Coparenting Beyond Conflict: High-Conflict Divorce and Custody Strategies

Sol Kennedy
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

A podcast for parents navigating the hardest kind of co-parenting—when every message feels like a minefield and peace feels out of reach. Whether you’re dealing with a narcissistic ex, coercive control, or the exhaustion of family court battles, Coparenting Beyond Conflict is your lifeline. You’re not alone, and you’re not powerless.Each episode delivers practical strategies, clinical frameworks, and real-world tools to help you protect your kids, disengage from emotional chaos, and establish lasting boundaries—even if your co-parent never changes.  🔗 Learn more & resources: https://bestinterest.app/coparenting-podcast  🎧 What You’ll Learn De-escalation tactics to defuse hostile exchanges and eliminate drama in text messages and emails (including BIFF communication).Parallel parenting strategies designed for high-conflict custody schedules and rigid parenting plans.Legal and mediation navigation to help you make sound decisions alongside family law attorneys and divorce coaches.Boundary frameworks to protect your nervous system and support your children's emotional well-being.Tech tools and AI moderation that filter toxic communication before it reaches you. You’ll hear actionable guidance from leading clinical experts (including Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Wendy Behary, and Tracy Malone), family law professionals, and parents who have successfully walked this path.  🎙 About Your Hosts Sol Kennedy is a co-parent, father of two, and the founder of BestInterest (bestinterest.app)—the first AI-powered co-parenting app built to support families in high-conflict situations. After years of facing the realities of high-conflict co-parenting firsthand, Sol founded this podcast to empower other parents to reclaim control and prioritize healing. Reneé Lee is a co-parent and Emmy Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience anchoring live broadcasts across major markets including Phoenix, San Diego, and the Pacific Northwest. Skilled at asking incisive questions and navigating high-pressure conversations, she brings her veteran broadcast background to BestInterest as spokesperson for co-parents and co-host of the Coparenting Beyond Conflict podcast, dedicated to helping families cut through noise and foster healthier dynamics. 💬 Real Tools. Real Stories. Real Change. Subscribe to Coparenting Beyond Conflict on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to start shifting from constant defense to genuine stability. New episodes drop bi-weekly.Watch: Full video interviews stream at https://bestinterest.app/youtube DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, psychological, or medical advice. Please consult a licensed family law attorney or mental health professional regarding your specific situation.

  1. Sep 24 ·  Video

    When Blended Families Get Complicated: Boundaries, Exes & In-Laws with Alicia Krasko

    What happens when you fall in love with someone who already has a family? In this episode, Sol and Louise sit down with stepmom coach and Stepmom Side podcast host Alicia Krasko to explore the realities of blended family life—including the parts nobody prepares you for. Together, they talk about finding your role as a stepparent, navigating exes and in-laws, managing the emotional intensity of custody transitions, and building a strong partnership when conflict from the other household inevitably affects your family. Alicia shares her own journey from feeling overwhelmed and unsure of her place in her stepfamily to finding confidence, setting boundaries, and learning what she could—and couldn’t—control. She explains why connection needs to come before correction, why stepparents don’t need to be best friends with the other parent, and why the strength of the couple relationship is one of the most important foundations of a peaceful blended family. Whether you’re a stepparent, dating someone with children, or trying to understand how blended family dynamics affect your coparenting relationship, this conversation offers an honest look at the challenges—and the possibility of finding peace without needing everything around you to change. Learn more about Alicia Krasko: https://AliciaKrasko.com Listen to the Stepmom Side podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stepmom-side-podcast/id1698216989 Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NdWMUVAy3aI Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Keywords Blended families, stepparenting, stepmom, high-conflict co-parenting, coparenting, stepparent boundaries, family systems, custody transitions, co-parent communication, parenting after divorce, stepmom burnout, in-law boundaries, parental alienation, emotional regulation, blended family dynamics, child wellbeing Highlights Why Alicia prefers “stepmom” over “bonus mom.” The unexpected challenges of entering a family in the middle of its storyWhy stepparents can feel pressure to immediately love, parent, and fit into an established family system.How insecurity can make ordinary blended-family conflicts feel like emergencies.Why the couple relationship is the foundation of a peaceful blended familyHow asking “How can I support you?” can change the way partners navigate conflict.Why custody exchanges can be emotionally intense for both children and adults.How children can seem like different people as they transition between households.Why clear house expectations can actually help children feel more secure.The difference between connection and correction—and why connection should come first.Why stepparents shouldn’t take either affection or rejection from their stepchildren personally.How to set boundaries with grandparents and in-laws who undermine parental authorityWhy you don’t have to be friends with your partner’s ex to have a healthy coparenting relationshipHow comparing your blended family to seemingly perfect families on social media can create shame.Why trying to control everything can lead to stepmom burnout.How to focus on what you can control when the other household is high conflict.The five-day, five-week, five-year question that can help put conflict into perspective. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Meet Alicia Krasko 02:06 Why “Stepmom” Instead of “Bonus Mom”? 03:12 The Biggest Surprise About Becoming a Stepmom 05:08 Navigating the Ex and Finding Your Role 08:41 What Changes in a High-Conflict Situation? 09:01 Keeping the Couple Relationship Strong 11:14 How Partners Can Support Each Other 13:41 The Emotional Intensity of Custody Transitions 16:36 How Kids Adapt Between Two Households 18:23 House Rules, Structure, and Boundaries 20:26 When a New Stepparent Changes the Family Dynamic 24:29 BestInterest AI Coparenting App 25:11 Grandparents and In-Law Dynamics 29:24 Setting Boundaries With Extended Family 33:16 Alienation and Grandparents Choosing Sides 36:20 Stepmom Lightning Round 36:41 The Biggest Mistake Stepmoms Make 37:28 What to Do When a Stepchild Pushes Back 38:14 Does a Stepmom Need a Relationship With the Biomom? 40:55 How Stepparent Burnout Happens 41:16 Building Connection With a Stepchild  43:08 Alicia’s Advice for Stepparents in the Thick of It 43:48 Where to Find Alicia Krasko 44:18 Closing What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    When Blended Families Get Complicated: Boundaries, Exes & In-Laws with Alicia Krasko

  2. Sep 10 ·  Video

    When One Parent Is High Conflict: How to Protect Your Kids with Hallie Strauss and Kate Alcamo

