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

Children First Family Law

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.

  1. 069: The Benefits of Full-Service Amicable Uncontested Divorce Mediation. How to Save Money, Reduce Stress, and Prioritize Your Family’s Emotional Health During Divorce

    2D AGO

    069: The Benefits of Full-Service Amicable Uncontested Divorce Mediation. How to Save Money, Reduce Stress, and Prioritize Your Family’s Emotional Health During Divorce

    It’s no secret that separations and divorces can be stressful, costly, and emotionally exhausting, and finding a solution that works for both parties involved and the children can feel impossible. On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista outlines the options available to those seeking a divorce or separation, particularly in Colorado. The choices individuals make in this situation have implications, and Krista shares the potential pitfalls and considerations of each one. These options include handling the separation or divorce without an attorney, hiring an attorney (or two–one for each party), coaching services, mediation, and arbitration. She explains each one’s advantages and disadvantages. Krista offers a unique final solution she developed called an Amicable Uncontested Divorce Solution, in which she works with both co-parents to create customized solutions for their particular scenario. Finally, Krista shares the importance of preserving the co-parenting dynamic to reduce trauma for the involved children. She reveals the 13 steps she uses to determine if a potential client is a good candidate for this solution. There is a path to a more peaceful separation of co-parents than attorneys on both sides ready for war. Krista’s Amicable Uncontested Divorce Solutions offer the answer you’ve been searching for. In this episode, you will hear: The implications of the choices the involved parties make during a divorce or legal separation Handling a separation or divorce in Colorado without an attorney and potential pitfalls and considerations Hiring an attorney to handle your case, what to be aware of as you research who to hire, and when you can use one attorney versus two The importance of prioritizing children during separation—and why many attorneys fail to do so Investing in a coaching service and key factors to consider when evaluating your options Krista’s tips for evaluating a mediator to handle a divorce or separation The pitfalls of mediation and how it can derail a case. Arbitration’s advantages and disadvantages as an option for handling a divorce or separation Amicable, Uncontested Divorce Solutions at Children First Family Law tailors benefits for both co-parents seeking customized resolutions. Minimizing trauma for children while preserving a healthy co-parenting dynamic. Krista’s 13-step approach to achieving an amicable, uncontested divorce.   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.

    1h 14m
  2. 068: Colorado Family Law: Understanding the Role of a CLR in Custody and Parenting Cases

    FEB 2

    068: Colorado Family Law: Understanding the Role of a CLR in Custody and Parenting Cases

    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.

    1h 1m
  3. 067: Best Hits from the Archives: Top 10 Things to Do (and Don't Do) When Hiring a Divorce Attorney

    JAN 26

    067: Best Hits from the Archives: Top 10 Things to Do (and Don't Do) When Hiring a Divorce Attorney

    Hiring the right attorney in a divorce case involving children can make or break your case. If you hire the wrong one, they could be a big problem. In this replay episode of Children First Family Law, Krista offers the 10 dos and don’ts of hiring a divorce attorney. A good attorney should be a peacemaker, not a gladiator, which can foster the destruction of children’s well-being, parents, and individual parties. Toxicity generally isn’t necessary, even in potentially adversarial cases. Finding amicable solutions for children's best interests is at the heart of this episode. Using Krista’s tips for finding a good divorce attorney, you could avoid a litigious, expensive, and destructive road. In this episode, you will hear: The importance of hiring an attorney who is empathetic, warm, likable, and ethical Krista’s tips for testing the accessibility and responsiveness of an attorney and their team Ensuring your attorney will be clear and transparent about each step of the process as well as costs How hiring someone who simplifies the process can save you a lot of money Why humility is a valuable trait in an attorney Reputability and its importance in the law community and red flags to consider The value of an informed individual who is pursuing growth of knowledge and experience The calming effect of a peacemaker in your corner What a child-focused attorney can do for you versus one who isn’t Problem-solving and finding the best solution for all involved parties 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.

