Sidebar Social

Talking about a prenup might not sound romantic, but it could be one of the most important conversations you have before marriage.  In this episode of Sidebar Social, Jennifer and Dana break down prenups (and postnups) in a practical, no-nonsense way: what they cover, how they’re created, what they can’t do, and how to avoid common pitfalls.  Whether you’re getting married, are married, or just curious, this episode will give you a...

In this episode of Sidebar Social, we sit down with Jennifer Richardson, a Texas family law attorney who is frequently appointed as an Amicus Attorney, as she breaks down one of the most misunderstood roles in family law cases. Jennifer explains what an amicus attorney is (and isn’t), who they represent, and how they assist the court in high-conflict custody cases. We also discuss how the amicus role differs from an attorney ad lit...

Jennifer L. Grinke and Dana J. Stewart sit down with criminal defense attorney Ryne Sandel, a partner at Whalen Law Office, to unpack the world of protective orders — what they are, how they work, and why they’re so often misunderstood. From emergency orders to long-term protections, we explore how these legal tools are issued, enforced, and challenged, and what happens when criminal and family law collide. Whether you’re a legal p...

Divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s an emotional upheaval. In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Sidebar Social, licensed therapist Kathleen Schofield returns to help us unpack the hidden grief that often goes unrecognized during and after a family law case. From mourning the loss of identity and routine to navigating “the year of firsts” post-divorce, Kathleen shares valuable insights into how trauma shows up—and how hea...

Is there a way to divorce that doesn't involve court battles, scorched earth tactics, or drained bank accounts? On this episode of Sidebar Social, hosts Jennifer L. Grinke and Dana J. Stewart sit down with Katie Zuverink—licensed counselor and seasoned neutral mental health professional in the collaborative divorce process—to break it all down. Katie shares what collaborative divorce really is (spoiler: it's not couples t...

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Steven Bradley, Cybersecurity & Technology Expert at Our Family Wizard and former FBI agent, to unpack the darker side of tech in family law. From hidden trackers and spoofed messages to spyware and social media manipulation, Steven shares real-world insights into how technology is weaponized in high-conflict cases—and what parents and family law professionals need to know to stay ah...

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by seasoned martial arts instructor and safety expert, Erik Hicks, to talk about a topic that’s all too common in family law—domestic violence. We unpack the warning signs, explore how abuse patterns tend to escalate over time, and offer practical safety tips for those navigating co-parenting in high-conflict situations. Whether you're a legal professional, a survivor, or someone supporti...

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tori Bradburry opens up about what it’s like being a stepmother in the middle of high-conflict family law litigation. As her husband’s case played out in court, Tori became more than a bystander—she became a source of strength, support, and stability for her blended family. Her story is one of love, frustration, and fierce resilience—perfect for any stepparent trying to navigate the emotio...

In this heartwarming episode, I chat with Amy Tyson, the founder of Happiness In The Heartache, a company dedicated to supporting children and parents through the challenges of divorce. She shares her expert insights on helping kids process their feelings with creative tools like her children’s books and workbooks, and discusses her journey as a certified divorce and co-parenting coach. Tune in for practical advice and compassionat...

Ever wondered what goes on behind the bench, or what makes mediation tick? In this episode, we’re joined by Suzanne Wooten, a former District Court Judge turned full-time mediator who’s spilling the tea on everything from courtroom drama to the secrets of successful family law mediation. With insights from both sides of the gavel, she shares pro tips for trial attorneys and folks about to head into mediation. Whether you're na...

In this episode, we’re joined by Daryl Parker with Blackfish Intelligence, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and board-certified criminal defense investigator with over 25 years of experience. Daryl shares how his investigative services can be a game-changer in family law cases, from surveillance and trash analysis to DNA testing and forensics. Daryl explains how private investigators play a vital role in uncovering hidden truths, suppor...

In this episode, we sit down with Noel Cookman of The Mortgage Institute, a divorce lending specialist with over two decades of experience at the intersection of divorce and mortgage finance. Noel shares his expert insights on how to navigate mortgage financing during a divorce, offering practical advice for both divorce attorneys and clients. By getting involved early in the process, Noel helps clients avoid delays and complicatio...

In this episode, we sit down with Rick Willey, owner of Keeping the Peace, LLC, a service dedicated to providing supervised visitations for families in North Texas. As a bailiff for the 417th Judicial District Court of Collin County, Texas, Rick shares his expertise on how supervised visitations can be a vital tool in family law cases. He discusses best practices for ensuring smooth and successful visits, tips for attorneys on craf...

In this episode, Jennifer and Dana were joined by licensed professional counselor Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, a trusted expert in child custody evaluations. With nearly 600 evaluations under her belt, Christy shares her deep insights into the evaluation process, offering expert advice on navigating high-conflict custody disputes. She discusses common issues like relocation, resist/refuse dynamics, and reunification, and explains how ...

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Stuart Brown, a seasoned family law attorney who has transitioned from the courtroom to full-time mediation. Stuart shares his unique perspective on the mediation process and offers expert advice on how it can help families reach peaceful, practical solutions outside of the courtroom. With years of experience in both litigation and mediation, he discusses the key techniques and strategies...

In this empowering episode, Jennifer and Dana sit down with two incredible experts— Lindsay Menz, a loan officer with Homestead Financial Mortgage, and Natalie Andrews with CLEAR Title & Apprasial Co.—who are on a mission to help women rebuild their lives after divorce, starting with securing a home. Both of our guests share their personal experiences navigating divorce and their passion for supporting other women through the o...