Olivia St. Clair Long is the founder and principal attorney of O. Long Law, a firm dedicated to supporting families through life’s most challenging moments. She began her legal career after graduating from the University of Chicago law school practicing litigation in Big Law, representing large corporations. In 2017, she went out on her own and shifted focus to family law. She wanted her work to make a direct difference in the lives of real people by helping families find stability, compassion, and strength during difficult times.

In this episode…

Can one person actually stop a divorce from happening? Many people assume that both spouses must agree before a marriage can legally end, but the reality is far different. When one spouse refuses to cooperate, what power do they really have, and how much can they actually delay the process?

Olivia shares what happens behind the scenes when a spouse refuses to participate in a divorce, including how courts handle non-cooperation, why most cases still end in settlement, and the misconceptions people carry from movies and television. She also explains the risks of leaving the family home too early, common mistakes parents make regarding custody expectations, and why understanding your finances before contacting an attorney can make a significant difference.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Olivia St. Clair Long, family law attorney and founder of O Long Law in the Chicago area. A former Big Law litigator, Olivia transitioned her practice to helping families through divorce, custody disputes, parenting plans, and prenuptial agreements. She explains no-fault divorce, child custody realities, settlement strategies, common legal misconceptions, and practical steps people can take before beginning the divorce process. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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Roland Soltesz is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of courtroom experience and more than 100 jury trials to verdict. Admitted to the California State Bar in 2003, he is among the select attorneys on the Central Coast qualified to handle death penalty cases, a distinction that reflects his skill in handling the most serious and complex criminal matters.

Mr. Soltesz earned his Juris Doctor from San Joaquin College of Law and studied government at Pomona College. His background in public service helped shape a career focused on strong advocacy and protecting the rights of the accused.

Known for his commanding courtroom presence, sharp cross-examinations, and strategic approach, Mr. Soltesz has defended clients facing charges such as murder, attempted murder, sexual offenses, gang crimes, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, drug offenses, fraud, and DUI. He has secured numerous dismissals and acquittals in high-stakes cases.

While he is a fierce advocate in court, Mr. Soltesz is approachable and attentive with his clients. He takes the time to understand each case and works closely with clients to build a strong defense, always focused on protecting their freedom and future.

In this episode…

Most Americans believe they understand their Miranda rights, but what if one of the most common assumptions about criminal investigations is completely wrong? From police questioning to arrests and plea deals, misunderstandings about the legal system can have life-changing consequences. So what do people really need to know before they find themselves facing criminal charges?

Roland shares how seemingly minor decisions can dramatically affect the outcome of a case, including talking to police, delaying legal representation, and failing to document important details. He explains why most criminal cases never go to trial, how diversion and treatment programs are changing outcomes for many defendants, and recounts lessons learned from handling some of California's most serious criminal cases, including murder and sex crime prosecutions.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Roland Soltesz, criminal defense attorney and founder of Soltesz Law Group serving California’s Central Coast. Licensed since 2003, Roland has tried more than 100 jury cases and is among the few attorneys in the region qualified to handle death penalty cases. The conversation explores Miranda rights, police investigations, criminal defense strategy, plea negotiations, mental health diversion programs, immigration consequences, and the growing role of AI and digital evidence in criminal law. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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Patricia Van Haren is the President of Collaborative Practice California and Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County. A highly respected Collaborative Family Law Attorney and Mediator, she leads Moradi Neufer’s collaborative law team, helping couples resolve disputes outside of court through practical, solution-focused strategies.

With more than 21 years of family law experience and over a decade as a practicing attorney, Patricia has handled complex matters involving divorce, child custody, support, property division, and marital agreements. She is the recipient of the 2023 Eureka Award for her contributions to collaborative law and is committed to educating families through articles, videos, workshops, and her book on family law.

In this episode…

Most people going through a divorce are focused on getting through it as fast and painlessly as possible. But family law attorney Patricia Van Haren says that urgency is exactly what leads to the financial mistakes that follow people for the rest of their lives. Waiving spousal support to avoid conflict, agreeing to a settlement without understanding community property law, or assuming that money in your own account belongs solely to you — these are decisions that feel reasonable in the moment and become very costly once the paperwork is signed.

Patricia breaks down what California community property law actually says, why an inheritance is treated differently than income earned during a marriage, and how equity compensation like stock options and RSUs requires a much deeper financial analysis than most couples expect. She also explains how collaborative divorce gives families a private, structured way to resolve even the most contentious situations without handing a judge the power to decide their financial future — and why about 95% of divorce cases, even litigated ones, never actually go to trial.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Patricia C. Van Haren, partner at Moradi Neufer LLP and one of California's most respected collaborative family law attorneys and mediators with over 21 years of experience in family law. Patricia is the President of Collaborative Practice California, past president of Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County, a board member of the IACP, recipient of the 2023 Eureka Award, and author of "How to Survive a Divorce in California." The conversation covers collaborative divorce, prenuptial agreements, community property, equity compensation, custody mistakes, and what it truly costs when couples settle without fully understanding their rights. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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Russell R. Reynolds, JD (“Rusty”) earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2000. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Over the last 25 years, Rusty has devoted his career to providing representation to individuals who have experienced personal injury due to the fault of another. Rusty has developed a reputation as a trusted Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer, and works with the rest of the Reynolds & Reynolds team to ensure victims of Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and Premises Liability cases receive the compensation they deserve.

Rusty co-founded The Law Offices of Reynolds & Reynolds with his sister-in-law, Debra Reynolds, in 2005.

In this episode…

Most people believe that if they are honest, cooperative, and reasonable, an insurance company will treat them fairly after an injury. Trial attorney Rusty Reynolds says that belief is one of the most expensive misconceptions he encounters. In his 25 years of representing injury victims, he has never once seen an insurance company treat a claimant differently because they were a first-timer or because they were being upfront. Every claim is treated with suspicion. Every claimant is on their own unless they have someone in their corner.

Rusty also pulls back the curtain on medical malpractice, where patients routinely assume that signing a consent form means they gave up their right to accountability. He breaks down the difference between a complication that happens even when care is done correctly and the kind of harm that only occurs when something went wrong. He explains how systemic failures inside hospitals, from untrained staff to unenforced policies, can be far more powerful evidence than a single provider's judgment call, and why hospitals fight those cases much harder as a result.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Russell "Rusty" Reynolds, co-founder of Reynolds and Reynolds Law Firm based in Frisco, Texas, and a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Rusty earned his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and his undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University, and has spent his entire career representing victims of medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death across Texas. The conversation covers insurance company tactics, medical consent, robotic surgery risks, ride share driver liability, the impact of AI on personal injury law, and what it really takes to hold powerful institutions accountable. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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Anastasia Fainberg is an estate planning attorney dedicated to helping families protect their future through thoughtful planning. Her practice focuses on estate planning, business planning, asset protection, trust and estate administration, estate tax protection, kids protection planning, elder law, Medicaid, and probate.

As a mother of three and the daughter of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Anastasia understands the importance of building security from the ground up. Her personal background shapes her mission to help clients create lasting legacies and ensure their loved ones are prepared for the unexpected.

Before founding her own firm, Anastasia gained experience at a large national law firm and in house, later choosing to focus her practice on helping families secure their futures.

In this episode…

Most business owners only call a lawyer when something has already gone wrong — but by that point, the options are limited and the costs are high. Business attorney Andrew Legrand calls it the "pants on fire" problem, and he has spent over a decade showing business owners just how much a few minutes of early legal advice could have saved them. What would it mean for your business if you caught those problems before they started?

Andrew breaks down the areas where he sees business owners get hurt most — partnerships that were never properly structured, employees misclassified in ways that create six-figure liability, contracts signed without anyone truly understanding what the words meant, and exit strategies that were never built at all. He shares a real case where a poorly drafted severance agreement led to a $91,000 bill that could have been avoided entirely, and explains why trusting your business partner is never a good reason to skip the legal groundwork.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Andrew Legrand, founder of Spera Law Group, LLC in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a nine-time Super Lawyers Rising Stars honoree recognized among the top 2.5% of lawyers in the state. Andrew earned his J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and has been helping business owners build, protect, and exit their companies since 2011. The conversation covers partnership agreements, employee classification, exit strategies, AI-generated contracts, and why the best business lawyers focus on solving the real problem rather than just drafting the document you asked for. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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Andrew Legrand is an attorney, founder, and owner who serves as a legal business coach for growing companies. He helps business owners reduce risk, strengthen contracts, manage employment and HR matters, and structure partnerships with clear terms for profit sharing, disputes, and exits.

Through Spera Law, Andrew has spent 13 years helping hundreds of business owners avoid legal pitfalls and build stronger legal systems through Collective Counsel, a monthly subscription model designed to support growth and investor readiness.

He is a nine time Super Lawyers Rising Stars honoree, a distinction awarded to the top 2.5% of lawyers in Louisiana. Andrew has also been featured in Forbes and New Orleans City Business, and is a member of the New Orleans Executive Association.

Andrew earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. He is admitted to practice in Louisiana and Texas.

In this episode…

Most business owners only call a lawyer when something has already gone wrong — but by that point, the options are limited and the costs are high. Business attorney Andrew Legrand calls it the "pants on fire" problem, and he has spent over a decade showing business owners just how much a few minutes of early legal advice could have saved them. What would it mean for your business if you caught those problems before they started?

Andrew breaks down the areas where he sees business owners get hurt most — partnerships that were never properly structured, employees misclassified in ways that create six-figure liability, contracts signed without anyone truly understanding what the words meant, and exit strategies that were never built at all. He shares a real case where a poorly drafted severance agreement led to a $91,000 bill that could have been avoided entirely, and explains why trusting your business partner is never a good reason to skip the legal groundwork.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Andrew Legrand, founder of Spera Law Group, LLC in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a nine-time Super Lawyers Rising Stars honoree recognized among the top 2.5% of lawyers in the state. Andrew earned his J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and has been helping business owners build, protect, and exit their companies since 2011. The conversation covers partnership agreements, employee classification, exit strategies, AI-generated contracts, and why the best business lawyers focus on solving the real problem rather than just drafting the document you asked for. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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Don Ford III is a Board Certified attorney in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, the highest distinction available to Texas attorneys in this practice area. He is also a trained mediator, having completed certification coursework at Pepperdine University School of Law’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, with a focus on probate and guardianship matters.

Appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas to the Guardianship Certification Board, Mr. Ford has served as Chair of its Rules Committee, helping shape policy and regulation for private professional guardians across Texas.

A Baylor University graduate with degrees in Accounting and Law, Mr. Ford also pursued postgraduate taxation coursework and began his career as a tax attorney with a large international accounting and consulting firm. His background in tax, estate planning, probate, and guardianship supports his work at Ford+Bergner as a leading estate planning and probate attorney in Texas.

In this episode…

Most married people assume that if they die, everything automatically goes to their spouse. It sounds simple, but estate planning attorney Don Ford says that assumption is one of the most common and costly mistakes he sees — and in some states, it is simply not how the law works. What does actually happen to your assets if you die without a will, and who ends up with what you worked your whole life to build?

Don breaks down the real consequences of skipping the planning process — from family disputes over who gets the china, to business owners who wake up one day with a $50 million company and no plan to protect it from a massive tax bill. He also shares the story of a DIY will that used six words that ended up meaning two completely different things to two different people, and how that single document tore a family apart in court. The details people leave out, or get wrong, matter far more than most realize.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Don D. Ford III, managing partner of Ford + Bergner LLP and one of fewer than 3% of Texas attorneys to earn Board Certification in Estate Planning and Probate from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. With offices in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Don brings over 25 years of experience helping families protect what they have built, from drafting wills and trusts to litigating contested estates. The conversation covers everything from probate and powers of attorney to the new $15 million estate tax exemption and the coming wave of generational wealth transfer. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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Samah (“Sam”) T. Abukhodeir was born and raised in Lake Wales, Florida. Following high school, Ms. Abukhodeir moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a Minor in Arabic and Child Development at Florida State University. Ms. Abukhodeir obtained her Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law, where she was on the Dean’s List and earned two CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Islamic/Sharia Law and Judicial Externship.

While in law school, Ms. Abukhodeir worked as a Graduate Assistant to Law Professor Cyra Choudhury and was a judicial intern for the Honorable Marisa Tinkler Mendez, Circuit Court Judge in the Criminal Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade, Florida, and the Honorable Maria M. Korvick, Circuit Court Judge in the Probate Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade, Florida.

In this episode…

Most people walk into a divorce or estate planning situation thinking they already know how it works — but what if the assumptions they're holding on to are the very things putting their family at risk? Family law and probate attorney Samah Abukhodeir pulls back the curtain on the legal traps that catch even well-prepared families off guard. From the myth that a cheating spouse changes everything in court, to the belief that a will alone keeps your family out of probate, the truth is far more complicated than most people expect.

