Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce.
Welcome to *Children First Family Law*, a podcast dedicated to transforming the way families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce. In an industry too often focused on litigation, financial battles, and a war-like approach, we advocate for a radical shift in priorities—putting the well-being of children at the forefront. Join us as we explore how to handle divorce in a way that protects children from the collateral damage of parental conflict and legal battles. We offer resources, insights, and expert advice to help parents understand how to manage divorce without destroying their children’s future. By highlighting the flaws in the current system and providing a roadmap for a more compassionate approach, we aim to become thought leaders in this space, calling for change within the professional landscape of family law. We’ll discuss crucial topics like collaborative and amicable divorce, parental alienation, and navigating the complexities of domestic violence and child abuse within the legal system. Through candid conversations and expert guidance, *Children First Family Law* equips families to emerge from the brokenness of divorce with their children’s well-being intact—just like a beautiful stained glass window crafted from shattered pieces. If you’re asking yourself, ”How can I ensure my children aren’t destroyed by my divorce?” or ”Why does my lawyer always push for litigation?” this podcast is for you. Tune in, and let us guide you toward a healthier, more hopeful future for your family.
Episodes

Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Join Krista on the Children First Family Law Podcast to explore the compelling story of Cheryl Palmar, a best-selling author in the United States and Australia who transformed her life despite the turmoil of a troubled marriage. In this episode, Cheryl shares her journey from heartache to empowerment, revealing the emotional and legal battles she encountered while navigating a marriage with a highly functioning alcoholic partner. Along the way, however, she found that with careful planning and evidence collection, she was able to accomplish and amicable divorce with a full settlement despite the potential that her case could have ended up as yet another story of toxic litigation.
Cheryl's candid narrative offers insight into the complex process of securing a future for herself and her daughter. She discusses the importance of gathering evidence, seeking legal guidance, and the strategic steps she took to ensure their safety. Her experience highlights the necessity of having a strong support system and the courage required to initiate change.
Beyond the legal aspects, Cheryl offers insights on healing and co-parenting. Her reflections on therapy and personal growth provide hope to others facing similar challenges. Cheryl’s book, "Erased: Exiting a Toxic Relationship," serves as a guiding light for those feeling trapped in toxic relationships, inspiring a path towards a healthier and more empowered future, and highlights ways to get the protections you need and want for your children even in ugly, risky situations through a careful approach to preparing for and executing your case.
In this episode, you will hear:
Cheryl Palmar's journey from a marriage with a functioning alcoholic to empowerment and healing.
Emotional struggles and legal strategies in protecting her daughter and navigating divorce.
Insights into gathering evidence, privacy concerns, and the importance of legal advice in substance abuse situations.
Revelations about the balance of collecting evidence and the ability to approach a case peacefully and without extensive litigation – all through the power of incontrovertible facts, not allegations.
The role of co-parenting, focusing on unity and the well-being of their child despite past conflicts.
Discussion on the importance of therapy and personal growth after divorce.
Cheryl's experience with sobriety testing agreements to ensure her daughter's safety during parenting time and decision making.
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
"Erased: Exiting a Toxic Relationship" by Cheryl Palmar available online on Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble
Amazon: https://a.co/d/dnrbUMY
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/erased-cheryl-palmar/1144672044?ean=9781923123199
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
In this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista provides tips to handle the holidays within co-parenting arrangements.
Krista discusses the importance of having a flexible parenting plan that respects each parent's significant holidays and traditions. Families can navigate the complexities of holiday traditions and new dynamics post-divorce by prioritizing the children's experiences and well-being over parental convenience.
Effective communication can help transform holiday co-parenting from a conflict-ridden experience into a more harmonious experience. Krista provides strategies for clear communication with your co-parent, extended family, and children, helping reduce stress and confusion. Discover the benefits of coordinating gift-giving, supporting children in purchasing gifts for the other parent, and celebrating holidays on alternative days.
In this episode, you will hear:
Strategies for successful holiday planning in co-parenting, focusing on children's needs and new family dynamics
Importance of flexible parenting plans and respecting significant holidays to foster stability
Navigating holiday traditions in blended families and maintaining children's relationships with extended family
Effective communication and coordination to reduce stress and confusion during holidays
Benefits of coordinated gift-giving and supporting children in buying gifts for the other parent
Emphasis on prioritizing children's happiness and stability during holiday transitions
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
In this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista guides you through the intricacies of divorce using a child-centered approach.