    What happens when the conflict between co-parents becomes the center of family life—and the kids get caught in the middle? In this episode, Sol sits down with Hallie Strauss and Kate Alcamo, co-founders of The Co-Parent Collective, to explore how parents can reduce conflict, protect their children’s emotional wellbeing, and build healthier post-divorce family dynamics. Hallie brings the perspective of a psychologist, parenting coordinator, custody evaluator, and mediator who works with families navigating high-conflict dynamics. Kate is a licensed marriage and family therapist and child specialist who helps parents understand divorce from the child’s perspective. Together, they offer complementary insights into everything from parenting coordination and parallel parenting to communication, identity shifts, and the ways children experience parental conflict. They discuss why “spouse mind” can keep parents stuck in old relationship dynamics, why parallel parenting can sometimes be a healthy stepping stone rather than a failure, and how one parent de-escalating can dramatically change the temperature of a co-parenting relationship. They also share practical communication strategies, including BIFF (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm), writing messages as though a judge—or your child—might read them, and using technology to create boundaries around difficult communication. The conversation also explores AI and co-parenting, the growing role of parenting coordinators, when professional teams can help support families, and The Co-Parent Collective’s Child-Centered Divorce Playbook. Links Watch the full episode on YouTubeLearn more about the Co-Parent Collective: ⁠thecoparentcollective.comFollow the Co-Parent Collective on Instagram: ⁠@TheCoparentCollectiveBestInterest — the co-parenting app: ⁠BestInterestGet 10% off BestInterest: Use code Beyond10Coparenting Beyond Conflict: ⁠CoparentingBeyondConflict.comSubscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/Keywords co-parenting, high-conflict co-parenting, divorce, parenting coordination, parenting coordinator, parallel parenting, collaborative parenting, child-centered divorce, child specialist, custody evaluation, co-parenting communication, BIFF communication, spouse mind, parent mind, emotional regulation, divorce and children, co-parenting apps, AI and co-parenting, identity shifts after divorce, conflict de-escalation, parenting plans Key Takeaways Kids are affected more by how parents navigate divorce than by divorce itself. Shift from spouse mind to parent mind. Parallel parenting isn’t necessarily a failure. You don’t have to engage in every conflict. De-escalation can start with one parent. Write every message as if someone else will read it. BIFF can help keep communication focused: Regulate before you respond.Children may know more than parents realize. Children have their own divorce timeline.Parenting coordinators can provide structure and help keep professionals out of the conflict.Acceptance can be empowering. When a child shares something alarming, start with validation. Self-regulation and connection are powerful first steps. Chapter Highlights 00:00 — Welcome to Coparenting Beyond Conflict 01:04 — Finding Moments of Peace 02:10 — How Hallie and Kate Found Their Way Into Divorce Work 05:28 — What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do? 07:46 — Building a Professional Team Around High-Conflict Families 08:17 — Managing Triangulation in High-Conflict Cases 10:04 — When Does a Parenting Coordinator Have Binding Authority? 11:15 — How High Conflict Impacts Children 13:04 — Does It Take Two to Tango? 14:37 — The Power of De-Escalation 15:30 — Separating the Court Battle From the Co-Parenting Relationship 17:33 — How Parental Conflict Affects Kids Over Time 18:53 — Parallel Parenting vs. Collaborative Parenting 21:21 — Rebuilding Trust After Divorce 21:37 — The Identity Shifts of Divorce 22:37 — When You’re Afraid Everything Will Be Used Against You 23:49 — How to Communicate Without Escalating Conflict 25:36 — Write It as If Your Child Will Read It 26:27 — AI and the Future of Co-Parenting Communication 28:03 — The Child-Centered Divorce Playbook 30:02 — Lightning Round: The Biggest Co-Parenting Lessons 31:36 — The Three H’s: Hugged, Heard, or Helped? 32:28 — When Co-Parenting With a High-Conflict Ex Gets Easier 33:28 — What You Can Do Today 34:20 — Connect With The Co-Parent Collective What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    When One Parent Is High Conflict: How to Protect Your Kids with Hallie Strauss and Kate Alcamo

  3. Aug 27 ·  Video

    Bill Eddy on High-Conflict Co-Parenting: Stay Calm, Set Limits & Protect Your Kids

    High-conflict co-parenting can leave you feeling like you’re constantly walking on eggshells—every text message, exchange, or court filing has the potential to pull you into another cycle of conflict. In this episode, Sol sits down with Bill Eddy, co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, therapist, family lawyer, mediator, and creator of the internationally recognized BIFF® communication method. Bill shares four decades of practical wisdom on how to communicate without escalating conflict, why trying to “teach the other parent a lesson” almost always backfires, and how parents can protect their children by modeling emotional regulation instead of getting pulled into reactivity. They also explore the promises and pitfalls of AI in co-parenting communication, Bill’s new SLIC framework for setting boundaries that actually work, and why the skills we teach our children today can help break cycles of conflict for generations to come. Whether you’re navigating a difficult co-parent, supporting clients through family conflict, or simply looking for a more peaceful way forward, this conversation is packed with practical tools you can begin using immediately. Learn more about Bill Eddy and the High Conflict Institute: https://highconflictinstitute.com/ Explore Conflict Influencer and the New Ways for Families program: https://conflictinfluencer.com/ Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r_Cktp5OGvk Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Keywords Bill Eddy, High Conflict Institute, BIFF method, SLIC, high-conflict co-parenting, difficult co-parent, narcissistic co-parent, parallel parenting, co-parent communication, family court, emotional regulation, boundaries, setting limits, consequences, conflict resolution, AI communication, New Ways for Families, parenting after divorce Key Takeaways The BIFF method (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) helps reduce conflict without expecting the other person to change.One of the biggest communication mistakes is trying to teach the other person a lesson.Avoid the “Three A’s” in high-conflict communication: advice, admonishments, and apologies.Writing your own BIFF responses builds the mental habits that make conflict feel less overwhelming.AI can be a useful editing tool, but it shouldn’t replace developing your own communication skills.Children learn conflict patterns from their parents, including emotional regulation and relationship skills.Hostility and unpredictability are especially damaging for children in high-conflict homes.Teaching children flexible thinking, emotional regulation, moderate behavior, and self-reflection helps build lifelong resilience.Setting boundaries without meaningful consequences rarely changes high-conflict behavior.You’re not responsible for managing another person’s emotions—you are responsible for protecting your own peace.Chapter Highlights 00:00 – Introducing Bill Eddy and the BIFF Method 03:25 – How BIFF Was Created 07:13 – Common BIFF Mistakes and the “Three A’s” 09:56 – AI, Communication, and Building Your BIFF Muscle 16:53 – How High Conflict Affects Children 22:41 – Teaching Kids the Four Big Skills for Life 25:21 – Can High-Conflict People Change? 27:20 – Introducing SLIC: Setting Limits & Imposing Consequences 30:14 – Real Co-Parenting Boundary Examples 34:03 – How Family Court Has Changed Over Four Decades 38:05 – The Future of High-Conflict Family Court 40:14 – Where to Learn More About Bill Eddy What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    Bill Eddy on High-Conflict Co-Parenting: Stay Calm, Set Limits & Protect Your Kids

  4. Aug 13 ·  Video

    The Emotional Divorce Most Parents Never Complete with Dr. Lee Baucom

    What if the legal divorce is over—but the emotional relationship is still running the show? In this episode, Sol sits down with relationship coach, therapist, author, and Save the Marriage podcast host Dr. Lee Baucom to explore why high-conflict dynamics often continue long after a marriage ends. Together, they unpack the hidden emotional systems that keep co-parents stuck in the same painful patterns and explain how lasting change can begin with just one person choosing to respond differently. You’ll learn why reacting to your co-parent often reinforces conflict, how to reclaim your sense of agency even in difficult legal battles, what an “emotional divorce” really means, and why letting go of the need to control your ex can create a healthier future for both you and your children. Whether you’re navigating a high-conflict co-parenting relationship or simply want to build healthier relationships going forward, this conversation offers practical insights and hope. Learn more about Dr. Lee Baucom: http://SaveTheMarriage.com Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PB-SEy2dadY Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Keywords High-conflict co-parenting, emotional divorce, family systems, co-parent communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, relationship dynamics, divorce recovery, family court, forgiveness, trust, parenting after divorce, personal responsibility, child wellbeing Highlights Why divorce doesn’t end the relationship when you share children.The difference between reacting emotionally and responding from your values.How one parent can change the co-parenting dynamic—even if the other doesn’t.The three things you can actually control in a high-conflict relationship.Why trying to control your ex often keeps conflict alive.Understanding “emotional divorce” and why it matters.How resentment and disconnection fuel ongoing conflict.The difference between forgiveness, trust, apology, and reconciliation.What children need most during and after divorce.Practical ways to reduce regret and parent with integrity.Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Meet Dr. Lee Baucom 04:45 Why Conflict Continues After Divorce 08:25 Responding vs. Reacting 12:10 Breaking People-Pleasing and Conflict Cycles 13:40 The Three Things You Can Control 15:34 BestInterest AI Co-Parenting App 15:58 Regaining Agency During High-Conflict Divorce 21:00 Family Systems and Emotional Patterns 28:35 Olive Branches, Forgiveness, and Moving Forward 31:00 Rebuilding Trust After Divorce 33:10 Helping Children Through Divorce 37:25 What Emotionally Healthy Co-Parents Do Differently 38:50 What Is an Emotional Divorce? 40:55 Final Advice for Parents Navigating Divorce 42:30 Where to Find Dr. Lee Baucom What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    The Emotional Divorce Most Parents Never Complete with Dr. Lee Baucom

  5. Jul 30 ·  Video

    Why So Many Adult Children Cut Off Their Parents (And How to Prevent It) with Catherine Hickem

    Nearly one in four adult children are estranged from at least one parent—a trend that’s becoming increasingly common, yet rarely discussed. In this episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict, Sol sits down with parenting expert Catherine Hickem, founder of Parenting Adult Children Today and author of It’s Never Too Late to Be a Great Parent. Together they explore why parent-child relationships break down in adulthood, how divorce impacts family relationships across generations, and what parents can do now to build lasting trust with their children. Whether you’re raising young children, navigating a divorce, or supporting an adult child through one, this conversation offers practical guidance for creating stronger family relationships that endure through life’s biggest transitions. Learn more about Catherine Hickem: https://www.parentingadultchildrentoday.com/ Get Catherine's book, It’s Never Too Late to Be a Great Parent: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Never-Late-Great-Parent/dp/197179502X Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H8pqZswdibE Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Keywords adult child estrangement, parent-child relationships, parenting adult children, divorce and adult children, family estrangement, co-parenting, high-conflict divorce, grandparents and divorce, family communication, healthy boundaries, unconditional love, relationship repair, emotional safety, parenting after divorce, family healing Key Takeaways Why adult-child estrangement is becoming so commonThe parenting mistakes that unintentionally push adult children awayHow divorce affects relationships across multiple generationsWhat adult children really need from their parents during a divorceHow grandparents can provide support without making conflict worseWhy honesty, curiosity, and respect matter more than taking sidesThe “Four Pillars” of healthy relationships with adult childrenHow unconditional love creates lifelong trustChapter Highlights 00:00 Introduction 01:40 The growing epidemic of parent-child estrangement 04:10 The most common reasons adult children cut off parents 08:20 Catherine’s own divorce and what it taught her about parenting 11:55 What adult children need from their parents during divorce 14:55 How grandparents can best support a child going through divorce 19:20 When your adult child asks you to cut off their ex 25:05 The transition from parenting children to parenting adults 25:30 The Four Pillars of healthy relationships with adult children 31:55 How parents can become a safe harbor instead of a source of judgment 33:40 Where to learn more from Catherine Hickem M5gKdwIx3CKTZIqTibki What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    Why So Many Adult Children Cut Off Their Parents (And How to Prevent It) with Catherine Hickem

  6. Jul 16 ·  Video

    How Dads Can Show Up Better After Divorce with Larry Hagner

    What does it mean to be a “legendary” father—especially when you’re navigating divorce, co-parenting, and the daily pressures of work and life? In this episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict, Sol interviews Larry Hagner, host of the Dad Edge podcast and author of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood. Larry shares practical insights on what children truly need from their fathers: presence, emotional safety, and the willingness to repair after mistakes. Larry explains why great parenting is a learnable skill, how staying together “for the kids” can sometimes do more harm than good, and why children often see us in a far more forgiving light than we see ourselves. He also offers concrete tools for becoming more present with your children, regulating your emotions during conflict, and communicating more effectively with both partners and co-parents. Whether you’re a divorced dad carrying guilt, a parent struggling to stay calm under stress, or anyone who wants to create a more peaceful home, this conversation is full of compassionate and practical guidance. Learn more about Larry Hagner and The Dad Edge: https://thedadedge.com/ Get Larry's book, The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood: https://thedadedge.com/legendary-fatherhood-book Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yY2JEqn0ses Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Keywords legendary fatherhood, divorced dads, co-parenting, emotional regulation, presence, fatherhood skills, repair, psychological safety, parenting after divorce, conflict resolution, The Experience Cube, effective communication, parenting guilt, emotional safety, Dad Edge Key Takeaways Children often see their parents more compassionately than parents see themselves.Great fatherhood is not innate—it is a skill that can be learned and strengthened.Repair after mistakes is one of the most important ways to build trust with children.Staying together “for the kids” is not always healthiest if the relationship is toxic.Kids spell love as T-I-M-E.Presence can be cultivated by fully engaging your senses in the moment.Conflict improves when you focus on what you want, rather than what you don’t want.Unspoken expectations are a major source of resentment.A peaceful home environment supports both parents and children.The quality of your life depends on the quality of the questions you ask yourself.Chapter Highlights 00:00 – Introducing Larry Hagner and Legendary Fatherhood 01:11 – Why Your Kids See You Better Than You See Yourself 04:47 – Should Parents Stay Together for the Kids? 07:45 – Fatherhood as a Learnable Skill 11:39 – The Power of Repair 13:20 – Work Stress and Being Present with Your Kids 19:19 – Navigating Conflict and Emotional Triggers 21:57 – The Experience Cube Communication Tool 26:41 – Why Speaking Up Matters 27:04 – Creating Psychological Safety for Kids 27:58 – One Message for Parents Feeling Defeated 29:08 – Where to Find Larry Hagner What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    How Dads Can Show Up Better After Divorce with Larry Hagner

  7. Jul 2 ·  Video

    How to Divorce Without Going to Court with Amanda Singer

    What if divorce didn’t have to mean years of litigation, mounting legal fees, and a judge deciding your family’s future? In this episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict, Sol speaks with Amanda Singer, a family law mediator and attorney who has spent more than 13 years helping couples resolve divorce and custody issues outside of court. Amanda explains how mediation offers families a more collaborative and cost-effective path through separation. Rather than battling through attorneys, couples work with a neutral professional to create agreements around parenting plans, support, and property division while staying in control of the outcome. They discuss what makes mediation successful, how therapists can improve outcomes, how to handle high-conflict personalities, and why parenting agreements should include a framework for future changes. Amanda also shares insights into premarital mediation and how prenuptial agreements can strengthen relationships before marriage. Whether you’re facing divorce, navigating a challenging co-parenting relationship, or planning a future marriage, this conversation offers practical tools for reducing conflict and making thoughtful decisions. Learn more about Amanda Singer and West Coast Family Mediation: https://westcoastfamilymediation.com/ Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YY1hp4ocAYs Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Keywords family mediation, divorce mediation, co-parenting, parenting plans, family law, child custody, high-conflict divorce, conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution, prenup, premarital mediation, child support, spousal support, blended families, bonus parents, divorce without court, custody agreements, emotional regulation, therapy and divorce, California mediation Takeaways Conflict is normal, but how you handle it determines whether your family can move forward.Mediation allows parents to stay in control instead of leaving decisions to a judge.Couples do not need to agree on everything to benefit from mediation; they only need a shared commitment to work things out.Therapy can help parents regulate emotions and communicate more effectively during mediation.Parenting plans should include a process for revisiting decisions as children grow.Common future issues include screen time, social media, driving, and introducing new partners.Mediators can help balance power when one parent is more dominant or controlling.Blended family mediation can help bonus parents become part of the solution.Premarital mediation gives couples a collaborative way to create prenuptial agreements.Getting support early can prevent conflict from escalating.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amanda Singer 02:06 Why Conflict Is Normal 04:17 What Mediation Really Looks Like 07:24 Who Is a Good Fit for Mediation? 09:28 How to Convince a Reluctant Co-Parent 11:06 Returning to Mediation as Children Grow 12:46 What Parenting Plans Often Miss 15:25 Managing Power Imbalances 17:14 Navigating High-Conflict Dynamics 19:00 Blended Families and Bonus Parents 23:03 Why Therapy Helps Mediation 27:39 Premarital Mediation and Prenups 31:58 Lightning Round Insights 35:08 One Final Piece of Advice What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    How to Divorce Without Going to Court with Amanda Singer

