Modern Arizona

Attorney Billie Tarascio

Brought to you by Arizona Divorce Attorney Billie Tarascio of Modern Law, and the Modern Divorce Navigator, our mission is to help all families navigate life and law in Arizona.

  1. From Public Safety to Public Trust: Beth Goulden on Gilbert's Future

    May 28

    From Public Safety to Public Trust: Beth Goulden on Gilbert's Future

    Send us Fan Mail Gilbert, Arizona has a reputation problem, and residents know it. From skyrocketing water bills to transparency failures to the lingering shadow of the Gilbert Goons scandal, trust between the town council and the people it represents has broken down. This July, Gilbert voters have a chance to change that, and one candidate is making accountability the centerpiece of her campaign. Beth Goulden is a lifelong Gilbert resident and Arizona native who spent 25 years in public safety, building her career at the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department supervising serious sex offense cases and eventually managing thousands of cases across the East Valley. After retiring, she founded BHG Consulting Group and went on to co-spearhead one of the most significant criminal justice bills in recent Arizona history, bringing the state's first Sex Offender Management Board into existence. She now chairs that board and is running for Gilbert Town Council this July. What you will learn in this episode: Why Beth says Gilbert feels heavy right now, and what she believes is driving the disconnect between residents and their elected officialsHow the Gilbert Goons scandal exposed a pattern of elected officials dismissing legitimate public concern rather than owning their decisionsWhy she is challenging three incumbent council members who she believes are part of what broke Gilbert's culture of transparencyWhat a ballooning town budget with infrastructure gaps says about misplaced priorities at the council levelWhy Gilbert residents who show up angry at council meetings are not the problem and how simply being heard could change the dynamicHow the Colorado River crisis and rising water costs land directly on local government, and what a town council can actually do about itWhy Gilbert's image has shifted from a source of pride to a punchline, and what restoring it would takeHow independents in Arizona must request a partisan ballot to participate in the July 21st primary, including Gilbert Town Council racesWhy younger people and working parents are structurally locked out of local office, and what that costs communities over timeWhat red flags residents should watch for when council members appear to act as victims of their own votesHow to get involved, request a yard sign, or host a meet-and-greet with Beth before the July election Connect with Beth Goulden:  Website: bethgoulden.com  Instagram: @bethgouldenforgilbert | @bethgoulden

    26 min
  2. The SRP Shockwave: Turning Point USA, 400% Turnout, and the Future of Arizona Energy

    May 14

    The SRP Shockwave: Turning Point USA, 400% Turnout, and the Future of Arizona Energy

    Send us Fan Mail The SRP election caught most Arizonans completely off guard, and then it became one of the most-watched utility board races in state history. What started as a sleepy, low-turnout local election turned into a four-times-higher-than-normal turnout event the moment Turning Point USA put its logo on candidate signs, and the fallout is still rippling through Arizona energy policy, water politics, and the 2026 election cycle. Chuck Coughlin is the CEO and President of HighGround Inc., Arizona's longest continuously operating public affairs firm. A five-time winner of Arizona's Best Political Operative award from the Arizona Capital Times, Chuck has run gubernatorial and congressional campaigns, worked alongside Senator John McCain, and has been a strategist and lobbyist for clients including the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, and the Salt River Project itself. If anyone can break down what actually happened and what it means, it is him. What you will learn in this episode: Why most Arizonans had never heard of an SRP election before this year, and why that changed overnightHow SRP's voting structure works, including the acreage-based system that traces back to 1903 federal lawWhy SRP territory residents have essentially no water insecurity, and how electricity revenue subsidizes that water supplyWhat actually separated the two slates, including the real policy debate over natural gas as a peak-power resourceHow Turning Point's logo on candidate signs triggered a partisan wave in a nonpartisan election and produced historic turnoutWhy the new board majority could create friction with SRP management and what that means for rate stabilityHow Arizona utilities are expected to double their generating capacity in the next decade to meet data center demandWhy SRP, APS, and Tucson Electric are all requiring data centers to sign base-load contracts so ratepayers are not on the hookThe key structural difference between SRP as a not-for-profit federal franchise and APS as a for-profit investor-owned utility regulated by the Arizona Corporation CommissionWhat Attorney General Kris Mayes taking on APS over rate increases could mean for Arizona consumersWhat the Project Blue data center fight in Tucson reveals about how communities can push back and winWhy Chuck believes open primaries are the only structural fix for a political system he sees as built to oppose rather than govern Connect with Chuck Coughlin: Email: info@azhighground.com  Facebook: facebook.com/AZHighGround  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/azhighground  Instagram: instagram.com/azhighground

