For many divorcing couples, the marital home is their largest asset and often one of the most emotionally charged parts of the divorce process. In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve Shewmaker, Alexa Lewis, and Jimmy Lewis sit down with certified divorce real estate expert Jill Heineck to discuss how specialized real estate guidance can help families protect equity, reduce conflict, and navigate the sale of a home during divorce.

Jill explains what makes divorce real estate different from a traditional home sale, why involving a divorce real estate expert early can save time and money, and how proper planning can prevent costly disputes down the road. The conversation covers everything from drafting settlement language and managing difficult parties to handling occupied homes and maximizing the value of the marital residence.

Whether you're going through a divorce, considering one, or simply want to understand how real estate issues are handled in family law cases, this episode offers practical insights you won't want to miss.

In This Episode:

 ✔ What a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) does
 ✔ Why timing matters when selling a marital home
 ✔ Protecting equity during divorce proceedings
 ✔ Common mistakes attorneys and clients make
 ✔ Handling difficult co-owners and contested sales
 ✔ Expert testimony and property valuations in divorce cases
 ✔ How specialized real estate guidance can reduce conflict and delays

About Our Guest

Jill Heineck is a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) serving the Atlanta area. She specializes in helping divorcing couples navigate the sale of marital property while protecting equity and minimizing conflict throughout the process.

🌐 Learn more: HeineckAndCompany.com

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 Introduction
 00:42 Meet Jill Heineck
 01:45 What Is a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert?
 03:13 How Divorce Real Estate Differs from Traditional Home Sales
 05:49 Protecting Equity in the Marital Residence
 06:47 Why Earlier Involvement Leads to Better Outcomes
 08:22 Managing Difficult Parties and Communication Challenges
 10:09 Occupied Homes, Showings, and Court Orders
 12:12 Why Divorce Real Estate Requires Specialized Expertise
 13:13 Reviewing Settlement Language Before It's Finalized
 15:23 Attorney Communication Protocols and Client Compliance
 17:25 Geographic Coverage and Working Across Georgia
 20:58 Property Valuations and Testifying as an Expert
 23:47 Family Law Institute and Final Thoughts
 25:13 How to Contact Jill Heineck
 25:57 Closing Remarks 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/TMfSy2SP6hs or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

What happens when a parent takes a child and disappears?

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis tackle one of the most frightening concerns parents face during custody disputes: child abduction by a parent or family member.

The discussion explores real-world cases of domestic and international child abduction, the controversial story of Faye Yager and Children of the Underground, and the legal tools available to help prevent a parent from fleeing with a child. From custody orders and passport alerts to travel restrictions and court-imposed safeguards, the hosts explain what parents can do when they fear a child may be taken.

You'll also learn how Amber Alerts actually work, why most family abduction cases don't qualify, and what courts can realistically do when concerns about child abduction arise.

Whether you're navigating a custody dispute or simply want to understand your rights, this episode offers practical insights into one of family law's most serious issues.

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 Introduction
 00:55 What Is Family Child Abduction?
 02:15 The Story of Faye Yager & Children of the Underground
 07:10 Family Abductions vs. Stranger Abductions
 10:15 Real Cases of Parents Taking Children Across State Lines
 12:10 International Child Abduction Concerns
 13:25 How Courts Can Help Prevent Child Abduction
 14:15 Passport Alert Programs & Do-Not-Depart Orders
 16:10 Habitual Residence and Hague Convention Considerations
 17:30 Why a Custody Order Is Your Best Protection
 18:20 Are Amber Alerts Effective?
 22:40 Using Bonds to Deter Child Abduction
 25:35 Can Child Abduction Ever Be Justified?
 27:50 Final Thoughts 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/9y0vPomVCn8 or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

Retirement accounts can become one of the most confusing and expensive parts of a divorce… especially when QDROs are involved.

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the team at Shewmaker & Lewis dives deep into the world of QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders), retirement account divisions, pensions, gains and losses, plan administrator headaches, and the costly mistakes attorneys and divorcing parties make all the time.

