High Conflict divorce is challenging enough, but when it escalates to legal abuse, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. In this episode, we unpack what legal abuse looks like in the context of high-conflict divorce, where one party may use the legal system to exhaust, intimidate, and financially drain the other. Whether it's endless filings, false accusations, or unreasonable demands, legal abuse can turn a difficult process into a battle of attrition. But understanding the warning signs can be your first line of defense against this form of manipulation.

We dive into the red flags that often indicate legal abuse, from repeated court appearances to unreasonable custody demands. These signs, often orchestrated by individuals with narcissistic or controlling tendencies, are designed to exploit the legal system for personal gain. Our discussion provides insights into recognizing these tactics early, equipping you with knowledge that can help you avoid costly pitfalls and find ways to better protect yourself and your family.

Our guests today are Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry, co-founders of Been There Got Out. With extensive experience supporting people through high-conflict divorces, Lisa and Chris offer practical, battle-tested guidance for those facing legal abuse. Lisa, a domestic violence advocate who has successfully represented herself in numerous court battles, helped pass Jennifer’s Law to expand Connecticut's definition of domestic violence to include coercive control. Together, they run a Legal Abuse Support Group and have published a book, "Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances," sharing critical insights to help others achieve the best outcomes.

Connect with Lisa and Chris:

• Legal Abuse Tips Worksheet: https://beentheregotout.com/legal-abuse-tips/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/been_there_got_out/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeenThereGotOut

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeenThereGotOut

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@been_there_got_out

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/been-there-got-out/

• Podcast: https://beentheregotout.buzzsprout.com/

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

The holiday season, a time traditionally filled with joy and cheer, can become a daunting challenge for those navigating the complexities of divorce. Juggling family expectations, societal pressures, and personal turmoil can be overwhelming. In this episode, we delve into the unique struggles faced by individuals who are considering or going through a divorce during the holidays.

From the delicate balance of maintaining appearances to the overwhelming responsibility of creating lasting memories for children, I explore the emotional toll of these situations. I discuss practical strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care.

Additionally, I address the internal turmoil of making life-altering decisions during a time of heightened emotions. We emphasize the importance of seeking support, whether through therapy, coaching, or simply connecting with others who understand. By sharing insights and offering guidance, we aim to empower listeners to navigate these challenging times with resilience and hope.

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Should I Mend or End Podcast Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/should-you-mend-or-end-a-dysfunctional-toxic-or/id1261400624?i=1000653642143
• Voices of Celebration Testimonial: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCYHyNspNm_/
• Voices of Celebration Testimonial: https://www.instagram.com/p/DA3aA06MTXO/

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

I’ve coached hundreds of people through the mend or end decision and there is understandably a lot of resistance because both the decision to end and the subsequent transition of divorce is overwhelming at best... Which is why i'm so excited to share today’s episode.  It’s about an ideal BRIDGE from decision to action.

We are exploring the concept of a Pre-Divorce Guidance package, which helps clients enter the divorce process feeling calm, educated, and clear. Andrea Vacca shares that the most effective way to approach divorce is by understanding how the process works, from the key issues you’ll need to address to the options available for navigating those challenges. With the right guidance, you can avoid devastating surprises and be prepared to make well-informed decisions at the right time.

Working with an experienced family law attorney before you start the divorce process offers essential clarity and protection. Andrea Vacca explains how delaying legal decisions out of fear or emotional uncertainty can lead to unintended legal and financial consequences. By getting Pre-Divorce Guidance, clients can confidently face their options, addressing the fears and hurdles that often hold people back, such as concerns around children, finances, and future identity. If you're feeling stuck, Andrea shares valuable advice to help you move forward without regret.

Vacca Law’s Pre-Divorce Guidance package, helps clients enter the divorce process feeling calm, educated, and clear. It is based on the belief that with the right guidance, you can avoid devastating surprises and be prepared to make well-informed decisions at the right time.

Andrea Vacca is a good friend and colleague of mine. As a mediator and collaborative lawyer with over 30 years experience, Andrea she brings more heart and compassion to the table than any attorney I know.  She brings a unique, coaching-style focus to divorce guidance, helping clients understand their legal landscape while providing emotional support along the way.

As the founder of Vacca Law, Andrea has helped countless individuals navigate complex, high-conflict divorces with confidence. Vacca Law’s Pre-Divorce Guidance package is specifically designed to help you assess your situation calmly and clearly, ensuring you’re ready to make empowered, strategic decisions without the risks of uninformed choices. Tune in to learn how Andrea’s approach prepares clients for a smoother, more successful divorce process.

Connect with Andrea:

• Pre-Divorce Guidance: https://www.vaccalaw.com/pre-divorce-guidance/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacca_familylaw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VaccaFamilyLaw/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andreavaccanewyork

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

In the world of co-parenting, communication can often be one of the most challenging aspects, especially when tension and conflict are involved. Miscommunication, missed messages, or even hostile exchanges can complicate an already difficult process. This is where co-parenting apps step in, providing structured and secure communication that can minimize conflict and create a healthy space for parents to manage their responsibilities. With the help of these tools, co-parents can protect their peace of mind, focus on the needs of their children, and have a record of all interactions for transparency and legal protection.

One of the most trusted platforms in this space is TalkingParents, which has helped thousands of parents streamline their communication. In this episode, we dive into how TalkingParents makes co-parenting smoother by providing essential features like secure messaging, shared calendars, and detailed records that can be presented in court. We explore the most-loved features of the app and discuss how it has empowered parents to minimize conflict while keeping their children's well-being at the forefront.

Stephen Nixon, the Founder of TalkingParents, has a rich background in law, holding a degree from the Florida State University College of Law. Before founding TalkingParents, he served as both an Assistant State Attorney and an Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s First Judicial Circuit and later ran a solo/small firm practice. Stephen’s passion for the intersection of law and technology led him to create TalkingParents, where his goal is to improve the lives of co-parents and their children while also making the judicial process more efficient.

Connect with Stephen:

• Sign up for your free account now: www.talkingparents.com/jbd
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/talkingparents
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TalkingParentsApp/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/talkingparentsapp

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

Representing yourself in divorce court is no easy task. There’s a lot at stake, and it can feel like you’re stepping into a battle unarmed. Without the backing of a lawyer, you're left to navigate complex legal processes, argue your case, and protect your rights. But, here's the thing—you don’t have to do it alone.

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of representing yourself in court, from mastering legal jargon to preparing for the unexpected twists. It's a lot, but don't worry, there are resources designed to help you win.

That’s where Win Without Law School comes in.

Billie Tarascio founded this incredible platform to empower individuals like you to represent yourself successfully. Whether you're trying to save on legal fees or can't afford a lawyer, Billie’s mission is to make sure you have the knowledge and tools to navigate the legal system. With step-by-step guidance and easy-to-understand resources, she’s taking the guesswork out of self-representation and showing you that it’s possible to win without hiring an attorney.

Billie Tarascio is not just an attorney—she’s a fierce advocate for those facing the daunting challenge of going to court on their own. With a heart for service and a deep understanding of the legal hurdles that people face, Billie’s created Win Without Law School as a lifeline for individuals who might otherwise feel powerless in court. Her passion for helping others shines through every aspect of her work, and her commitment to leveling the playing field is inspiring.

Connect with Billie:

• Join Win Without Law School
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernlaw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyModernLaw
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUir14Y00_F06-H_W7lxtoA
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/modern-arizona/id1535875718

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

Divorce can manifest in countless ways—ranging from the peaceful mutual decision to part ways to the hostile, never-ending battle full of legal maneuvers and court drama.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lawrence H. Bloom, Esq., an old colleague and the man who invited me onto my very first podcast. Larry is now joining me with his new book, Blame Bloom: Diary of a Divorce Lawyer, a candid and insightful look at his 40 years of navigating the intricate world of New York Family Law. 

From the days when couples had to prove cause for divorce to the modern challenges of courtroom theatrics, Larry’s book dives deep into the inner workings of Family Law judges, legal battles, and the often-overlooked emotional complexities of divorcing couples.

Beyond his professional expertise, Larry also reflects on how his personal divorce gave him newfound empathy and insight, enabling him to guide his clients toward better outcomes. Now retired, this book is Larry’s parting gift to the divorce world, offering a behind-the-scenes look at both the legal system and the human heart.

Connect with Larry:

• Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Blame-Bloom-Diary-Divorce-Lawyer/dp/B0D9YDWMHF

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

When navigating the complexities of divorce, it’s easy to feel trapped in indecision, but often that indecision is rooted in fear. In this episode, Karen McMahon explores how fear-based decisions can feel safe in the moment but lead to complications down the road.

We'll discuss the concept of the “safety bubble,” a powerful method that temporarily removes fear, allowing you to gain clarity and make decisions based on desire instead of fear.

Decisions like whether to end or mend your marriage, how to handle telling your children, or whether to sell the marital home often come with fear-based thinking that keeps us stuck.

Desire-based decisions, though initially scary and requiring a leap of faith, almost always lead to more positive outcomes.

Together, we'll uncover how creating that safety bubble can help you move past fear and into choices that are aligned with your true desires, leading to greater confidence and better results in your divorce journey.

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

Today we delve into the transformative power of mindfulness when navigating the tumultuous journey of divorce. When hopes and dreams seem to crumble under the weight of reality, it can feel chaotic and overwhelming. This discussion focuses on how mindfulness helps you stay grounded in the midst of this turbulence, calming the mind and connecting with what truly matters. The episode provides tools for engaging with your emotions in a way that acknowledges them without allowing them to control you, enabling clearer thinking and more intentional choices, even during high-stress conflicts.

Life's challenges, especially high-conflict divorce, aren't just obstacles to get past—they're opportunities for growth and transformation. By shifting from reactive patterns to mindful responses, you can use difficult situations as a pathway to resilience. Whether you're struggling with legal disputes, custody arrangements, or emotional turmoil, this episode offers guidance on finding the flow within life's messiness and transforming chaos into a journey toward healing and personal strength.

David Frank Gomes, a mindfulness coach and life strategist, brings decades of expertise to the conversation. His approach blends ancient mindfulness practices with practical coaching techniques, supporting clients through major life transitions. With over 15 years of experience, David helps individuals in high-conflict situations find clarity, purpose, and inner peace by integrating spiritual wisdom and actionable strategies. His work has empowered many to embrace meaningful growth and resilience through adversity.

Connect with David:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfgcoaching
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfrankgomes/
• Website: https://www.davidfrankgomes.com
• Book Your Complimentary Discovery Session: https://www.davidfrankgomes.com/try-coaching-free

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

Cara felt like a diminished version of herself as she came to the painful conclusion that she had to leave her 24 year marriage. She had been listening to the JBD podcast and knew she needed support to get stronger, find her voice and prepare herself prior to beginning her divorce journey.

She signed up for the free coaching call and immediately enlisted a JBD coach. During the 18 months that followed, she began to realize the dysfunction she was living in and the debilitating impact it was having on your self confidence and esteem. She began the long road of recovery, which included compassion for the pain and confusion she had been living in.

Today, Cara is just beginning the legal process. She is living on her own and has reconnected with the people and activities that were important to her prior to getting lost in her marriage. She knows there is a long road ahead, and feels strong and prepared to navigate it.

The support and guidance of Journey Beyond Divorce and her coach were a life saver and beacon during one of the darkest times of her life. Tune in to hear more of her tory and her gems of guidance and advice.

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

Parental alienation is one of the most heartbreaking and complex challenges parents can face during and after divorce. It leaves families fractured and kids caught in the middle, often feeling torn between two parents. In this episode, I dive deep into the court system's current approach to parental alienation and why it so often fails to protect children. If you’ve been alienated from your child or fear it may happen, this conversation is essential for understanding what’s at stake and how you can fight back.

Together with Michele Locke, Esq., we explore the limitations of the legal system and why parental alienation cases are so hard to navigate, particularly when it comes to jury trials. Michele shares her personal and professional experiences, from her time on the bench handling over 5,000 family law cases to her private practice dealing with the most extreme custody battles. Her unique perspective, having been on both sides of the courtroom and living through divorce herself, sheds light on the deep-rooted issues that plague the system.

Michele is a former Associate Family Court Judge with over two decades of experience as an attorney, judge, and advocate. She’s fought in the trenches, witnessing firsthand how parental alienation plays out in real life. As a lawyer in Texas, the only state that still allows jury trials in custody cases, Michele brings us behind the scenes with stories from her career, offering valuable insights on how to approach these cases and protect your rights as a parent. Whether you’re currently in the middle of a divorce or simply want to prepare yourself, you’ll walk away with actionable steps and a better understanding of how to navigate this difficult terrain.

Connect with Michele:

• Website: https://www.michelelocke.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/
• Free Guidance on: "What Would Michele Do". While not legal advice, is similar to Dear Abby providing well thought out advice

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce

A word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process.

We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd

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TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible. 

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd