Every Texas family lawyer dreads the moment when critical evidence gets tossed out—often with little warning. But what if you could master the rule that makes or breaks your courtroom strategy? Get ready to discover the overlooked details and hidden pitfalls of Rule 193.6. In this episode, Holly Draper and Emily Doron from The Draper Law Firm unvei…

Most mediations are doomed before they even start—not because of conflict, but because of a lack of preparation. Ever wonder why some family law mediations go smoothly while others spiral into chaos and confusion? In this episode, Holly Draper and Carrie Tapia, Board Certified Family Lawyers and Partners at the Draper Law Firm, pull back the curtai…

When family law meets cultural and generational traditions, divorce gets far more complicated than you might expect… Uncover the unique challenges, complexities, and cultural dynamics at play when South Asian families navigate divorce in Texas. In this episode, Yasmin Kutty, Founding Partner of Kutty Guajardo Khoury Family Law, PLLC, and Shailey Gu…

Dealing with difficult personalities isn't just a challenge in family law—it’s an art form. What if you could master communication strategies that turn chaos into progress, even in the most high-conflict cases? Unlock powerful tools to transform your approach, your client relationships, and your peace of mind. In this episode, Christina Hollwarth, …

Five years after the Texas Supreme Court’s landmark decision in In re C.J.C., the Texas legislature has made some big changes when it comes to parent vs. non-parent cases. Find out what every family law practitioner and parent needs to know about the changes to the law that took effect on September 1, 2025. In this episode, Holly Draper, CEO and Ma…

Ever wondered how high-stakes family law cases can sidestep the chaos and scrutiny of the public courtroom? What if the oldest form of alternative dispute resolution in Texas offered a hidden path to both privacy and faster justice? In this episode, Judge Roy Ferguson, retired Texas District Judge and current private judge and arbitrator, sits down…

Sometimes, a courtroom decision quietly rewrites the rules for thousands of Texas families—until a landmark case rips the lid off the status quo. What does it mean for parental rights and protective orders when the Texas Supreme Court steps in? In this episode, Holly Draper dives deep into Stary v. Ethridge—her recent Texas Supreme Court case that …

Going through a divorce or separation is never easy, especially when it comes to co-parenting. Imagine an app that can streamline communication, reduce conflicts, and serve as a reliable record in court. In this episode, Rebecca Perra, Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Judicial and Legal Education Coordinator for OurFamilyWizard, delves …

Unlock the secrets to mastering the art of evidence in family law cases! In this episode, Spenser Housewright, a family law attorney at the Shapiro Law Firm, delves into the critical topic of evidence—how to get it in, how to keep it out, and its importance in winning a case. You’ll discover… The surprising importance of knowing your judge's tenden…

Unlock the possibilities of AI in the legal field while overcoming the challenges of technology adoption that most attorneys face today… But how can lawyers harness artificial intelligence to elevate their practice without succumbing to overwhelm or ethical pitfalls? In this episode, Alex Shahrestani, managing partner of Promise Legal PLLC, delves …

From Prosecution to Financial Planning—The Multifaceted Career of Guy Rodgers In this episode, Guy Rodgers, the owner of Guy Rodgers Private Wealth Strategies, unravels his unique journey from being a family lawyer to becoming a seasoned financial advisor. Tune in to learn how he helps individuals and legal professionals navigate complex financial …

Ever wondered how you can turn the tide on an unfavorable child custody evaluation or uncover the hidden layers of business valuations in family law? Join us as we dive deep into family law expert witness testimony with an industry expert. In this episode, Greg Beane, a board-certified family law attorney at Webb Family Law, unveils the secrets to …

Prosecutors spend far more time in the courtroom than most family lawyers, so what can we learn from a former prosecutor? Get ready for a deep dive into the strategic world of courtroom preparation and trial skills! In this episode, Emily Doron, a seasoned attorney at The Draper Law Firm, unveils the secrets behind success in the courtroom, drawing…

Social media might be the secret weapon for your business, but are you utilizing it to its full potential? Discover how one lawyer turned her social media presence into a powerhouse for her law firm. In this episode, Gianni Avalos, owner of Avalos Family Trial Attorneys, shares her innovative strategies in social media marketing, virtual business s…

In custody battles involving polarizing child custody issues, the stakes are high and the challenges manifold... How can parents and legal professionals navigate the complexities with authenticity and support? In this episode, Kelly Fritsch, an experienced family law attorney and owner of a family law practice in Houston, Texas, shares her invaluab…

Ever wondered how to prepare for an oral argument before the Texas Supreme Court? Dive into the intricate details and unique experiences of handling a high-stakes Supreme Court case. In this episode, Holly Draper unpacks the complexities and strategies involved in her recent oral argument in the Texas Supreme Court case, Stary v. Ethridge. You’ll d…

Child custody evaluations can be out of the question for many family law litigants because of the expense and time involved. Could Brief Focused Assessments be a better solution in many cases? In this episode, Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, a licensed professional counselor and family law expert, reveals innovative strategies and insights to simplify an…

Feeling overwhelmed by financial disclosures during divorce cases? Learn how to streamline the process and make your case rock-solid with insights from the pros! In this episode, Holly Draper and Carrie Tapia, partners at The Draper Law Firm, delve into the intricacies of effectively managing financial documents for mediation and court. They explor…

Did you know that spousal maintenance in Texas has a maximum duration and specific termination conditions? Dive into this episode to uncover the intricacies of spousal support laws, how they affect divorce proceedings, and essential advice for family lawyers. In this episode, Rob McAngus, Partner at Verner Brumley Mueller Parker, P.C. and board-cer…

Many of us dream of being a “lawyer on the beach…” But today’s guest, Nikita Lamar, has made it her reality. Nikita, founder of Lamar Legal Group, PLLC, will share her unique journey from starting her legal career in Texas to maintaining her successful practice remotely from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She’ll cover: The mental and spiritual shift that…

Uncover the powerful journey of an attorney who navigated through the perils of burnout to rediscover her passion for law and life… Today's episode features Cynthia Rendon, owner of Rendon Law Firm, PLLC, and author of “Judge Me Not: An Attorney’s Journey of Healing from Burnout.” Cynthia shares how she transformed her practice as a lawyer to overc…

In this episode of The Texas Family Law Insiders podcast, we delve deep into the world of interstate child custody litigation with Mary Neal, a seasoned family law attorney at Albin Oldner Law in Frisco, Texas. With a personal connection to the challenges of family law, Mary offers invaluable perspectives on navigating the legal complexities that c…

Dive into the transformative world of divorce coaching with Amy Tyson, a twice-divorced mother turned advocate, as she unveils her latest resources for families navigating the complex journey of divorce. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Amy back to the Texas Family Law Insiders podcast. Since we last spoke, Amy has continued to evolve he…

In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of LGBTQ+ issues and family law, a realm where the legal landscapes are as diverse as the clients served. My guest is Christine Andresen, founder of CHA Law in Austin, Texas, a firm that specializes in serving LGBTQ+ family law clients. Christine will share what family lawyers need to know about L…

In this solo episode, Holly delves into the pivotal case she currently has pending before the Texas Supreme Court, Stary v. Ethridge, that challenges the constitutionality of the Texas protective order statute. Discover the nuances of Texas’ protective order statutes and the constitutional debate it ignites. Uncover the challenges and implications …

In this episode, partners Holly Draper and Carrie Tapia discuss the complex issue of enforcing possession and access. Holly and Carrie bring their extensive expertise in family law to shed light on the often-challenging area of enforcing possession and access, offering valuable insights for both legal professionals and individuals navigating these …

What is the impact of intensive reunification therapy in family law? Intensive reunification therapy is different than traditional reunification therapy, and it can potentially have many negative impacts on a family. In this episode, author and psychologist Susan Fletcher shares her expertise on intensive reunification therapy, a subject of growing…

Struggling with the intricacies of attorneys' fees in family law? In this episode, Jim Mueller, owner and managing partner at Verner Brumley Mueller Parker, PC, sheds light on the often-complex topic of attorneys' fees in family law cases and shares practical advice for family lawyers. Uncover the critical steps for securing attorneys' fees in fami…

What are the best practices for alcohol monitoring in family law cases? My guest in this episode is Mike Fonseca, a national sales manager for Soberlink. He’s here to share his expertise on Soberlink and break down how this technology plays a role in family law. He’ll cover: Comparing alcohol monitoring technology’s effectiveness How Soberlink help…

Where does post-C.J.C case law stand at the end of 2023? In this episode, I give an update on post-C.J.C cases since my last episode on this topic. Join me for an overview of each case and an analysis of how they could impact future parent vs. non-parent child custody cases. I’ll also cover the fit parent presumption and where the Texas Supreme Cou…

How can attorneys draft effective substantive motions? Often, I see attorneys drafting substantive motions poorly, which sometimes costs them wins for clients. In this episode, I share my top strategies for drafting substantive motions. I’ll cover: What is a substantive motion and how does it compare to a standard pleading? Pleas to the jurisdictio…

Is decision fatigue impacting your performance? Day after day, attorneys are called on to make hundreds of decisions… Without the proper rest and recovery, your brain can become overwhelmed. In this episode, Susan Myres unpacks what decision fatigue is and shares how attorneys can manage and overcome decision fatigue so we can show up as our best s…

Possession schedules can be a complicated aspect of divorce cases, especially when a family has unique needs that aren’t met by the standard possession schedules. In this episode, I’m joined by Draper Law Firm associate attorney Desiree Hemphill to discuss possession schedules and how family lawyers can handle them. We’ll cover: What is the standar…

In this episode, we’re taking it back to basics… What are the best practices when preparing for a hearing? Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a new attorney, it’s always a good idea to review the fundamentals, so Holly Draper and Senior Attorney Carrie Tapia are here to share their favorite tips on preparing for hearings, including: Preparing a su…

Grandparents have extremely limited rights in Texas, and it’s important for attorneys to understand exactly when grandparents can obtain access and when they cannot. In this solo episode, I delve into the topic of grandparent access cases. These cases deal with some of the same constitutional implications as CJC but have their own distinct statutes…

The realms of family law and criminal law often intersect. How can family lawyers handle the overlap between these two areas? In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Fox, who practices both family and criminal law and owns The Fox Firm, PLLC. She’ll answer common questions about two major criminal law topics that can affect family law cases: drug issu…

Why is it important for family lawyers to have a basic understanding of personal injury law? In this episode, I’m joined by Robert Greening, principal and founder at GreeningLaw, P.C. in Dallas, Texas. Robert has spent the last 33 years of his life as a personal injury attorney, helping people receive justice and peace of mind. He’s here to share t…

Most family lawyers don’t know enough about the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction… What are the must-know facts that family lawyers should be aware of if this convention becomes relevant to a client? In this episode, Natalie Webb of Webb Family Law will break down the Hague Convention and its impact on family law. She’ll cover: When…

What do attorneys need to know about the common psychological elements of family law cases? In many divorce cases, a client may bring up concepts like narcissism and emotional abuse… In this episode, we’ll cover how attorneys can navigate these situations, especially in high conflict cases. My guest Christopher Meyer is a veteran and law firm owner…

How can intellectual property law affect divorce cases? In this episode, I’m joined by intellectual property attorney Wei Wei Jeang to cover this area that may be unfamiliar to family lawyers. Effective August 1, 2023, Wei Wei Jeang is a founding partner of the new law firm Fulton Jeang PLLC, a Texas-based virtual business law firm. Fulton Jeang fo…

What common mistakes do family law attorneys make when it comes to appeals? In this episode, I’ll cover what family lawyers need to know about the process of preparing a case for appeal or a mandamus. I’ll answer common questions such as: The difference between an appeal and a mandamus How to create a record The process of redacting Objecting and p…

How can family lawyers help women with careers navigate divorce? Lindsey Obenhaus, a partner at Goranson Bain Ausley, regularly helps women in this situation. In this episode, she’ll cover the major considerations for these clients, including: The history of alimony in Texas Dealing with possession schedules as a working mother Creative solutions t…

Most attorneys make this crucial mistake about C.J.C… They believe it’s a standing case—but it’s not. In this episode, we’ll cover why attorneys have that misconception and explore the ins and outs of standing in family law cases. Here to join me is Jimmy Evans of Evans Family Law Group. Jimmy has been practicing law in Texas since 1995, has been b…

What are the 7 essential systems a law firm needs? My guest Davina Frederick is the founder and CEO of Wealthy Woman Lawyer, a company that helps women law firm owners scale their law firm businesses to and through 1 million dollars in gross annual revenue without burning themselves out in the process. In this episode, she’ll share the internal and…

What is a divorce lending professional and how can they help your clients? John Snell specializes in helping divorcing homeowners make better informed decisions regarding their property, mortgage, and home equity options. In this episode, he’ll share the challenges and opportunities of helping divorcing parties and even stay-at-home parents navigat…

How can family lawyers use technology to create work-life balance and provide a seamless client experience? Regina Edwards, owner and managing attorney of Edwards Family Law in Gwinnett County, Georgia, created the Facebook group Lawyer on the Beach to help other attorneys do just that. Now, she’s here to share her favorite tech tools and processes…

What do family lawyers need to know about receivership? My guest Travis Cross is the owner of the Lawyer’s Receivership Group, a receivership company based out of North Texas. In this episode, he’ll answer common questions such as: What is receivership? What are the 5 qualifications to be a receiver? Why should a receiver be both an attorney and a …

Real estate is most people’s #1 asset… It can be a crucial component to divorce cases, but many family lawyers lack experience in this area. James Victor Esh is here to fix that. As a former title lawyer and practicing family lawyer, he understands how the nuances of real estate impact family law. In this episode, he’ll share the most important fac…

What goes on behind the scenes at the Office of the Attorney General? Jonathan Fox spent years working in the Office of the Attorney General and was named 2016 Assistant Attorney General of the Year. He is here to share his expertise on issues related to the Office of the Attorney General. He’ll break down common questions from family lawyers, incl…

When is competency relevant in a family law context? A competency issue can come into play in an enforcement proceeding—but understanding when and how to address it is critical. In this episode, Judge Scott Becker joins me to share his expertise on competency. He’ll cover: What qualifies as competent or incompetent When to use competency What to do…