    45 min
  3. Navigating Mental Health Crises in Arizona Family Court

    Apr 30

    Navigating Mental Health Crises in Arizona Family Court

    Send us Fan Mail Arizona families navigating divorce or custody disputes often face an issue no one talks about: what happens when a spouse, parent, or loved one is in a mental health crisis and refusing treatment. Under Arizona Title 36, there is a legal process that allows family members to petition for a court-ordered mental health evaluation, and in some cases, court-ordered treatment. Knowing how this process works, when it applies, and how it intersects with family law can be critical for parents trying to protect their children. Modern Law attorney Emily Palomino brings a perspective most family law attorneys do not have. Before joining Modern Law, Emily served as a mental health defense attorney in Arizona, representing patients who had been detained under Title 36 petitions at facilities including Palo Verde and Banner South. She worked inside the court-ordered evaluation and treatment system every day, and she knows exactly how it works from both sides. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Meet Emily Palomino 00:49 Emily's Path from Disney World to Law School 03:43 What Is a Mental Health Defense Attorney in Arizona 05:27 How to File a Title 36 Petition for a Loved One 06:34 The Ex Parte Nature of the Evaluation Process 08:19 Medical Privacy and What the Petitioner Gets Access To 09:50 When Title 36 Gets Weaponized in Family Court 11:07 The Right to Legal Representation in Mental Health Cases 18:39 When Court-Ordered Treatment Actually Works 19:51 Title 36 and Minors: What Age Does This Apply 20:46 Recommended Arizona Treatment Centers 21:36 Substance Abuse and the Mental Health System 22:35 What Happens If You Violate Court-Ordered Treatment 23:24 Emily Joins Modern Law: What She Is Looking Forward To If you or someone you love is facing a mental health crisis that is affecting a family law case in Arizona, the attorneys at Modern Law can help you understand your options. Call 480-649-2905 or visit mymodernlaw.com to schedule a consultation with our team.

    26 min
  4. Adapt or Atrophy: Why Law Firms Have 12 Months to Master AI

    Apr 16

    Adapt or Atrophy: Why Law Firms Have 12 Months to Master AI

    Send us Fan Mail If you are a solo or small firm attorney trying to figure out where AI fits in your practice, this episode of LawLabs (a special series from the Modern Arizona Podcast) is your starting point. Carolyn Elefant breaks down exactly how to begin with AI tools, why most lawyers are evaluating them in the wrong order, and what the real risks look like when AI gets citations wrong. She also shares an honest prediction of where the profession is headed and why firms that are not adopting now will find themselves in a very difficult position within the year. Carolyn Elefant is the founder of the Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant and the creator of MyShingle.com, the longest-running blog dedicated to solo and small firm practice. A Cornell grad who started her firm in 1993, she has spent over two decades consulting, writing, and advocating for independent lawyers and is currently traveling the country speaking to attorneys about AI and its real-world impact on their practices. Topics discussed: Where lawyers should actually start with AI tools and what to avoid firstWhy you need to learn general AI tools before legal-specific onesHow to protect yourself from hallucinated and mischaracterized case citationsWhat the legal profession looks like in one year and in fiveWhy firms that are not using AI are running out of time to catch upFind Carolyn: MyShingle.com

    34 min
  5. Divorce Isn't Failure: Finding Miracles in the Midlife Storm

    Apr 9

    Divorce Isn't Failure: Finding Miracles in the Midlife Storm

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, attorney Billie Tarascio sits down with Lisa Sander, nurse, life coach, and podcast host, to talk about what really happens when a marriage ends in midlife. Lisa shares her own story of leaving a 23-year marriage, how her faith carried her through, and why divorce doesn't have to mean failure. From gender dynamics and loneliness to downsizing and finding yourself again after 50, this conversation is honest, warm, and packed with hard-won perspective. Lisa Sander is a Registered Nurse of 26 years and the CEO of Our Healer, Our Protector LLC, where she coaches women between 40 and 55 who feel stuck and are ready to figure out what comes next. Alongside her partner Ryan, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, she co-hosts Our Healer, Our Protector, a Christian podcast on divorce and healthy relationships. Lisa is based in Minnesota and works with clients nationwide.  What we cover in this episode: How faith and divorce can coexist and why God's forgiveness matters more than the stigmaThe midlife dip in happiness and why so many people reassess their marriages between 40 and 55What it really means when one partner grows and the other doesn'tWhy women are taking on the masculine role in relationships and burning out because of itThe loneliness epidemic and how to actually build community after divorceEnabling patterns in marriage and how to break them earlyWhy your five love languages probably change every few yearsHow downsizing your life can open up more freedom than you expectedFinding miracles in everyday moments and why that mindset shift changes everythingConnect with Lisa: You can book a free 30-minute session at LisaSander.com. and check out https://ourhealerourprotector.com/ for help today!