  8. Jun 25 ·  Video

    Fighting to Stay a Father in Family Court with Derek Salyers

    A high-conflict custody battle can make even the most devoted parent feel powerless. In this episode, Derek Salyers shares the deeply personal story of fighting for shared parenting after being falsely accused, cut off from his son for months, and pulled into a years-long family court battle. Derek opens up about the mental health toll many fathers silently carry, the realities of parallel parenting, and why he believes the family court system still struggles with bias. He also shares how AI tools like ChatGPT helped him navigate legal documents, parenting plans, communication, and court preparation during one of the hardest periods of his life. This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health struggles. Please listen with care. Learn more about Derek Salyers and Fathers for Fair Custody: https://fathersforfaircustody.com Get Derek’s book, The Forgotten Fathers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBN8M3XB Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Custody Journal (Free Documentation Tool): https://custodyjournal.com Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rIqoK79LcrU Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Keywords high conflict custody battle, fathers rights, shared parenting, false accusations in family court, parallel parenting, fatherhood and divorce, custody battle mental health, AI for family court, right of first refusal, co-parenting communication Takeaways Parallel Parenting Can Protect Peace: In some high-conflict situations, minimizing communication is healthier than forcing collaboration.AI Can Be a Powerful Tool: ChatGPT helped Derek understand legal language, prepare questions, structure communication, and think through parenting plans.Always Fact-Check AI: AI can hallucinate cases and legal information, making verification essential before using anything in court.Right of First Refusal Matters: Parenting plan clauses can significantly impact how much real parenting time each parent receives.Documentation Can Change Outcomes: Photos, videos, receipts, calendars, and journals can become critical evidence in custody disputes.Fathers’ Mental Health Needs Attention: Derek speaks openly about suicidal thoughts, isolation, and the emotional impact of losing contact with a child.You Can’t Control the Other Household: Peace often begins when parents stop trying to control what happens outside their parenting time.Growth Is Still Possible: Even in devastating circumstances, healing, self-reflection, and personal growth can emerge from the experience. Chapters 01:27 – From Divorce to Parallel Parenting 04:22 – How AI Helped Build a Parenting Plan 08:04 – False Allegations & Losing Contact With His Son 13:18 – The Story Behind The Forgotten Fathers 16:48 – Men’s Mental Health During Custody Battles 20:16 – Fighting for Shared Parenting Rights 27:57 – The Risks and Benefits of Using AI in Court 32:19 – The Biggest Lie Fathers Are Told About Custody 37:00 – Letting Go of Control in Co-Parenting 39:55 – Advice for Parents in the Darkest Moments What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    Fighting to Stay a Father in Family Court with Derek Salyers
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

A podcast for parents navigating the hardest kind of co-parenting—when every message feels like a minefield and peace feels out of reach. Whether you’re dealing with a narcissistic ex, coercive control, or the exhaustion of family court battles, Coparenting Beyond Conflict is your lifeline. You’re not alone, and you’re not powerless.Each episode delivers practical strategies, clinical frameworks, and real-world tools to help you protect your kids, disengage from emotional chaos, and establish lasting boundaries—even if your co-parent never changes.  🔗 Learn more & resources: https://bestinterest.app/coparenting-podcast  🎧 What You’ll Learn De-escalation tactics to defuse hostile exchanges and eliminate drama in text messages and emails (including BIFF communication).Parallel parenting strategies designed for high-conflict custody schedules and rigid parenting plans.Legal and mediation navigation to help you make sound decisions alongside family law attorneys and divorce coaches.Boundary frameworks to protect your nervous system and support your children's emotional well-being.Tech tools and AI moderation that filter toxic communication before it reaches you. You’ll hear actionable guidance from leading clinical experts (including Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Wendy Behary, and Tracy Malone), family law professionals, and parents who have successfully walked this path.  🎙 About Your Hosts Sol Kennedy is a co-parent, father of two, and the founder of BestInterest (bestinterest.app)—the first AI-powered co-parenting app built to support families in high-conflict situations. After years of facing the realities of high-conflict co-parenting firsthand, Sol founded this podcast to empower other parents to reclaim control and prioritize healing. Reneé Lee is a co-parent and Emmy Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience anchoring live broadcasts across major markets including Phoenix, San Diego, and the Pacific Northwest. Skilled at asking incisive questions and navigating high-pressure conversations, she brings her veteran broadcast background to BestInterest as spokesperson for co-parents and co-host of the Coparenting Beyond Conflict podcast, dedicated to helping families cut through noise and foster healthier dynamics. 💬 Real Tools. Real Stories. Real Change. Subscribe to Coparenting Beyond Conflict on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to start shifting from constant defense to genuine stability. New episodes drop bi-weekly.Watch: Full video interviews stream at https://bestinterest.app/youtube DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, psychological, or medical advice. Please consult a licensed family law attorney or mental health professional regarding your specific situation.

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