Jimmy, Patty, and Alexa break down practical QDRO “practice points” that can save people thousands of dollars and months of frustration, while Steve provides comic relief and repeatedly declares this “the most boring podcast ever.” 😄

From pre-approval mistakes to undividable retirement plans, delayed QDRO disasters, and confusion over gains and losses, this episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone navigating divorce and retirement division issues.

🎧 Whether you're divorcing, practicing family law, or just enjoy hearing Steve slowly unravel during technical legal discussions, this episode delivers.

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 – Welcome to Lawyers Without Billboards
 01:06 – What are QDRO practice points?
 02:44 – Why pre-approval matters
 05:41 – Understanding model language
 09:21 – Retirement plans that cannot be divided
 10:50 – Gains and losses explained
 15:17 – Problems with old valuation dates
 17:17 – Why lawyers aren’t financial planners
 20:35 – Doing your homework during discovery
 23:22 – “Troublemaking provisions” to avoid
 24:15 – Why parties should always review QDROs
 26:30 – Steve declares this the “worst podcast ever”
 27:29 – Closing thoughts 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here:https://youtu.be/NcprnTFIObQ or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

What makes a great opening statement? Is it storytelling? Strategy? Psychology? Or knowing exactly when to bend the rules without breaking them?

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the team at Shewmaker & Lewis dives deep into one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of any trial: the opening statement.

Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa break down:

•  Why opening statements may matter more than closing arguments 
•  How jurors and judges form impressions early 
•  The importance of themes, roadmaps, and courtroom storytelling 
•  Why lawyers should address bad facts head-on 
•  The difference between arguing and “advocating” 
•  How broken promises in opening statements can destroy credibility 
•  Real courtroom war stories, including jury objections, snap decisions, and Steve’s unforgettable “first-person opening statement” technique 

Whether you're fascinated by courtroom strategy, jury psychology, or just love hearing experienced trial lawyers swap stories, this episode pulls back the curtain on how cases are framed before the first witness ever testifies.

🎙️ No gimmicks. No billboards. Just real lawyers talking about what really happens in court.

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 – Welcome to Lawyers Without Billboards
 00:55 – What is the purpose of an opening statement?
 03:30 – Why themes matter in trial strategy
 05:20 – Opening statements vs. closing arguments
 07:30 – Why jurors make up their minds early
 11:05 – Can lawyers “open the door” in opening statements?
 12:20 – How to craft a compelling opening
 15:55 – How much argument is too much?
 16:50 – How long should an opening statement be?
 18:20 – Addressing bad facts before the other side does
 20:55 – Promises lawyers should never make
 22:20 – DUI example: facts vs. argument
 25:20 – Why lawyers take notes during openings
 26:20 – Turning an opening statement into evidence
 27:40 – Art vs. science in courtroom storytelling
 28:20 – Favorite courtroom opening statement stories
 31:15 – Steve’s unforgettable “first-person opening”
 36:20 – Final thoughts on courtroom advocacy 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/0h3fiWjIp0U or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

What actually happens during closing arguments in court? And are they really the most important part of a trial?

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis break down the strategy behind effective closing arguments, including how attorneys persuade juries, simplify complicated evidence, and tailor arguments differently for judges versus jurors.

The team shares real courtroom experiences involving difficult judges, dramatic jury trials, objections during closing arguments, visual presentations, and memorable courtroom moments that shaped how they practice law today.

Topics include:

•  The purpose of closing arguments 
•  Why openings may matter more than closings 
•  Bench trial vs. jury trial strategy 
•  Using exhibits and demonstrative evidence effectively 
•  Objections during closing arguments 
•  Storytelling techniques in litigation 
•  When attorneys decide not to give a closing at all 

Whether you’re interested in family law, courtroom strategy, or behind-the-scenes legal stories, this episode offers an entertaining and informative look at trial advocacy from experienced litigators.

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 Intro
 00:36 What Is a Closing Argument?
 01:51 Are Closing Arguments Important?
 03:09 When Judges Don’t Want to Hear Closings
 05:07 Do Jurors Decide Before Closing Arguments?
 06:07 Explaining Your Case to the Judge
 07:04 Effective Closing Argument Techniques
 08:33 Should You Script a Closing Argument?
 09:35 Learning the Hard Way in Court
 10:32 Using PowerPoint and Visual Aids
 11:27 When Less Is More in Closing Arguments
 13:13 Favorite Courtroom Closing Stories
 15:04 Bench Trials vs. Jury Trials
 16:24 Visual Demonstratives and Jury Persuasion
 17:26 The “Black Hole” Theory of Circumstantial Evidence
 19:01 High-Conflict Divorce Trial Stories
 20:55 Ethics and Objections During Closing Arguments
 23:36 Final Thoughts on Effective Closings
 24:20 Outro 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/V9M0Cl-uh1o or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

In this episode, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis discuss two recent Georgia Court of Appeals decisions that could significantly impact how lawyers handle appeals and post-trial representation.

The conversation focuses on situations where parties attempted to file appeals on their own while their attorneys were still technically counsel of record, and why those filings were treated as legal nullities.

Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa break down:

•  The dangers surrounding the 30-day appeal window 
•  Why attorney withdrawal orders matter 
•  The distinction between civil and criminal appeal procedures 
•  How these rulings may affect family law and civil litigation practice 
•  Practical steps lawyers may need to take to protect clients and themselves 

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how procedural appellate rules can dramatically affect real cases.

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 Introduction
 01:18 “When Does Representation End?”
 02:45 The Muhammad v. Clayton County Case
 06:50 What Is Summary Judgment?
 08:30 The Pro Se Appeal Problem
 11:55 Why the Appeal Was Dismissed
 13:00 Why Internal Emails Weren’t Enough
 16:30 Criminal vs. Civil Appeals
 18:35 Why These Cases Scare Lawyers
 21:00 How Law Firms May Need to Change Contracts
 24:00 Filing Motions for New Trial
 26:15 Real-World Examples From Practice
 28:15 Will Lawyers Actually Adapt?
 29:35 Final Thoughts 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/iu_cxY1J9CM or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

Retirement accounts are often one of the largest assets in a divorce — and one of the easiest to mishandle.

In this episode, we break down QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders), how they work, and why failing to handle them correctly can lead to tax consequences, penalties, and costly disputes years later.

We cover:

•  How retirement accounts are divided in divorce 
•  When a QDRO is required—and when it isn’t 
•  Why pensions and government plans can be tricky 
•  Common drafting mistakes that create problems down the road 
•  What to do if a QDRO wasn’t done at the time of divorce 

If you’re going through a divorce, or advising someone who is, this episode will help you avoid one of the most expensive mistakes people make.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Intro
01:10 – What is a QDRO (and why it matters)
03:30 – Avoiding taxes and penalties in divorce
04:40 – When a QDRO is required… and when it’s not
05:50 – IRAs vs 401(k)s vs pensions
08:00 – What happens when one party doesn’t cooperate
10:00 – Why waiting years can cause major problems
11:50 – Retirement accounts that can’t be divided (TRS pitfalls)
13:20 – Common mistakes in settlement agreements
15:30 – Why pensions are more complicated than you think
18:00 – The challenge of drafting QDROs after the fact
20:00 – Key takeaways: how to protect yourself

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/_rw_DWMQeVg or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

Crossing borders can change everything—especially in family law.

In this episode, we dive into the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a treaty that governs what happens when a child is taken from one country to another by a parent.

We break down how these cases actually work, including:

•  What “habitual residence” means and why it matters 
•  The legal process for returning a child to another country 
•  The key defenses that can stop a return—even when removal was wrongful 
•  Why these cases are not custody battles, despite how they feel 

You’ll also hear real-world examples, strategic considerations for attorneys, and why timing can make or break a case.

If you think custody law is complicated, wait until it crosses borders.

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 – Intro: International Law Meets Family Law
 01:10 – What Is the Hague Convention?
 02:30 – Real-World Example of International Child Abduction
 04:00 – “Habitual Residence” Explained
 05:10 – Where Attorneys Get Involved
 06:15 – How Common Are These Cases?
 07:30 – Why Some Children Are Never Returned
 09:00 – Building a Case: Legal Standards
 12:00 – The Burden Shifts: Defenses Begin
 12:30 – The One-Year “Well-Settled” Rule
 15:15 – Mature Child Objection
 17:30 – Human Rights & Rare Defenses
 19:30 – Grave Risk of Harm Standard
 23:00 – Why “Best Interest of the Child” Doesn’t Apply
 24:30 – Federal vs. State Court Strategy
 27:00 – When the Law and the “Right Outcome” Clash
 31:00 – Timing Matters: Why These Cases Move Fast
 32:00 – Preventing International Child Abduction
 34:00 – Game Time (Because… of course) 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/Zdcx5lIcvGI or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

Title IX cases aren’t criminal court — but they can carry consequences that are just as serious.

In this episode, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis break down how Title IX works in real life, from the moment a complaint is filed to the final outcome. They explain how universities conduct their own investigations, why the rules are different, and how students can face suspension or expulsion even when criminal charges aren’t pursued.

You’ll hear insights on:

•  The structure and purpose of Title IX 
•  How misconduct allegations are handled on campus 
•  The investigation and hearing process 
•  The difference between criminal and Title IX standards of proof 
•  Strategic considerations when both cases are happening at once 
•  Appeals and potential outcomes 

If you or someone you know is facing a Title IX issue, understanding the process early can make all the difference.

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 – Intro: A “Cavalcade of Nines”
 00:45 – What Is Title IX (and Where It Actually Lives in the Law)
 03:30 – How Title IX Applies to Colleges and Universities
 05:00 – When Allegations Trigger a Title IX Investigation
 06:30 – University Investigations vs. Criminal Cases
 08:00 – Who Handles These Cases (and Why That Matters)
 09:30 – The Investigation Process and Its Limitations
 11:00 – How Hearings Used to Work vs. Today
 12:00 – The Right to Cross-Examine (and Why It Changed)
 13:30 – Balancing Title IX and Criminal Defense Strategy
 15:00 – Why Title IX Can Help (or Hurt) a Criminal Case
 15:30 – The Lower Burden of Proof Explained
 16:30 – Real Case Example: When Outcomes Don’t Make Sense
 17:00 – Appeals and Fighting Back
 18:00 – Possible Punishments: From Suspension to Expulsion
 19:00 – What Expulsion Means for a Student’s Future
 20:00 – Can Students Continue Classes During Investigations?
 20:30 – Does Title IX Apply to High Schools?
 22:00 – Real-World Case Outcomes and Lessons Learned
 23:30 – How to Avoid a Title IX Situation
 25:30 – Should You Hire an Attorney?
 26:00 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/w85iMCiQaJc or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

What actually matters in court?

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, we sit down with Judge Ann Harris, Chief Judge of the Cobb County Superior Court, for a candid conversation about how decisions are really made from the bench.

Judge Harris shares her journey from a 19-year career in the District Attorney’s office to presiding over a courtroom that handles everything from criminal cases to complex domestic and civil matters. Along the way, she offers insight into what judges look for, what lawyers often miss, and how courtroom strategy can make or break a case.

We cover:

•  How judges evaluate arguments, evidence, and credibility 
•  When and why judges reserve rulings 
•  The realities behind attorney’s fees decisions 
•  Common mistakes lawyers make in court 
•  The importance of clarity, structure, and relevance 
•  Mental health accountability courts and their real-world impact 

This episode pulls back the curtain on the courtroom and offers a rare perspective from someone who sees it all.

⏱️ Chapters

 00:00 – Intro & why judges make great guests
 01:00 – Meet Judge Ann Harris
 03:30 – From prosecutor to judge: taking the leap
 09:30 – Learning domestic law from scratch
 13:00 – The biggest challenges on the bench
 16:00 – When judges rule immediately vs. later
 18:30 – Do lawyers or clients bring more emotion?
 21:00 – Attorney’s fees: what judges actually look for
 25:00 – What makes evidence persuasive (and what doesn’t)
 27:30 – “This is not moving the needle”
 30:00 – Do lawyers really understand evidence rules?
 34:30 – Favorite movies & personal side of judging
 38:00 – Life beyond the bench
 41:00 – Mental health accountability courts explained
 48:00 – International judicial work (Republic of Georgia)
 50:30 – Final thoughts 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/xiTL6TbrFTk or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA