In this insightful episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Sam Asra, a specialist in high conflict divorce, particularly supporting fathers through the complexities of separation, custody battles, and parental alienation. Drawing from his own experience as a child of a tumultuous divorce, Sam Asra discusses the early warning signs of high conflict, the emotional drivers behind contentious divorces, and effective strategies to de-escalate and protect both finances and family relationships.

Key Topics: 

- Early Warning Signs of High Conflict Divorce: Sam Asra shares tell-tale signs such as refusal to cooperate in mediation, hostile language, and the tendency to take disputes to court unnecessarily.

- De-escalation Strategies: Insights on using soft skills ("fighting fire with water") rather than escalating arguments. Setting boundaries and clarifying non-negotiables help create a space for strategic, less emotional decision-making.

- Emotional Drivers of Divorce Conflicts: Discussion on common fears: loss of stability, fear of losing children’s love, and lack of control when courts dictate terms.

- Importance of the Co-Parenting Relationship: Leah Hadley candidly shares her evolution in prioritizing her co-parenting relationship, showing how adult children and future family events mean ex-partners remain in each other’s lives.

- Practical Techniques for Communication & Boundaries: Sam Asra explains the importance of direct and assertive communication, without aggression or passivity, and offers examples of how reframing requests (e.g., choices for pickup times) can shift the dynamic.

- Protecting Kids During High Conflict Divorce: Tips for parents on supporting the other parent’s involvement (when safe), facilitating open communication, and considering therapy for children.

Resource Spotlight:

Sam Asra offers a free training on “Five Essential Questions to Ask Your Lawyer” that can help save significant legal fees by ensuring you have the right legal support.

Find it on his website: https://www.fathersconnect.co/

Connect with Sam Asra:

Website: https://www.fathersconnect.co/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fathersconnect 

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.