Krista shares her top ten considerations for those contemplating divorce, emphasizing the children's best interests. She highlights the importance of identifying subtle forms of abuse, such as coercive control, and discusses the potential for reconciliation in non-abusive relationships. She also underscores the value of seeking expert guidance and the value of contemplating legal separation as a potentially better first step as an alternative to divorce.
Krista addresses the challenges of co-parenting and financial management post-divorce. She explains how the legal system prioritizes the child's best interests in parenting time and decision-making, discussing the impact of shared parenting responsibilities and common conflicts. She delves into income imputation complexities in child support and spousal maintenance cases and explores changes in parenting dynamics when parents previously less involved in primary care seek more active roles.
She further examines the impact of divorce on relationships and future planning, considering the complexities of forming new relationships and relocation challenges. Krista highlights the importance of assembling a reliable team of professionals and explores different approaches to handling divorce, such as hiring attorneys, negotiating amicable agreements directly, and mediating.
This episode is a must-listen for a comprehensive guide to navigating divorce with the children's best interests in mind.
In this episode, you will hear:
Importance of a child-centered approach when considering divorce, emphasizing hiring professionals who prioritize children's needs
Identifying and addressing various forms of abuse, such as coercive control, and exploring legal separation as an alternative to divorce
Navigating co-parenting and financial management challenges post-divorce, especially for primary caregivers adjusting to shared parenting time and decision-making
Understanding the complexities of income imputation in child support and spousal maintenance and the dynamics of previously uninvolved parents seeking active roles
Impact of divorce on broader relationships, including friends, family, and new relationships, along with the challenges of potential relocations
Building a support team of legal and emotional resources to guide through the divorce process
Emphasizing the well-being of children in family law and discussing best-interest attorney roles and future series on domestic violence
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
In this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes Judge Bruce Cohen, a distinguished figure in family law with more than 40 years of experience.
Judge Cohen shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspectives from serving in the Maricopa County court system in Arizona, the fourth largest in the United States. With a career that spans from being a young lawyer to a seasoned judge appointed by Governor Janet Napolitano in 2005, Judge Cohen discusses the intricacies of family law, particularly focusing on the delicate balance between the well-being of children and Constitutional rights to parent.
Throughout the conversation, Judge Cohen offers a deep dive into the challenges judges face, especially those new to the family law arena. He provides insights into parenting time and decision-making complexities, where terms like “best interests” are often debated. Additionally, Judge Cohen's innovative approaches to promoting healthy co-parenting and enhancing self-representation bring a fresh perspective to resolving family disputes.
We also explore Judge Cohen's experiences and reflections from the AFCC Conference in Boston, underscoring the shared commitment to improving family law practices. His passion for guiding families toward constructive resolutions and focusing on the well-being of children is evident throughout the discussion.
Join us for a thought-provoking episode enriched by Judge Cohen's insights and dedication to advancing family law practice.
In this episode, you will hear:
Judge Bruce Cohen on balancing child well-being with Constitutional rights and court principles
Insights into the challenges of early intervention in cases involving domestic violence or mental health issues
An exploration of the complexities and nuances of parenting time and decision-making
Judge Cohen's journey and experience in family law, emphasizing the importance of training and support for judges
Promoting healthy co-parenting and addressing challenges in family law dynamics
Innovative approaches to simplifying legal proceedings for self-represented litigants in family law courts
Ethical dilemmas attorneys face, emphasizing guiding clients toward constructive resolutions
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
In this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista provides an important introduction to what will be an ongoing conversation on the podcast: the complexities of domestic violence, child abuse, and child sexual abuse in family law cases and the current landscape of laws attempting to safeguard those at risk.
This introduction highlights the complexities of this area of family law and provides a solid foundation for understanding the issues. She also previews a series of thought leaders who will join the show in early 2025 to help unpack these important issues.
On this episode, Krista explains the differences between the dependency and neglect courts and family courts and the inability of family courts to terminate parental rights, even if there has been domestic violence or child abuse. She introduces Kayden’s Law, a Pennsylvania statute that aims to protect children, which then spawned federal attention and legislation, which then motivated Colorado to be among the first additional states to change its laws to better protect children from parents who commit DV and child abuse and child sexual abuse.
Krista explains Colorado’s leadership in the transformation of family court reform to better address domestic violence and child abuse, including laws in 2023 and 2024 that greatly change the protections regarding these issues in family courts. These laws have created a pivotal shift in defining domestic violence within legal contexts, including the importance of including children's voices and better defining domestic violence to include aspects of coercive control. This episode advocates for a more compassionate family law system. It encourages listeners to actively engage with these reforms, creating an environment where children and those affected by abuse are genuinely heard and protected.
