Ex-it Strategy

Elizabeth Stephenson and Sarah J. Hink of New Direction Family Law introduce new attorney Tyler E. Kaestner, who recently moved from Pennsylvania to Raleigh, and discuss key differences between Pennsylvania and North Carolina family law and procedure. They compare divorce timelines and separation requirements (including Pennsylvania’s ability to be “separated” while living in the same home), custody processes using conciliation officers and Zoom conferences, and child support rules such as Pennsylvania’s lack of retroactive child support and use of net income. They also cover easier modification standards in Pennsylvania, shorter alimony durations there versus longer potential awards in North Carolina, North Carolina’s alienation of affection/criminal conversation claims and proposed legislative changes, and major differences in discovery and subpoena procedures. They warn against relying on Google/AI or friends for legal advice, noting AI outputs may be wrong and what you enter into AI may be discoverable.

00:00 Child Support Shock

00:44 Meet the Attorneys

00:58 Tyler Joins the Firm

02:21 Divorce Filing Rules

03:06 What Counts as Separation

04:50 NC Law May Change

06:38 Custody Process Differences

08:50 Out of State Orders

09:53 Child Support Pitfalls

12:46 Guidelines Net vs Gross

13:40 Modifying Orders Loopholes

14:31 Custody Mods Without Change

15:42 Mediation Differences

16:34 Conference Officer Path

17:14 Alimony Rules Compared

18:22 Alienation Claims Drama

20:22 Affairs and Alimony Bars

21:49 Subpoenas and Discovery Shock

23:56 AI and Legal Pitfalls

25:41 Pro Se TikTok Warnings

26:52 Wrap Up and Thanks

Attorneys Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah J. Hink, and Tyler E. Kaestner of New Direction Family Law talk with mental health professional Fauzia Faizi Shah about complex PTSD and narcissistic personality disorder and how these dynamics commonly surface in separation, divorce, and custody cases. Shah describes narcissistic traits and tactics such as gaslighting (changing someone’s reality), love-bombing and trauma bonding, boundary violations, manipulation, isolation, strength-shaming, and the repeating abuse cycle, and explains how victims may appear depressed or use substances as coping while the narcissistic partner thrives. The conversation focuses on protecting children, who may become “performers” for narcissistic parents, and on educating judges through seasoned evaluations and parenting capacity assessments, recommending supervised visitation when appropriate, therapy for children and the targeted parent, and legal boundaries like structured communication and parenting coordinators. Shah shares that her forthcoming book and online resources address complex PTSD, neurobiology, attachment, and healing.

00:00 Kids as Performers

00:47 Podcast Introductions

01:29 Book on Complex PTSD

02:26 Spotting Narcissism

03:49 Gaslighting Explained

04:31 Trauma Bond Cycle

06:16 Abuse and Control

07:29 Leaving and Safety

07:54 Evaluations and Court

14:15 Co Parenting Challenges

16:07 Protecting the Children

18:01 Courtroom Facades

21:41 Custody Battle Tactics

22:53 Coping Not Crazy

23:32 DV Mental Health Toll

24:04 Why It Feels Normal

24:56 Neurobiology And Attachment

26:32 Lawyer Strategy And Therapy

27:35 Breaking Trauma Bonds

29:45 Are Narcissists Increasing

30:35 Resources And New Book

31:37 Complex PTSD Explained

32:47 Boundaries And Legal Shields

34:33 Final Warnings Love Bombing

Elizabeth Stevenson and Sarah J. Hink of New Direction Family Law, joined by associate attorney Tyler E. Kaestner, interview Veronica Kemeny, a licensed clinical social worker and co-owner of Anchor Perinatal Wellness in Raleigh, during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. They discuss perinatal mental health as an inclusive term covering trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum (up to two years), and non-birthing partners, and review conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Kemeny explains warning signs such as impaired functioning and inability to sleep when given the chance, normalizes intrusive thoughts, and emphasizes the importance of trained providers due to stigma and misinterpretation. The conversation covers risk factors, medication concerns, impacts on relationships and divorce/custody cases, and resources like Postpartum Support International, nurse visiting programs, UNC’s perinatal inpatient unit, and Anchor’s intensive program, teletherapy, childcare, and free walk-in maternal mental health clinic at anchorperinatal.com.

00:00 UNC Perinatal Units

00:43 Meet the Guests

01:40 Veronica and Anchor Program

03:16 What Perinatal Mental Health Means

04:36 When Symptoms Become Serious

05:51 Red Flags Sleep and Safety

07:20 Intrusive Thoughts and Stigma

10:56 Screening and Provider Gaps

12:23 Risk Factors and Prevention

15:29 Resources Programs and Medication

17:36 Social Media Comparison Trap

17:52 Finding Realistic Support

18:54 Marriage Strain After Baby

19:22 Teamwork and Self Care Plan

22:17 Sleep Boundaries and Visitors

24:28 When to Seek Treatment

25:44 Divorce and Custody Bias

29:07 Free Nurse Visiting Programs

30:25 How to Get Help

31:42 Final Takeaways

Attorneys Sarah Hink and Elizabeth Stevenson return from a hiatus on the Exit Strategy podcast to discuss why custody is often the hardest part of divorce and separation, including the emotional challenge of sharing time with children. They explain that in the North Carolina counties where they practice, courts often start from a 50/50 assumption tied to the child’s best interests and a relationship with both parents, then look for reasons to deviate such as domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health concerns, lack of involvement, or inconsistency. They cover tools like temporary arrangements, tiered custody schedules with treatment requirements, reunification therapy, custody/parent fitness evaluations, guardians ad litem, parent coordinators, and parallel parenting. They warn against false abuse claims, alienation, and putting children in the middle, noting records can follow families and even be found online later.

00:00 Welcome Back Intro

00:20 Why Custody Gets Heated

00:43 Facing 50 50 Reality

01:57 Courts Start at 50 50

02:40 Give Them a Chance

03:32 Custody Can Change

04:00 Tiered Plans and Reunification

05:35 Evaluations and Expert Help

06:55 Parallel Parenting Tools

07:31 Kids Feel the Conflict

08:57 Legal Custody Decision Making

09:42 Third Parties Can Sue

10:11 Domestic Violence Impact

11:10 False Claims Backfire

11:56 Online Records and Kids Testifying

13:23 Parental Alienation Consequences

14:08 Honesty and Realistic Outcomes

16:08 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

Family law attorneys Sarah Hink and Elizabeth Stevenson of New Direction Family Law discuss North Carolina equitable distribution in divorce, emphasizing that most marital property and debt acquired from the date of marriage to the date of separation is typically divided 50/50, regardless of whose name it’s in, with values generally set as of separation. They explain separate property carve-outs (inheritances kept separate, premarital retirement/house interests) and when debts may be treated as separate (not benefiting the marriage). They warn against trying to manipulate accounts or incurring debt right before separation, and note most cases settle in required mediation if parties avoid “nickel-and-diming” personal property. They also highlight practical issues with houses, refinancing, credit risk, and the need to address property claims before an absolute divorce, which can waive equitable distribution rights.

00:00 Mediation Pitfalls

00:35 Meet the Attorneys

00:57 Equitable Distribution Basics

02:01 Marital Property Freeze Frame

02:33 Unequal Splits and Misconduct

03:44 Separate Property Exceptions

05:02 Messy Assets and Businesses

05:44 DIY Agreements and Prenups

06:41 Pets and Personal Property

07:17 Mediation and Nickel Dime Fights

09:39 Home Values and Letting Go

11:32 Debt Division and Credit Risks

14:06 Bankruptcy and Final Warnings

Family law attorneys Elizabeth Stevenson and Sarah Hink of New Direction Family Law discuss common mistakes people make during separation and divorce, emphasizing that emotions can lead to regrettable decisions. They warn that social media posts, texts, DMs, and even posts by friends or family can be used in court, and note North Carolina is a one-party consent state where conversations may be legally recorded if the recorder is a participant. They advise clients to follow attorney guidance, timely provide required financial and other documents, and avoid hiding information. They caution against relying on “Google law degrees” or AI-generated content, which can be inaccurate and costly to review. They also stress avoiding reckless behavior (partying, DUIs), maintaining credibility with the judge, and being honest about finances and other issues.

00:00 One Party Consent Warning

00:35 Meet The Divorce Attorneys

01:12 Social Media Can Sink You

02:10 Texts DMs And Friends

04:02 Recording Rules Explained

04:41 Follow Legal Advice And Disclose

05:39 Bad Advice And AI Pitfalls

07:17 Reckless Behavior And Custody

09:11 Honesty And Credibility In Court

11:24 Money Mistakes And Hidden Assets

12:16 Wrap Up Key Takeaways

13:06 Final Sign Off

High-Profile Celebrity Breakups & Legal Drama are making headlines. From romantic entanglements like Travis Kelsey and Taylor Swift to legal battles such as the Coldplay Kiss Cam scandal and the divorce of Jeff Bezos, this episode grants an insider look into the legal ramifications of celebrity relationships. Get expert insights on prenups, custody battles, and much more. Also, tune in for a healthy dose of  humor involving pet monkeys. Don't miss out on this informative and entertaining episode.

00:00 Introduction and Team Setup
00:43 Family Law in the Headlines: The Coldplay Kiss Cam Incident
05:14 Celebrity Relationships: Travis Kelsey and Taylor Swift
08:54 Courtney Thorne-Smith's Divorce
11:50 Ryan Lochte's Custody Battle
16:13 Jamie King and Kyle Newman's Unusual Custody Case
17:01 Custody and Legal Decisions
17:38 Supervised Visits and Drug Problems
17:50 Understanding Shared Legal Custody
18:50 Nightmares of Custody Orders
19:40 Third-Party Decision Makers
20:16 Celebrity Relationships and Prenups
25:36 Kanye West's Controversial Actions
27:41 Real Housewives Drama
31:04 Cardi B and Offset's Public Disputes
33:28 Jeff Bezos' Massive Alimony
35:09 Concluding Thoughts and Monkeys

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New Direction Family Law layers and staff discuss the complexities around parentage. They cover the process of establishing and disestablishing parentage, the legal implications, and the need for paternity actions. The team also explores issues related to legitimation actions, the legal challenges of changing a child's surname, and the complications that arise within same-sex parent families. Tune in for an informative discussion about the legal intricacies of parentage and the importance of having an attorney navigate these complicated matters.

00:00 Introduction and Team Introduction
00:36 Understanding Parentage: Establishing and Disestablishing
01:10 Affidavit of Parentage: Hospital Procedures
01:52 Paternity Tests and Legal Actions
02:43 Legitimation Actions: Replacing the Wrong Dad
03:36 Legal Implications of Birth Certificates
05:30 Disestablishment of Paternity: Legal Steps
07:41 Changing the Child's Surname
10:52 Complexities in Same-Sex Parentage
12:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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We unpack the complex and often controversial legal topics of Alienation of Affection and Criminal Conversation. They discuss the nuances, historical context, and practical implications of these laws, which are still recognized in a few states, including North Carolina. The conversation includes real-life cases, the pros and cons of pursuing such lawsuits, and the potential impacts on all parties involved.

00:00 Introduction and Team Introduction
01:01 Introducing the Topic: Alienation and Criminal Conversation
01:33 Matt's Experience with Alienation Cases
02:16 Legal Nuances and Publicity of Cases
04:43 Breaking Down Alienation and Criminal Conversation
05:50 Defenses and Legal Strategies
07:20 Damages and Case Examples
08:49 Challenges and Considerations in Pursuing Cases
12:53 Mother-in-Law Drama
13:34 Alienation of Affection Law
13:54 Constitutional Concerns
15:41 Jurisdiction Issues
18:18 Office Affairs
21:12 Connivance and Framing

------ To contact us visit https://newdirectionfamilylaw.com/contact-us-today/

Join lizabeth A. Stephenson and Sarah J. Hink from New Direction Family Law as they delve into crucial insights for clients preparing to testify in family court. Alongside Cam, their coordinator, they discuss the intricacies of courtroom procedures, the importance of honest and concise testimony, and how to handle cross-examinations and character witnesses. From what to wear to how to manage your emotions, gain valuable advice on presenting yourself effectively in court. Whether it's a custody case, financial disputes, or spousal support, this episode covers everything you need to know to navigate your court appearance with confidence.

00:00 Introduction to New Direction Family Law
00:57 Preparing Clients for Testimony
01:46 Courtroom Basics and Client Preparation
03:36 Direct and Cross-Examination Tips
06:46 Character and Expert Witnesses
09:54 Handling Emotions and Courtroom Etiquette
11:08 The Importance of Genuine Emotions in Court
11:23 Challenges Judges Face in Determining Credibility
11:51 Handling Lies and Perjury in Court
13:56 Using Text Messages and Emails as Evidence
15:52 The Dangers of Faking Evidence
17:16 Respecting Court Protocol and Behavior
17:46 Financial Testimonies and Document Familiarity
18:51 The Waiting Game for Court Rulings
19:49 Preparing for Cross-Examination
21:43 Character Witness Preparation