    30 min
  6. Arizona vs. Washington Divorce Laws: What You Need to Know Before You File

    Mar 31

    Arizona vs. Washington Divorce Laws: What You Need to Know Before You File

    Send us Fan Mail If you or someone you know is facing divorce and has ties to both Arizona and Washington, this episode could be one of the most important conversations you watch. Our host Billie Tarascio and Seattle-based family law attorney Michelle Dellino sit down to break down the critical legal differences between divorcing in Arizona versus Washington, including how property is divided, how spousal maintenance is calculated, how custody is handled, and why the state you choose to file in could dramatically change your financial future. Michelle Dellino is the founder and owner of Dellino Family Law Group, a 16-attorney firm based in Seattle, Washington. Since starting her practice in 2013 as a solo attorney, Michelle has grown one of the most respected family law firms in the Pacific Northwest, serving clients across all of Washington State. Known for her approachable and strategic style, Michelle handles everything from high-conflict litigation to complex financial divorces involving tech industry compensation, restricted stock units, and long-term marriages. In this episode, we cover: ➡ Why "community property" means something very different in Arizona vs. Washington ➡ How business ownership is treated in divorce in both states ➡ Spousal maintenance: Washington's flexible approach vs. Arizona's new calculator ➡ How the date of separation can make or break your case in Washington ➡ Child support table changes in Washington and what it means for high earners ➡ Custody trends is 50/50 the default in both states? ➡ How children's voices are (and aren't) heard in custody decisions ➡ Guardian ad litems, parenting evaluators, and custody evaluation differences ➡ How hard it is to modify a parenting plan in each state ➡ The growing "anti-family court corruption" movement and what attorneys really think Learn more about Michelle Dellino and Dellino Family Law Group: https://dellinolaw.com/

    34 min
  7. Inside an Immigration Law Firm on the Frontlines of Chaos

    Mar 17

    Inside an Immigration Law Firm on the Frontlines of Chaos

    Send us Fan Mail Immigration attorney and law firm founder Hillary Walsh joins Billie Tarascio for a candid conversation about what it's really like to run an immigration law firm in today's turbulent legal and political climate. From filing habeas petitions to protect unlawfully detained clients, to navigating due process violations and a surge in demand for legal services, Hillary shares how her practice has evolved, and how she's adapting to protect both her clients and her team. They also dig into the business side of running a growing firm: the hard decisions around hiring and letting people go, bringing on a CFO, building custom software from scratch, and finding an operations leader who can handle 1,000+ filings a month. Plus, Hillary opens up about supporting remote employees in Mexico during a crisis, dealing with racist online harassment, and why she's investing in a life coach after years of business-only coaching. Whether you're an immigration attorney, a law firm owner, or just someone trying to understand what's happening at the intersection of law and politics right now, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: Immigration law strategy under the current administrationHabeas petitions and unlawful detention casesHiring, firing, and leveling up your teamBuilding law firm operations and custom softwareSupporting a remote team during a crisisBusiness coaches that actually helped and how to choose oneConnect with Hillary: Website: https://newfrontier.us/ Phone: 623-742-5400 Email: hillary@newfrontier.us  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfrontierimmigrationlaw  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newfrontierimmigrationlaw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newfrontier_immigration

    33 min
  8. The End of the Billable Hour? Scaling a Modern Law Firm with Jessica Travis

    Mar 3

    The End of the Billable Hour? Scaling a Modern Law Firm with Jessica Travis

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Law Labs, Billie Tarascio sits down with Jessica Travis, Co-Owner and Managing Partner of Fighter Law in Orlando, Florida. They talk about how modern law firms can move beyond billable hours, use AI tools the right way, and build strong internal systems that support real growth. Law Labs is a podcast for law firm owners and legal professionals who want to build smarter firms. Each episode focuses on systems, technology, billing models, marketing, and practical strategies that help firms grow in a sustainable way. Jessica Travis is the Managing Partner and Co-Owner of Fighter Law, based in Florida. She leads a growing firm that practices Family Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Estate Planning. Jessica is passionate about building strong SOPs, improving client service, and integrating technology into daily operations. From experimenting with flat fee billing in family law to implementing an AI receptionist and improving data tracking through Clio, she focuses on practical innovation that supports both clients and her team. In this episode, you will learn: 👉 How to design a flexible flat fee model for family law 👉 Why the billable hour model is becoming harder to justify 👉 How AI receptionists can improve intake and reduce missed opportunities 👉 How to track leads, consultations, and revenue weekly 👉 How to train and supervise young attorneys using systems 👉 How to approach AI without chasing every new tool Connect with Jessica Travis: Fighter Law: https://fighterlaw.com

    32 min
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4.9
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Brought to you by Arizona Divorce Attorney Billie Tarascio of Modern Law, and the Modern Divorce Navigator, our mission is to help all families navigate life and law in Arizona.

Information

  • Creator
    Attorney Billie Tarascio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    262
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Modern Arizona
  • Show Website
    Modern Arizona

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