Texas Family Law Insiders

Unlock the secrets to mastering the art of evidence in family law cases! In this episode, Spenser Housewright, a family law attorney at the Shapiro Law Firm, delves into the critical topic of evidence—how to get it in, how to keep it out, and its importance in winning a case. You’ll discover… The surprising importance of knowing your judge's tendencies to sway your case's outcome. A sneak peek int...

Unlock the possibilities of AI in the legal field while overcoming the challenges of technology adoption that most attorneys face today… But how can lawyers harness artificial intelligence to elevate their practice without succumbing to overwhelm or ethical pitfalls? In this episode, Alex Shahrestani, managing partner of Promise Legal PLLC, delves deep into the integration of AI and law, offering...

From Prosecution to Financial Planning—The Multifaceted Career of Guy Rodgers In this episode, Guy Rodgers, the owner of Guy Rodgers Private Wealth Strategies, unravels his unique journey from being a family lawyer to becoming a seasoned financial advisor. Tune in to learn how he helps individuals and legal professionals navigate complex financial landscapes. You’ll discover… What prompted Guy to...

Ever wondered how you can turn the tide on an unfavorable child custody evaluation or uncover the hidden layers of business valuations in family law? Join us as we dive deep into family law expert witness testimony with an industry expert. In this episode, Greg Beane, a board-certified family law attorney at Webb Family Law, unveils the secrets to prepare for direct and cross-examination of expert...

Prosecutors spend far more time in the courtroom than most family lawyers, so what can we learn from a former prosecutor? Get ready for a deep dive into the strategic world of courtroom preparation and trial skills! In this episode, Emily Doron, a seasoned attorney at The Draper Law Firm, unveils the secrets behind success in the courtroom, drawing on her rich experience in the DA's office. You’ll...

Social media might be the secret weapon for your business, but are you utilizing it to its full potential? Discover how one lawyer turned her social media presence into a powerhouse for her law firm. In this episode, Gianni Avalos, owner of Avalos Family Trial Attorneys, shares her innovative strategies in social media marketing, virtual business structuring, and niche marketing that revolutionize...

In custody battles involving polarizing child custody issues, the stakes are high and the challenges manifold... How can parents and legal professionals navigate the complexities with authenticity and support? In this episode, Kelly Fritsch, an experienced family law attorney and owner of a family law practice in Houston, Texas, shares her invaluable insights on effectively handling cases involvin...

Ever wondered how to prepare for an oral argument before the Texas Supreme Court? Dive into the intricate details and unique experiences of handling a high-stakes Supreme Court case. In this episode, Holly Draper unpacks the complexities and strategies involved in her recent oral argument in the Texas Supreme Court case, Stary v. Ethridge. You’ll discover… The meticulous preparation and strategies...

Child custody evaluations can be out of the question for many family law litigants because of the expense and time involved. Could Brief Focused Assessments be a better solution in many cases?  In this episode, Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, a licensed professional counselor and family law expert, reveals innovative strategies and insights to simplify and improve the child custody evaluation process, w...

Feeling overwhelmed by financial disclosures during divorce cases? Learn how to streamline the process and make your case rock-solid with insights from the pros! In this episode, Holly Draper and Carrie Tapia, partners at The Draper Law Firm, delve into the intricacies of effectively managing financial documents for mediation and court. They explore common pitfalls and offer practical strategies f...

Did you know that spousal maintenance in Texas has a maximum duration and specific termination conditions? Dive into this episode to uncover the intricacies of spousal support laws, how they affect divorce proceedings, and essential advice for family lawyers. In this episode, Rob McAngus, Partner at Verner Brumley Mueller Parker, P.C. and board-certified in family law, reveals the nuanced world of...

Many of us dream of being a “lawyer on the beach…” But today’s guest, Nikita Lamar, has made it her reality.  Nikita, founder of Lamar Legal Group, PLLC, will share her unique journey from starting her legal career in Texas to maintaining her successful practice remotely from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  She’ll cover: The mental and spiritual shift that inspired her to practice law abroad Overcoming...

Uncover the powerful journey of an attorney who navigated through the perils of burnout to rediscover her passion for law and life… Today's episode features Cynthia Rendon, owner of Rendon Law Firm, PLLC, and author of “Judge Me Not: An Attorney’s Journey of Healing from Burnout.” Cynthia shares how she transformed her practice as a lawyer to overcome burnout–and how other lawyers can do the same....

In this episode of The Texas Family Law Insiders podcast, we delve deep into the world of interstate child custody litigation with Mary Neal, a seasoned family law attorney at Albin Oldner Law in Frisco, Texas. With a personal connection to the challenges of family law, Mary offers invaluable perspectives on navigating the legal complexities that come with child custody cases. We’ll cover: A compr...

Dive into the transformative world of divorce coaching with Amy Tyson, a twice-divorced mother turned advocate, as she unveils her latest resources for families navigating the complex journey of divorce. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Amy back to the Texas Family Law Insiders podcast. Since we last spoke, Amy has continued to evolve her mission to support divorcing families, now stepp...

In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of LGBTQ+ issues and family law, a realm where the legal landscapes are as diverse as the clients served. My guest is Christine Andresen, founder of CHA Law in Austin, Texas, a firm that specializes in serving LGBTQ+ family law clients.  Christine will share what family lawyers need to know about LGBTQ+ issues in family law, drawing from her exte...

In this solo episode, Holly delves into the pivotal case she currently has pending before the Texas Supreme Court, Stary v. Ethridge , that challenges the constitutionality of the Texas protective order statute.  Discover the nuances of Texas’ protective order statutes and the constitutional debate it ignites.  Uncover the challenges and implications of the Stary v. Ethridge case as it ascends to...

In this episode, partners Holly Draper and Carrie Tapia discuss the complex issue of enforcing possession and access. Holly and Carrie bring their extensive expertise in family law to shed light on the often-challenging area of enforcing possession and access, offering valuable insights for both legal professionals and individuals navigating these issues. Unpack the critical elements of enforcing...

What is the impact of intensive reunification therapy in family law? Intensive reunification therapy is different than traditional reunification therapy, and it can potentially have many negative impacts on a family. In this episode, author and psychologist Susan Fletcher shares her expertise on intensive reunification therapy, a subject of growing concern nationwide. Susan will provide a detailed...

Struggling with the intricacies of attorneys' fees in family law? In this episode, Jim Mueller, owner and managing partner at Verner Brumley Mueller Parker, PC, sheds light on the often-complex topic of attorneys' fees in family law cases and shares practical advice for family lawyers. Uncover the critical steps for securing attorneys' fees in family law. Explore the nuances of interim fees and th...

What are the best practices for alcohol monitoring in family law cases? My guest in this episode is Mike Fonseca, a national sales manager for Soberlink. He’s here to share his expertise on Soberlink and break down how this technology plays a role in family law. He’ll cover: Comparing alcohol monitoring technology’s effectiveness How Soberlink helps clients with accountability What attorneys need...

Where does post-C.J.C case law stand at the end of 2023?   In this episode, I give an update on post-C.J.C cases since my last episode on this topic.  Join me for an overview of each case and an analysis of how they could impact future parent vs. non-parent child custody cases.  I’ll also cover the fit parent presumption and where the Texas Supreme Court stands on C.J.C at the end of this year.

How can attorneys draft effective substantive motions? Often, I see attorneys drafting substantive motions poorly, which sometimes costs them wins for clients. In this episode, I share my top strategies for drafting substantive motions. I’ll cover: What is a substantive motion and how does it compare to a standard pleading? Pleas to the jurisdiction Motions to reconsider Responding to a substantiv...

Is decision fatigue impacting your performance? Day after day, attorneys are called on to make hundreds of decisions… Without the proper rest and recovery, your brain can become overwhelmed. In this episode, Susan Myres unpacks what decision fatigue is and shares how attorneys can manage and overcome decision fatigue so we can show up as our best selves. Susan is the managing partner of Myres &amp...

Possession schedules can be a complicated aspect of divorce cases, especially when a family has unique needs that aren’t met by the standard possession schedules. In this episode, I’m joined by Draper Law Firm associate attorney Desiree Hemphill to discuss possession schedules and how family lawyers can handle them. We’ll cover: What is the standard possession order? How to handle holidays 50/50 s...