Ex-it Strategy

Podcast Cary
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Your no bullsh$t guide to divorce with experienced attorneys from New Direction Family Law and guests and professionals who have been there. Unfiltered discussions to help you move from victim to victorious and from bitter to better.

  1. 2 Jun

    Navigating Narcissism: Unpacking Complex Relationships With Fauzia Faizi Shah

    Attorneys Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah J. Hink, and Tyler E. Kaestner of New Direction Family Law talk with mental health professional Fauzia Faizi Shah about complex PTSD and narcissistic personality disorder and how these dynamics commonly surface in separation, divorce, and custody cases. Shah describes narcissistic traits and tactics such as gaslighting (changing someone’s reality), love-bombing and trauma bonding, boundary violations, manipulation, isolation, strength-shaming, and the repeating abuse cycle, and explains how victims may appear depressed or use substances as coping while the narcissistic partner thrives. The conversation focuses on protecting children, who may become “performers” for narcissistic parents, and on educating judges through seasoned evaluations and parenting capacity assessments, recommending supervised visitation when appropriate, therapy for children and the targeted parent, and legal boundaries like structured communication and parenting coordinators. Shah shares that her forthcoming book and online resources address complex PTSD, neurobiology, attachment, and healing. 00:00 Kids as Performers 00:47 Podcast Introductions 01:29 Book on Complex PTSD 02:26 Spotting Narcissism 03:49 Gaslighting Explained 04:31 Trauma Bond Cycle 06:16 Abuse and Control 07:29 Leaving and Safety 07:54 Evaluations and Court 14:15 Co Parenting Challenges 16:07 Protecting the Children 18:01 Courtroom Facades 21:41 Custody Battle Tactics 22:53 Coping Not Crazy 23:32 DV Mental Health Toll 24:04 Why It Feels Normal 24:56 Neurobiology And Attachment 26:32 Lawyer Strategy And Therapy 27:35 Breaking Trauma Bonds 29:45 Are Narcissists Increasing 30:35 Resources And New Book 31:37 Complex PTSD Explained 32:47 Boundaries And Legal Shields 34:33 Final Warnings Love Bombing

    36 min

  2. 19 May

    Perinatal Mental Health: Understanding and Support With Veronica Kemeny

    Elizabeth Stevenson and Sarah J. Hink of New Direction Family Law, joined by associate attorney Tyler E. Kaestner, interview Veronica Kemeny, a licensed clinical social worker and co-owner of Anchor Perinatal Wellness in Raleigh, during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. They discuss perinatal mental health as an inclusive term covering trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum (up to two years), and non-birthing partners, and review conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Kemeny explains warning signs such as impaired functioning and inability to sleep when given the chance, normalizes intrusive thoughts, and emphasizes the importance of trained providers due to stigma and misinterpretation. The conversation covers risk factors, medication concerns, impacts on relationships and divorce/custody cases, and resources like Postpartum Support International, nurse visiting programs, UNC’s perinatal inpatient unit, and Anchor’s intensive program, teletherapy, childcare, and free walk-in maternal mental health clinic at anchorperinatal.com. 00:00 UNC Perinatal Units 00:43 Meet the Guests 01:40 Veronica and Anchor Program 03:16 What Perinatal Mental Health Means 04:36 When Symptoms Become Serious 05:51 Red Flags Sleep and Safety 07:20 Intrusive Thoughts and Stigma 10:56 Screening and Provider Gaps 12:23 Risk Factors and Prevention 15:29 Resources Programs and Medication 17:36 Social Media Comparison Trap 17:52 Finding Realistic Support 18:54 Marriage Strain After Baby 19:22 Teamwork and Self Care Plan 22:17 Sleep Boundaries and Visitors 24:28 When to Seek Treatment 25:44 Divorce and Custody Bias 29:07 Free Nurse Visiting Programs 30:25 How to Get Help 31:42 Final Takeaways

    32 min

  3. 14 Apr

    Divorce Decisions: Understanding North Carolina's Property Division

    Family law attorneys Sarah Hink and Elizabeth Stevenson of New Direction Family Law discuss North Carolina equitable distribution in divorce, emphasizing that most marital property and debt acquired from the date of marriage to the date of separation is typically divided 50/50, regardless of whose name it’s in, with values generally set as of separation. They explain separate property carve-outs (inheritances kept separate, premarital retirement/house interests) and when debts may be treated as separate (not benefiting the marriage). They warn against trying to manipulate accounts or incurring debt right before separation, and note most cases settle in required mediation if parties avoid “nickel-and-diming” personal property. They also highlight practical issues with houses, refinancing, credit risk, and the need to address property claims before an absolute divorce, which can waive equitable distribution rights. 00:00 Mediation Pitfalls 00:35 Meet the Attorneys 00:57 Equitable Distribution Basics 02:01 Marital Property Freeze Frame 02:33 Unequal Splits and Misconduct 03:44 Separate Property Exceptions 05:02 Messy Assets and Businesses 05:44 DIY Agreements and Prenups 06:41 Pets and Personal Property 07:17 Mediation and Nickel Dime Fights 09:39 Home Values and Letting Go 11:32 Debt Division and Credit Risks 14:06 Bankruptcy and Final Warnings

