges of parallel parenting, and strategies for fostering a calm and confident family environment. The episode emphasizes hope and the potential for positive change in family dynamics, even...

In this conversation, Kirk Stange shares his unexpected journey into family law, emphasizing the importance of crafting effective parenting plans and navigating high-conflict co-parenting situations. He discusses the role of technology in communication, the significance of prenuptial agreements, and the emotional impact of family law cases. Stange also provides insights on choosing the right attor...

In this conversation, Christina McGhee discusses the complexities of co-parenting, emphasizing the importance of keeping children at the center of the process. She shares insights on navigating high conflict situations, the role of professionals, and practical advice for parents. McGhee highlights the significance of developing guiding principles, understanding children's perspectives, and cr...

In this conversation, Elise Buie, a family law attorney, shares her insights on the emotional complexities of divorce and co-parenting. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, education on toxic behaviors, and the transformative potential of divorce. Elise discusses her personal journey through divorce, the role of AI in improving communication, and the necessity of building a sup...

In this enlightening conversation, Heather Wolfe shares her extensive experience in social work and her insights into co-parenting with a narcissistic partner. She discusses the challenges faced by parents in high conflict situations, the importance of understanding narcissism, and practical strategies for managing these relationships. Heather emphasizes the need for documentation, building a supp...

In this episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict, host Sol Kennedy speaks with Stephanie McPhail, a Divorce Certified Crisis Counselor and Life Success Coach. They discuss the complexities of navigating unhealthy relationships, the importance of self-discovery and healing, and the role of boundaries in relationships. Stephanie shares her personal journey through an abusive marriage and how she learn...

In this conversation, Greg Wheeler shares his journey as a single dad and the challenges he faced, leading to the creation of resources for single parents. He discusses the importance of co-parenting, the concept of conscious uncoupling, and how personal growth can transform relationships. The dialogue emphasizes the need for awareness of negative patterns, the role of curiosity in communication,...

In this conversation, we explore the complexities of navigating the family court system, particularly focusing on self-representation in high conflict divorce cases. Chris Barry and Lisa Johnson share their insights on the emotional challenges, strategic communication, and the importance of building a supportive team. They discuss common pitfalls faced by self-represented litigants and emphasize t...