In this episode, you will hear:
Exploring the complexities of family law related to domestic violence and child abuse
Challenges victims face, such as fears of escalation and financial instability
Differences between dependency and neglect cases versus domestic relations court cases
Introduction of Kayden’s Law
Colorado laws that elevate domestic violence, including aspects of coercive control, and attempt to get children's voices in court
The role of parenting plan evaluators and mandatory reporters in protecting children
The importance of engaging with reforms for a more effective legal system that protects children
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista dives into the intricate world of supervised parenting in situations with safety concerns for children. Our guest, Cynthia Roberts, who is well-versed in mental health and family law, shares her journey from a mental health specialist to a therapeutic parenting time supervisor, helping navigate keeping children safe when there are allegations of a variety of safety concerns for children with a parent. She offers a unique perspective on how these visits can be both protective and transformative.
Krista and Cynthia explore the challenges families face during contentious divorces, including the financial and logistical hurdles associated with supervised visitations. Cynthia discusses the delicate balance between providing therapeutic intervention and keeping meticulous documentation to ensure the safety and well-being of children. She clarifies the nuanced differences between therapeutic and standard supervised visitations, emphasizing the importance of unobtrusive supervision to allow for genuine family interactions. The discussion extends to the varied roles within family law, highlighting both Child and Family Investigators (CFIs) and best-interest attorneys such as Child Legal Representatives (CLRs) and reflecting attempts at more effective child-focused advocacy in high-conflict scenarios. Cynthia emphasizes the emotional demands on professionals in this field and the necessity for supportive professional relationships to enhance outcomes and prevent burnout.
Tune in to learn from Cynthia Roberts how to create supportive and safe environments for children in these complicated family law situations.
In this episode, you will hear:
Exploring the role of supervised visitations
Insights from Cynthia Roberts on the delicate balance between providing therapeutic intervention and keeping meticulous documentation to ensure the safety and well-being of children
The challenges faced by families, including financial and logistical hurdles, in securing qualified therapeutic supervised visitation specialists
Examination of the roles of Child and Family Investigators (CFIs) to best-interest attorneys and the impact on child-centered advocacy in family law
The emotional demands on family law professionals and the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect
Strategies for managing parent exchanges to ensure children's safety and comfort during visitations
The role of supervised visitations in assessing parenting behaviors and supporting positive parent-child interactions
Resources from this Episode
Roberts Family Resolution Services: www.robertsfamilyresolution.com
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
In this episode of the Children First Family Law Podcast, Krista sits down with the Honorable Judge Robert Lung to explore the nuances of family law. With decades of experience as a district court judge in Colorado, Judge Lung offers invaluable perspectives on how parents can work together to shape their children's futures. This episode emphasizes parental cooperation in making decisions about their children's lives rather than relying on a judge who lacks personal insight into their circumstances.
Judge Lung discusses critical issues such as human trafficking, childhood trauma, and resilience. Drawing from his extensive work with various professionals, including military, medical, and law enforcement communities, Judge Lung underscores his commitment to these pressing topics through his roles on significant councils addressing human trafficking.
You’ll hear Judge Lung recount his path from law school in Ohio to his current position in Colorado. Krista and Judge Lung highlight the influence of mentors and personal stories, reflecting on how focusing on children's well-being in family law cases can lead to better outcomes. They also emphasize the empowerment of parents to reach agreements during divorce proceedings, placing the best interests of their children at the forefront.
The episode delves into the intricacies of co-parenting, parental rights, and the effects of trauma on child advocacy. Central themes include conversations about parenting time, challenges for non-offending parents, and the role of judicial input in enhancing the family court system. Judge Lung reiterates maintaining a nurturing environment for families, stressing mentorship, open communication, and continuous improvement efforts by the Colorado Judicial Branch.
Join us as we navigate these critical issues with Judge Robert Lung and discover ways to foster a nurturing environment for families facing family law challenges.
In this episode, you will hear:
The importance of parental cooperation in family law to avoid judicial decisions by strangers
Judge Robert Lung's career journey and experiences in Colorado's family court system
Trauma awareness, human trafficking, and child advocacy
Empowerment of parents to reach agreements in divorce proceedings
Challenges of co-parenting, parental rights, and maintaining a supportive environment for children
Continuous improvement in Colorado's family courts
Anecdotes highlighting informed decision-making and the pitfalls of unnecessary litigation
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Kathleen McNamara, a seasoned psychologist with nearly 40 years of experience, as she shares her expertise at the intersection of family law and psychology.
In this episode of Children First Family Law, we delve into the intricacies of child-parent relationships, emphasizing the need to separate relationship issues from parenting logistics. Dr. McNamara's extensive career, spanning academia, clinical practice, and policy-making, enriches our exploration of child-centered strategies that place children's needs at the forefront in legal contexts.
We examine te impact of recent legislative changes and the complexities surrounding terms like alienation and gaslighting. Dr. McNamara advocates for moving beyond labels to focus on specific behaviors and their effects on family dynamics. The episode also highlights Kayden's Law and the evolving role of best-interests attorneys – called Child Legal Representatives in Colorado – discussing the balance between safeguarding children and honoring parental rights.
Throughout the conversation, we address the challenges of high-conflict divorces, stressing the importance of a stable parenting schedule and the guidance of experienced therapists. By encouraging communication, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience, we aim to assist families in transitioning from disputes to effective co-parenting.
Our discussion, filled with expert advice and personal experiences, aims to inspire listeners to adopt child-focused approaches in the complex realm of family law.
In this episode, you will hear:
Exploring the intersection of family law and psychology with Dr. Kathleen McNamara
Child-centered strategies and their importance in family dynamics
The impact of recent legislative changes, such as Kayden's Law, on family law
Challenges and strategies for managing high-conflict divorces and parenting schedules
The role of language and behavior-focused approaches in understanding family dynamics
The importance of emotional resilience, communication, and conflict resolution in co-parenting
Insights into child advocacy, family rights, and the evolving role of best-interests attorneys – called child legal representatives in Colorado
Resources from this Episode
Dr. Kathleen McNamara’s website: kathleenmcnamaraphd.com
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Join us for a conversation with the Hon. (Ret.) Angela Arkin, a former Colorado judge and current thought leader in family law with a wealth of experience to share. Judge Arkin provides her perspective based on her decades of experience regarding ways to improve access to justice for families without resources to hire lawyers and how to better advocate for children.
Judge Arkin dives deep into the heart-wrenching complexities judges face in family law, especially when it comes to cases involving children. We explore the intricate process of discerning the truth in these emotionally charged situations and the critical role of mental health and socioeconomic factors.
Celebrate Judge Arkin's profound impact on the legal community and her tireless dedication to training future generations of lawyers and judges. This episode provides invaluable advice for judges, lawyers, and parents alike, emphasizing the crucial need to prioritize children's wellbeing in all family law proceedings.
In this episode, you will hear:
Judge Angela Arkin's journey from Georgia to Colorado in family law
Challenges and responsibilities judges face in high-conflict divorce cases, particularly involving children
The impact of socioeconomic and mental health issues on family dynamics and court decisions
Importance of mentorship and training for judges and lawyers to prioritize children's best interests in family law proceedings
Issues regarding access to justice in family law cases in which parents cannot afford attorneys
Advice for parents, lawyers, and judicial officers
Resources from this Episode:
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
Guest’s website - https://jaginc.com/arkin-angela/
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Mediation can be an excellent solution for some families, but it is often an ineffective problem-solving technique.
On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista explains a court’s obligation to attempt Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) before a contested hearing and the challenges that could arise during mediation. Mediation is not always the most effective resolution tool, and Krista explains why it often fails. She shares why she created Amicable Uncontested Family Law Solutions, what you can expect from that process, and why Krista’s method helps parents learn to co-parent more effectively. Krista outlines the challenges mediation can present, with attorneys often making the situation more difficult than it needs to be. She shares the steps clients and attorneys can take before entering mediation, what differentiates collaborative law from mediation, and her passion for mitigating the damage done to families by helping them recognize when they need help.
Children’s well-being is at the heart of Krista’s law practice, and she wants attorneys and families to know what they can do to create better co-parenting situations that benefit all involved parties.
In this episode, you will hear:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and a court’s requirement to do this type of mediation before a contested hearing
The issues a prepared mediator will address during the mediation session
Mediation’s lack of effectiveness and some reasons it often fails
Krista’s love of creating effective solutions with settlement conferences as opposed to traditional mediation
Amicable Uncontested Family Law Solutions and what Krista’s clients can expect to gain from this product offering
The involvement of attorneys making a divorce situation far more difficult
Using the Children First Family Law podcast as a resource for parents and attorneys
The steps a client should take before entering mediation and the information attorneys need to create a good outcome
Collaborative Law definition and who it best suits
Krista’s preference to help both parents and help them learn to co-parent better
Mitigating damage in families by helping them recognize when they need help
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.