Samah breaks down Florida's landmark 50/50 timesharing law and what parents actually need to prove to deviate from it. She also explains why turning to ChatGPT, LegalZoom, or Rocket Lawyer to draft your own legal documents almost always creates bigger problems down the road — and ends up costing families more money, not less. With over half of Americans having no estate plan at all, the stakes of getting this wrong have never been higher.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Samah Abukhodeir, founder and managing partner of The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, with nine offices across the state. Samah earned her Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law and built her firm from the ground up into one of the fastest growing private law firms in America, recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years. The conversation covers divorce, timesharing, prenups, postnups, trusts, probate, guardianship, and why finding the right attorney is about far more than years of experience. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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Monique Lavender Greenberg is a Florida Bar Board Certified specialist in Wills, Trusts, and Estates and the founder of Lavender Greenberg PLLC in Coral Gables, Florida. She focuses her practice on sophisticated estate planning for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and families with complex domestic and international asset structures.

Known for her strategic and highly customized approach, Monique designs estate plans that prioritize probate avoidance, tax efficiency, asset protection, and long-term wealth preservation across generations. Her dual experience in planning and litigation—including probate, trust administration, guardianship, and fiduciary disputes—provides clients with a distinct advantage in anticipating and mitigating future conflict.

Monique is a frequent national speaker on advanced estate planning topics and serves as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator, handling trust, probate, and guardianship disputes.

In this episode…

Most people believe that having a will means their family is fully protected — but what if that single document is leaving the people you love completely exposed? Estate planning attorney Monique Lavender Greenberg breaks down one of the most dangerous misconceptions in the legal world: that a will is enough. What really happens to your assets, your children, and your legacy when you don't have the right plan in place?

The probate process — a costly, public, court-directed ordeal that most families stumble into simply because they didn't know there was a better way. She reveals the hidden risks of DIY wills and AI-generated documents, shares real cases of will forgeries that nearly robbed families of everything, and explains why the plan you think is protecting your family may actually be setting them up for conflict, delays, and financial loss. Could the documents you have right now be doing more harm than good?

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Monique Lavender Greenberg, founding attorney of Lavender Greenberg PLLC in Coral Gables, Florida, and a Florida Bar Board Certified Wills, Trusts, and Estates Attorney with an LL.M. in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law. Monique shares her journey from debating politicians to becoming one of Florida's most trusted estate planning attorneys, covering everything from revocable and irrevocable trusts to guardianship, blended family planning, and the future of estate law in an AI-driven world. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that truly protect what you build.

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J.J. Childers helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and investors design and structure protection plans for safeguarding their assets without all of the confusion, complication, and cost often associated with the process.

He is a licensed attorney who has been practicing law for the past 25 years in the areas of asset protection, estate planning, and business law. In addition to his law degree, he has received his LL.M in Dispute Resolution from the prestigious Straus Institute at Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law. He completed the Certified Mediation training program through the Arkansas Dispute Resolution Commission along with advanced Negotiation and Dispute Resolution training at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School.

He is the author of numerous books, courses, and training programs. He is a highly sought-after speaker on a wide variety of topics related to legal protection planning and is consistently rated as a top speaker by his audiences.

In this episode…

Most people believe that once they set up an LLC or sign a trust, their assets are fully protected — but what if that assumption is costing them everything? Wealth protection attorney JJ Childers exposes the dangerous "set it and forget it" mindset that leaves even the most financially successful people vulnerable. What does it really mean to have a bulletproof plan — and are you sure you actually have one?

The statistics alone are sobering. Studies show that 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation, and 90% by the third. JJ breaks down what separates families like the Rockefellers — who preserved generational wealth — from those like the Vanderbilts, who lost it all. The answer isn't just better documents. It's something far more difficult that most families never talk about.

In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews wealth protection attorney JJ Childers, who brings over three decades of experience in safeguarding business and personal assets. JJ shares insights from his extensive background, including his Master of Laws from Pepperdine University and negotiation training from Harvard Law School. The conversation delves into JJ's early influences, growing up around real estate and entrepreneurship, which sparked his interest in the legal field. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge about legal structures, strategies for asset protection, and the importance of conflict management. JJ’s ability to simplify complex legal concepts has helped thousands of clients preserve their wealth. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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