Are you in court constantly battling a vindictive ex? How do you fight back and win? In this very important episode of the Modern Divorce podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Lisa Johnson, a high conflict parenting strategist and legal abuse expert. This discussion is essential listening for anyone caught in a divorce with an ex whose goal is to ruin you emotionally and financially.Lisa shares her personal journey through a grueling nine-year legal struggle, providing a glimpse into the exact tactics that saved her time, money, and emotional distress. She also discusses the critical importance of emotional management and persuasive communication in court—skills that she mastered while representing herself against a relentless ex-spouse.The episode also covers strategies for dealing with high-conflict individuals (aka Nuclear!), offering practical advice on adjusting your approach to ensure constructive negotiations. Lisa's expertise shines as she explains how to stay focused and effective in the face of legal and personal challenges.Don't miss out on these expert insights—listen today to learn how to navigate your divorce proceedings with confidence and composure.Find Lisa online at BeenThereGotOut.com to find out more. You can also email her direction at [email protected].

Should teens be allowed – by law – to decide which parent they should live with after a divorce? Legislators are looking at a bill in Arizona that may upset some divorcing parents who find themselves with no parenting time even though they are considered “fit parents.”This episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, with host Billie Tarascio, features Laura Chapman, a seasoned family law attorney to talk about the realities of divorce, including a candid discussion into the proposed state legislation that would allow teens to choose which parent they live with - and why that may bring some unintended consequences with longterm effects. Laura's decade-long tenure in Maricopa County's courts informs her compassionate approach to guiding clients through the complexities of family law. As they explore the post-COVID landscape of family law practice, topics range from the virtues and challenges of virtual court appearances to the pivotal role of digital tools in client support.The episode not only unveils Laura's professional ethos but also offers a glimpse into her personal life as a young single mother, from soccer matches with her daughters to engaging in fitness challenges. Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of modern family law, and reach out with inquiries or topic suggestions at [email protected].

In this eye-opening special edition episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Matson Browning, an expert in gang enforcement, to dissect the complexities of the Gilbert Goons case. Browning’s background brings much-needed clarity to the criteria for classifying what constitutes a gang, shedding light on the case's intricacies, including the controversy surrounding the police report and gang identification standards.The discussion takes a critical look at local law enforcement's response to the Gilbert Goons, calling out systemic failures and advocating for more robust, proactive community protection measures. Browning emphasizes the importance of early intervention, particularly in schools, and the need for city officials to prioritize safety over image.This episode underscores the gravity of gang violence in communities and the collective responsibility to confront these issues openly. As Matson and Billie highlight the necessary steps for community action and accountability, the episode serves as a wake-up call to listeners to stay informed and involved – not just in Gilbert, Arizona, but any locale where bullying and gangs are allowed to fester.Stay tuned and engaged with the Modern Divorce Podcast for more insightful discussions where we look at local issues that connect with the law. Your feedback is crucial—like, download, and review, and let us know your thoughts on this significant community issue.***Find out more about Matt Browning and his wife TawniMatt & Tawni Browning are the neighbors you wave at each time that you pass in the car or maybe the couple you always see at your favorite restaurant, but the truth is...Matt & Tawni are much more.The authors of The Hate Next Door are sharing their experiences with the world. https://www.mattandtawni.com/

Mixing up two families is no small task. Why are some people good at it, and others not so much? In this episode of the Modern Divorce podcast with host Billie Tarascio, we’re cutting through the sugar-coated advice and serving up some honest wisdom with Lori and Dave Sims of Nacho Kids They’ve mastered the art of blending—not in the kitchen, but in life.🎧 Listening highlights:Strategies to turn tension into togetherness that are realistic, not fairytale.The 'nacho' method that could be the key ingredient you’re missing.Stories from the Sims' own kitchen table proving that happiness in a stepfamily is not just an ideal, it's achievable.Forget about the Brady Bunch: The Sims family talks in reality, and the struggles they had developing a method that worked.You can find out more at NachoKids.com and at NachoKidsAcademy.com.

Modern Divorce host Billie Tarascio welcomes parenting coach and divorce expert, Christina McGhee, who shares her practical advice and top parenting strategies to help children through the monumental changes divorce brings.This week’s episode starts with a powerful example, with McGhee emphasizing early and effective support for parents, and how it can dramatically improve outcomes for children. With plenty of personal reflections from the host, McGhee provides a key piece of advice: children must feel secure in sharing their emotions about the divorce. With real-life anecdotes from McGhee’s coaching, listeners will hear how children have learned to speak openly about the experience as just another chapter in their lives.The episode also tackles the more challenging aspects of divorce, particularly high-conflict scenarios. The experts dissect how to manage continuous conflict and provide stability, which can be crucial for children's long-term adjustment. For more divorce tools, you can find Christina McGhee online at  DivorceAndChildren.com

In this episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host Billie Tarascio digs into the world of family law for professional athletes, who have to closely guard their privacy and money matters during the legal process. She is joined by an expert in the field, family law attorney Rich Harris and founder of the Harris Law Firm in Colorado, who has built a unique system to protect his high-flying clients, emphasizing confidentiality and discretion as paramount concerns.So how can an average person keep his or her money and marriage details private in a legal world that makes things public information?The episode explores the ways it’s possible to manage public profiles and high-income levels during divorce or paternity cases. Harris details his processes, including a separate entry process and use of pseudonyms, to maintain utmost privacy even within his office. He also discusses the potential complexities in child support and asset division for athletes and high income earners, noting the importance of tailored strategies that consider fluctuating incomes and career longevity.Pre and postnuptial agreements are underscored as crucial tools, with Harris advising proactive legal steps to establish paternity and parental rights. The impact of social media on family law disputes is also a focal point, where Harris advocates for cautious online behavior given the potential for posts to be used as evidence.The takeaways for those of us who don’t have multi-million sports contracts are how to apply privacy controls over what can become public fodder in social media and through public information sources.

In this episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host and family law attorney Billie Tarascio,  sits down with Natalie DiBernardo, a candidate for Mayor in Gilbert, the well-heeled Phoenix suburb at the crossroads of a public safety crisis after gangs of affluent teens terrorized their peers, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old.DiBernardo shares her reasons for jumping into the race, emphasizing her strong roots in Gilbert a desire to better reflect the community's voice in local government.  In recent months, community members have loudly demonstrated their outrage in the city's response to gang violence, with the current mayor offering to step down at the end of her term.The two discuss DiBernardo's key policy initiatives, including enhancing public safety in light of recent violence by the so-called "Gilbert Goons," promoting responsible urban growth, and improving infrastructure to match the town's rapid expansion. She highlights the necessity of bridging the communication gap between the government and its citizens, advocating for increased transparency and collaborative problem-solving sessions.Bringing a personal touch to her political vision, DiBernardo shares her family's tragic experience with violence, underlining her commitment to addressing systemic issues within policing and public safety. Her approach centers on empathy, accountability, and community unity, aiming to steer Gilbert towards a future where leadership is responsive and inclusive of all residents' voices.The episode not only outlines DiBernardo's strategies for tackling Gilbert's challenges but also serves as a call to action for residents to engage actively in their community's governance. It underscores the importance of leadership that is in tune with the community’s needs, advocating for a collaborative path forward in addressing the town’s growth and safety concerns.

What if your teen got into a group fight that caused someone’s death resulting in a murder charge? In Arizona, says criminal defense attorney Mark Mendoza, a conviction on murder charges is a minimum sentence of life in prison. One of the teens charged with murder by a Grand Jury in Maricopa County was included because he recorded the incident on his phone.That should strike fear into any parent whose kiddo hangs out with the wrong crowd or gets involved in the type of fight clubs that spawned the so-called Gilbert Goons. Charges also have been filed against parents of one of those charged, similar to the now-jailed parents of a teen who was found guilty in a school shooting.Today’s episode is from the March 7 2023 live stream with host Billie Tarascio and Mark Mendoza, a former Maricopa County prosecutor, who answer parents' questions and talk about the arrests and murder charges against 7 teenagers in Gilbert Arizona who are being charged with the tragic murder of 16 year old Preston Lord who died after a beating at a Halloween Party in 2023. The Gilbert Goons story, and the murder charges are a cautionary tale that parents need to hear, and they need to share with their teens. 

In the wake of harrowing incidents of teen violence that have shaken an Arizona suburb, the Modern Divorce Podcast presents a powerful narrative of redemption and advocacy. Host Billie Tarascio sits down with Eric Hebert, a man whose turbulent past led him down a path of incarceration and unexpected fatherhood at just 14. Now, armed with hard-earned wisdom and a fervent desire to make a difference, Eric shares his journey from youthful missteps to community activism.As the details of the tragic event unfold – seven arrests, potential life sentences, and the loss of a 16-year-old – Eric's story offers an honest and unique perspective on the consequences of impulsive decision-making. With candor and courage, he reflects on the circumstances that led to his own imprisonment and the profound impact it had on his life and those around him.But Eric's narrative is not one of despair; it's a testament to the power of second chances. Through his transformation from inmate to advocate, he is speaking out to keep teens from going down the same path. Ultimately, he says, the key to safeguard kids is in the hands of parents.  Eric offers practical advice to parents grappling with the fear of their children being caught up in the same cycle of violence. 

Join Family Law Attorney Billie Tarascio on the latest episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast as she delves deep into the heart of Maricopa County's criminal justice system alongside guest Gina Godbehere, candidate for Maricopa County District Attorney. With a surge in teen violence and recent headlines dominated by the tragic murder of 16-year-old Preston Lord, families are questioning public safety officials about how they’re doing their jobs. Gina doesn't shy away from tough questions about the state of Arizona's criminal justice system. From concerns about downgraded cases to the need for firmer accountability measures, she lays out a compelling case for change. Gina brings a wealth of experience to the table, drawing from her 25-year tenure with the Maricopa County Attorney's office. Her insights shed light on pressing issues such as the rise of the Gilbert Goons and the challenges posed by an increasingly porous border. Through her nonprofit, 'Speak up! Stand up! Save a Life', Gina champions proactive community engagement as a vital tool in crime prevention, urging listeners to confront the root causes of violence head-on.Gina can be found at http://www.ginaforjustice.com. You can also reach her by email at [email protected].