Legal Lounge

Divorce, child custody disputes, and high-conflict family transitions can create emotional pressure that affects every person in the household… especially children. In this episode of Legal Lounge, Theresa sits down with therapist Matthew Murphy to talk about what children may be absorbing during family conflict, why emotional regulation matters for both parents and kids, and how therapy can suppo...

Legal decisions around marriage, business ownership, real estate, immigration, and estate planning often intersect in ways people do not expect. In this episode of Legal Lounge, host Theresa sits down with Attorney Claudia Soto, owner of Soto Law, to discuss proactive legal planning, bilingual legal services, and the value of trusted professional referrals. Their conversation explores how deeds, b...

Divorce often begins long before the court signs the divorce judgment. In North Carolina, separation starts the process of ‘un-coupling’ homes, finances, parenting schedules, property, and expectations for the future. In this episode of Legal Lounge, Theresa sits down with Modern Legal Attorney and Social Worker Tiffany Byrd for a practical conversation about what happens when spouses separate, ho...

Co-parenting after divorce can feel like an emotional, logistical, and legal reset all at once. In this episode, Theresa sits down with Cherie Morris to talk about what it really takes to move from conflict-driven parenting to child-centered cooperation, even when the other parent is difficult, resistant, or unwilling to fully engage. Together, they discuss why minimizing conflict matters more tha...

Healing from abuse is rarely quick or simple, and for many survivors the journey involves years of reflection, self-discovery, and difficult emotional work. In this episode, Theresa sits down with speaker, advocate, and nonprofit founder Tasha Tanks to discuss how personal healing can emerge from confronting painful family history and choosing forgiveness. Tasha shares the story behind her nonprof...

Divorce is not only a legal process. It is also an emotional transition that affects decision-making, parenting, and the way children experience change inside the family. In this episode, Theresa sits down with divorce coach, mediator, and collaborative professional Andra Davidson to talk about the emotional side of divorce and why it deserves just as much attention as the legal side. This convers...

Money is one of the leading sources of conflict in marriage, yet it is often the topic couples avoid the most. In this episode, Theresa sits down with certified financial planner and chartered financial analyst Randall Avery to discuss how financial habits, hidden debts, and poor communication can create serious stress in relationships. From undisclosed six-figure student loan balances to the conc...

What do breathalyzers, Instagram bans, and open marriage rules have in common? Family law consequences. In this celebrity-themed Q&A episode, producer Kristen Stegall puts Legal Lounge host and family law attorney Theresa Viera in the hot seat. Using headline-making cases like the Scott and Kelly Wolf custody battle, the Jeremy Allen White and Addison Timlin divorce, the Lily Allen and David H...

Mental health stigma, social media pressure, and cultural expectations can quietly shape a young person's future – especially in communities where emotional struggles are rarely discussed. In this episode, Theresa sits down with Juliana Lozano, founder and executive director of Despierta, a Charlotte-based nonprofit empowering Latina youth and women through emotional support, digital wellness...

Divorce is not a paperwork problem, but rather a mental, emotional, and logistical battle. And like any full-contact sport, you’re going to need more than just a rulebook. Certified Divorce Coach® Paula Lesso joins Theresa to talk about the kind of support most people do not realize they are missing: clear thought despite overwhelm, wisdom of the right questions to ask even before the legal steps...

When you are scared, uncertain, or just desperate to protect your kids, the internet can feel like the only avenue to help. But family law is not crowd-sourced – and for parents navigating child custody disputes, bad advice online can cause more harm than help. It can be downright dangerous. In this episode, Theresa sits down with Modern Legal Attorney and Social Worker Tiffany Byrd to unpack the...

Separation and divorce bring more than just legal changes, they upend emotional, relational, and parenting dynamics in ways that most families are not prepared for. In this episode, Theresa sits down with licensed clinical mental health clinician and parent coordinator Dr. Tara Egan to explore the therapeutic services that can support parents and children through high-conflict custody and separati...

When emotions run high and family disputes feel overwhelming, mediation offers a path forward that many overlook. In this episode, Deb Dilman and Theresa E. Viera, attorneys and certified mediators with Modern Legal, sit down to demystify mediation in family law. They discuss how mediation empowers parties to stay in control of decisions that impact their children, finances, and futures -- all whi...

This episode contains descriptions of stalking, kidnapping, and sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text “START” to 88788. For stalking‑specific resources and support, visit the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center at stalkingawareness.org.  What does surv...

This episode contains graphic depictions of domestic violence and child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text “START” to 88788. _______________________________________________________________ In part two of this series with Theresa’s mother, Eileen Gonzalez, Theresa shares her own...

This episode contains graphic depictions of domestic violence and child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text “START” to 88788. _______________________________________________________________ In this very special series on the Legal Lounge podcast, Theresa invites her mother, Eilee...

What do soda shops, Netflix documentaries, and YouTube divorces have in common? Family law lessons. In this special Q&A episode, producer Kristen Stegall puts Legal Lounge host and family law attorney Theresa Viera in the hot seat. Using examples ripped from reality TV, influencer drama, and real-life hypotheticals, they unpack what courts actually consider in complex custody cases - especiall...

Teens today are navigating more pressures than ever - from school and social anxiety to growing up in a pandemic. What happens when you give them space to lead, create, and belong? In this episode, Theresa sits down with Eden, a recent graduate of the Charlotte-based nonprofit Playing for Others (PFO). Eden shares how this teen leadership program changed her life through community service, the art...

Separation is never easy—especially when children are involved. The emotional toll of child custody decisions can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take early to reduce stress, avoid going to court, and create a more stable future for your family. In this episode, Theresa is joined by attorney Tiffany Byrd of Modern Legal to break down what parents need to know about navigating custod...

Deciding whether or not you want the marital home in your divorce can be a deeply personal and emotional decision, but it can also come down to numbers. In this episode, Theresa is joined by Nicole McAlister, the Owner of Premier Property Solutions, a real estate agency serving the greater Charlotte area. Nicole has seen it all when it comes to home ownership and where it can intersect with separa...

There might be one “D” word scarier than Divorce: Dating. Luckily, we have an expert in the house to take that fear away. Laurie Berzack, Owner of Carolinas Matchmaker, joins us in the Legal Lounge to go over the ins and outs of modern dating, how to approach finding a match, and the tried-and-true ways to keep the spark alive and foster healthy communication in a relationship. Whether you are rea...

Separation and divorce can create a lot of uncertainty and stress, especially for men who believe they are going to lose child custody rights or be taken advantage of financially due to alimony and child support issues. While a great divorce attorney will support you in pursuing appropriate legal relief, a divorce coach will help you process your situation to make level-headed, empowered decisions...

Divorce can bring up a lot of feelings: sadness, anger, and grief, to name a few. But maybe you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse want to work together to make your separation and divorce as smooth and peaceful as possible. That is where Collaborative Law can help. In this episode, Deb L. Dilman from the Modern Legal team joins Theresa to discuss the process of Collaborative Law, who could benefit fro...

In a divorce, people tend to get caught up in what they can get in that very moment - the former marital home, alimony, or even a specific piece of furniture - instead of planning for their financial future. In this episode, Theresa is joined by Leah Hadley to discuss how working with a CDFA® can save you tens - if not hundreds - of thousands of dollars and set you up well for your life after divo...

Starting and running a business is such an exciting venture, but it’s so important to legally protect yourself. Whether you’re working with a business partner, your spouse, or if you co-own a business with your spouse and now you are getting a divorce, working with a business attorney will ensure you are legally covered. In this episode, Shawn Garrett, a fractional Chief Legal Officer, and owner o...