    16 min

  4. 7 Apr

    Divorce Survival Guide: Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Family law attorneys Elizabeth Stevenson and Sarah Hink of New Direction Family Law discuss common mistakes people make during separation and divorce, emphasizing that emotions can lead to regrettable decisions. They warn that social media posts, texts, DMs, and even posts by friends or family can be used in court, and note North Carolina is a one-party consent state where conversations may be legally recorded if the recorder is a participant. They advise clients to follow attorney guidance, timely provide required financial and other documents, and avoid hiding information. They caution against relying on “Google law degrees” or AI-generated content, which can be inaccurate and costly to review. They also stress avoiding reckless behavior (partying, DUIs), maintaining credibility with the judge, and being honest about finances and other issues. 00:00 One Party Consent Warning 00:35 Meet The Divorce Attorneys 01:12 Social Media Can Sink You 02:10 Texts DMs And Friends 04:02 Recording Rules Explained 04:41 Follow Legal Advice And Disclose 05:39 Bad Advice And AI Pitfalls 07:17 Reckless Behavior And Custody 09:11 Honesty And Credibility In Court 11:24 Money Mistakes And Hidden Assets 12:16 Wrap Up Key Takeaways 13:06 Final Sign Off

    15 min

  5. 23/09/2025

    Understanding Parentage: Establishing & Disestablishing

    New Direction Family Law layers and staff discuss the complexities around parentage. They cover the process of establishing and disestablishing parentage, the legal implications, and the need for paternity actions. The team also explores issues related to legitimation actions, the legal challenges of changing a child's surname, and the complications that arise within same-sex parent families. Tune in for an informative discussion about the legal intricacies of parentage and the importance of having an attorney navigate these complicated matters. 00:00 Introduction and Team Introduction00:36 Understanding Parentage: Establishing and Disestablishing01:10 Affidavit of Parentage: Hospital Procedures01:52 Paternity Tests and Legal Actions02:43 Legitimation Actions: Replacing the Wrong Dad03:36 Legal Implications of Birth Certificates05:30 Disestablishment of Paternity: Legal Steps07:41 Changing the Child's Surname10:52 Complexities in Same-Sex Parentage12:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ------ To contact us visit https://newdirectionfamilylaw.com/contact-us-today/

    14 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    Alienation of Affection and Criminal Conversation in North Carolina

    We unpack the complex and often controversial legal topics of Alienation of Affection and Criminal Conversation. They discuss the nuances, historical context, and practical implications of these laws, which are still recognized in a few states, including North Carolina. The conversation includes real-life cases, the pros and cons of pursuing such lawsuits, and the potential impacts on all parties involved. 00:00 Introduction and Team Introduction01:01 Introducing the Topic: Alienation and Criminal Conversation01:33 Matt's Experience with Alienation Cases02:16 Legal Nuances and Publicity of Cases04:43 Breaking Down Alienation and Criminal Conversation05:50 Defenses and Legal Strategies07:20 Damages and Case Examples08:49 Challenges and Considerations in Pursuing Cases12:53 Mother-in-Law Drama13:34 Alienation of Affection Law13:54 Constitutional Concerns15:41 Jurisdiction Issues18:18 Office Affairs21:12 Connivance and Framing ------ To contact us visit https://newdirectionfamilylaw.com/contact-us-today/

    23 min

  7. 19/08/2025

    Preparing for Court: The Do's and Don'ts

    Join lizabeth A. Stephenson and Sarah J. Hink from New Direction Family Law as they delve into crucial insights for clients preparing to testify in family court. Alongside Cam, their coordinator, they discuss the intricacies of courtroom procedures, the importance of honest and concise testimony, and how to handle cross-examinations and character witnesses. From what to wear to how to manage your emotions, gain valuable advice on presenting yourself effectively in court. Whether it's a custody case, financial disputes, or spousal support, this episode covers everything you need to know to navigate your court appearance with confidence. 00:00 Introduction to New Direction Family Law00:57 Preparing Clients for Testimony01:46 Courtroom Basics and Client Preparation03:36 Direct and Cross-Examination Tips06:46 Character and Expert Witnesses09:54 Handling Emotions and Courtroom Etiquette11:08 The Importance of Genuine Emotions in Court11:23 Challenges Judges Face in Determining Credibility11:51 Handling Lies and Perjury in Court13:56 Using Text Messages and Emails as Evidence15:52 The Dangers of Faking Evidence17:16 Respecting Court Protocol and Behavior17:46 Financial Testimonies and Document Familiarity18:51 The Waiting Game for Court Rulings19:49 Preparing for Cross-Examination21:43 Character Witness Preparation

    23 min

  8. 05/08/2025

    Navigating Custody Issues Across State Lines

    Our hosts discuss the complexities of handling custody issues when co-parents live in different states. They delve into the legalities, jurisdiction matters, and real-life scenarios including military families and interstate relocations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding state laws, getting court permissions, and the potential emotional and financial impacts on the children and parents involved. They also provide practical advice on dealing with such situations, emphasizing the significance of consulting with an attorney before making any moves. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:41 Custody Issues Across State Lines00:57 Jurisdiction and Legal Complexities01:02 Case Study: California to North Carolina02:01 Challenges of Interstate Custody03:12 Real-Life Examples and Scenarios05:06 Impact on Children and Families06:27 Personal Experiences and Insights09:22 Judicial Decisions and Fairness09:50 Financial Implications of Custody Arrangements10:41 Navigating Child Support and Extraordinary Expenses11:04 Relocation and Its Legal Implications12:50 Getting Permission to Move: Legal Steps13:35 Factors Judges Consider in Relocation Cases15:44 Emergency Custody and Relocation Challenges17:30 Co-Parenting and Relocation: Practical Advice19:57 Consulting Attorneys Before Relocating20:38 Final Thoughts on Relocation and Custody

    22 min
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About

Your no bullsh$t guide to divorce with experienced attorneys from New Direction Family Law and guests and professionals who have been there. Unfiltered discussions to help you move from victim to victorious and from bitter to better.

Information

  • Channel
    Podcast Cary
  • Creator
    New Direction Family Law Firm
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ® 2020 New Direction Family Law
  • Show Website
    Ex-it Strategy

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