Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce. Podcast By Children First Family Law cover art

Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce.

Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce.

By: Children First Family Law
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About this listen

 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.Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Parenting & Families Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 039: Divorce, Two Homes, and a Child’s Voice: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know, with Dr. Susan Fletcher

    039: Divorce, Two Homes, and a Child’s Voice: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know, with Dr. Susan Fletcher
    Jun 30 2025

    In today’s episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista is joined by Dr. Susan Fletcher, a licensed psychologist in both Texas and Colorado, known for her deep experience with court-involved families and child-focused evaluations. Together, they explore what children truly experience during and after a divorce and how parents and professionals can better support their transition to life in two homes.

    Dr. Fletcher explains how children internalize language like “custody” and “visitation” and offers practical suggestions for reframing these terms in ways that support emotional resilience. She stresses the importance of maintaining consistency, recognizing a child's individual vulnerabilities, and reframing transitions as opportunities rather than losses. The conversation covers early intervention, therapist involvement, and the crucial role of in-home observations for professionals working with families post-divorce.

    This episode also addresses why mental health providers may resist testifying in court, how board complaints create fear, and what professionals can do to better navigate the intersection of clinical care and legal involvement. Dr. Fletcher shares real-world experiences from both therapy and evaluations, bringing clarity to a complex and emotionally charged aspect of family law.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Children often absorb adult terminology like “custody” and “visitation” in ways that affect their sense of identity
    • Simple language changes and reframes can support emotional safety during transitions
    • Some kids adapt easily to two homes, while others need more structured emotional support
    • In-home observations provide professionals with a clearer context for how children experience post-divorce life
    • Fear of licensing complaints can prevent therapists from staying involved in court cases, even when their voices matter
    • Parents can remain emotionally available without overwhelming their children
    • Creating a strong support system helps families and professionals navigate ongoing changes
    • Shifting focus from fear-based reactions to hopeful engagement promotes healthier outcomes

    Resources from this Episode

    www.fletcherphd.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.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 038: Protection and Custody Collide: Child Abuse in Divorce Cases with Expert Seth Goldstein, Former Police Officer & Child Abuse Attorney

    038: Protection and Custody Collide: Child Abuse in Divorce Cases with Expert Seth Goldstein, Former Police Officer & Child Abuse Attorney
    Jun 23 2025
    In this episode of the Children First Family Law Podcast, Krista welcomes Seth Goldstein, a California-based family law attorney, expert witness, and former police officer with over four decades of experience in child protection. The conversation centers on how courts respond—or fail to respond—when child abuse allegations arise in the context of divorce or custody disputes. Drawing on his experience in law enforcement and years of litigating high-conflict family law cases, Seth offers a rare dual perspective that spans criminal investigations, forensic evidence, and courtroom advocacy. Krista and Seth examine how family courts often lack the protections, resources, and trauma-informed systems that exist in dependency courts, leaving children vulnerable in legal battles that prioritize parental rights over child safety. Krista and Seth also discuss how allegations are frequently dismissed as custody tactics, the limitations of child protective services, the misunderstood role of minors’ counsel, and how new legislation, like Colorado’s Kayden’s Law and House Bill 24-1350, aims to shift the focus back to the child. This episode is a must-listen for family law professionals, child advocates, and parents navigating abuse concerns in the middle of divorce. It’s also a sobering look at what can go wrong and what needs to change to prevent tragedy. In this episode, you will hear: The disconnect between how criminal courts and family courts handle child abuse allegationsWhy dependency courts offer more protection for children than family courtsHow courts evaluate the credibility of abuse claims in custody disputesThe critical role of evidence, mandatory reporters, and multidisciplinary teamsWhy some abuse reports are dismissed, even when they’re credibleThe dangers of forced reunification and outdated views on co-parentingColorado’s response through Kayden’s Law and HB 24-1350What parents can do if they suspect abuse, and fear the system won’t believe themThe long-term effects of domestic violence on children, even without direct exposureA call for reform: shifting from shared parenting presumptions to child-centered outcomes Resources from this Episode www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com www.lawofficesofsethgoldstein.com www.missingkids.org/home fvaplaw.org www.phillyburbs.com/story/news/local/2024/03/26/kayden-mancuso-pa-legislature-kaydens-law-child-custody-reform-bucks-county/73103605007/#:~:text=What%20happened%20to%20Kayden%20Mancuso,%2C%22%20and%20then%20killed%20himself. www.hud.gov/vawa#close leadershipcouncil.org www.ivatcenters.org www.peaceoverviolence.org/iii-the-cycle-of-violence-and-power-and-control www.thehotline.org/here-for-you bwjp.org 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.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • 037: Colorado Family Law: Understanding the Role of a CLR in Custody and Parenting Cases

    037: Colorado Family Law: Understanding the Role of a CLR in Custody and Parenting Cases
    Jun 16 2025

    In this solo episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista, a Colorado-based family law attorney and child advocate, breaks down her structured approach to serving as a Child’s Legal Representative (CLR) in high-conflict divorce and custody cases across the state.

    Krista shares her 11-step process for advocating on behalf of children during some of the most complex and emotionally charged family law matters. Drawing on her experience practicing throughout Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs, she guides listeners through the process of how CLRs are appointed, their interactions with families, and how they contribute to shaping child-centered solutions both inside and outside the courtroom.

    From initial appointments and home visits to therapeutic collaboration and final court engagement, Krista explains how an active, negotiation-based model empowers children to have a voice while protecting their well-being. She also compares the CLR role to other evaluative processes used in Colorado family courts, including CFIs and PREs, highlighting the benefits of real-time engagement and ongoing problem-solving.

    For parents, attorneys, and professionals working in Colorado family law, this episode offers a clear and practical guide to what it means to truly represent the best interests of the child, with a process that’s informed, intentional, and deeply rooted in trauma-aware advocacy.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • How courts appoint a Child’s Legal Representative (CLR) in Colorado
    • Why earlier CLR involvement can lead to better outcomes for families
    • A detailed look at Krista’s 11-step CLR process, from start to finish
    • The value of active negotiation over passive observation in high-conflict parenting cases
    • The difference between a CLR and roles like CFIs or parenting evaluators
    • Strategies to support children’s voices in parenting time disputes
    • How Colorado-specific forms (JDF 1319/1320) initiate the CLR appointment process

    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.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
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