    1h 1m
  4. 066: Divorce Done Well: A Child's Story, with Special Guest, Liberty

    JAN 19

    066: Divorce Done Well: A Child's Story, with Special Guest, Liberty

    In this episode of Children First Family Law®️, Krista sits down with Liberty, a 21-year-old who grew up navigating her parents’ divorce in a way many families hope for but rarely see. Liberty shares what it felt like to be told about the divorce as a sixth grader, how her parents’ intentional co-parenting kept her out of the middle, and why clear structure and communication mattered more than she realized at the time. Liberty reflects on growing up in two homes without conflict, watching her parents show up together for milestones, and later welcoming stepparents and stepsiblings into her life. Her story offers a rare, honest look at how divorce can reshape a family without breaking it. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when adults truly put children first, kids can grow up feeling secure, supported, and hopeful. In this episode, you will hear: Being told about divorce together and why that moment mattered Growing up without being put in the middle of parental conflict How structure and predictable parenting schedules created stability Parents communicating directly instead of through their child Navigating new partners and blended families without pressure The difference between a “broken” home and a restructured one How healthy co-parenting shaped long-term trust and relationships   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.

    54 min
  5. 065: New Year, Same Kids: 10 Resolutions Divorced Parents Can Make to Truly Help Their Children

    12/31/2025

    065: New Year, Same Kids: 10 Resolutions Divorced Parents Can Make to Truly Help Their Children

    In this solo episode of Children First Family Law®️, Krista shares 10 practical resolutions for divorced and separated parents to make the new year—or any time of year—supportive for their children. Recognizing that most parents genuinely want the best for their kids but often feel overwhelmed, hurt, or reactive, Krista emphasizes that children feel the effects of parental conflict even when no words are spoken. These resolutions are not about perfection. They are about intentional choices that prioritize children’s emotional well-being. Krista walks through each resolution, offering concrete examples and strategies that parents can realistically implement. From stopping negative talk about the co-parent to creating calmer transitions, supporting consistency across households, and practicing flexibility, each resolution is designed to empower parents to show up differently for their kids. She also stresses the importance of processing personal emotional pain, seeking support through therapy or co-parenting classes, and modeling accountability through apologies and repair when mistakes happen. By committing to even one resolution, parents can create meaningful ripple effects that positively shape their children’s experiences, emotional security, and development, proving that small, intentional actions often matter more than sweeping changes. In this episode, you will hear: Stop speaking negatively about your co-parent and model emotional regulation Keep children out of adult conflicts and communication loops Pause before responding to reduce reactive conflict Support your child’s relationship with the other parent Make transitions calmer and more predictable Prioritize your own emotional health and seek support if needed Aim for consistency in routines, school expectations, and household rules Apologize and repair when mistakes happen Practice flexibility and prioritize what serves your child best 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.

    32 min
  6. 064: Divorce Coaching Explained: A Child-Centered Tool Parents Don’t Know They Need with Tracy Callahan

    12/22/2025

    064: Divorce Coaching Explained: A Child-Centered Tool Parents Don’t Know They Need with Tracy Callahan

    Divorce often pushes parents into survival mode. Legal strategy and emotional overwhelm take center stage, while children absorb the fallout quietly and deeply. In this episode of the Children First Family Law®️ podcast, Krista explores a powerful but often misunderstood resource that helps parents navigate divorce more intentionally: divorce coaching. Krista sits down with Tracy Callahan, co-founder of the Divorce Coaches Academy, certified divorce coach, and family mediator licensed in Florida and New York. Tracy brings decades of experience in alternative dispute resolution and a deeply child-centered lens shaped by both professional practice and personal parenting experience. Krista and Tracy unpack what divorce coaching actually is and, just as importantly, what it is not. The conversation reframes divorce coaching as a future-focused, action-oriented form of dispute resolution rather than therapy or advocacy warfare. Tracy explains how divorce coaching helps parents regulate emotions, understand conflict dynamics, and develop communication skills that reduce escalation and protect children from being caught in the middle. Rather than reliving the past, divorce coaching emphasizes intentional decision-making, personal accountability, and preparing parents to participate more effectively in mediation, settlement discussions, and co-parenting. Krista and Tracy also address common misconceptions, including the belief that divorce coaches exist to help parents “fight harder.” In reality, the work centers on minimizing emotional and financial damage, supporting conversations that matter, and helping parents shift from positional thinking to child-focused problem solving. They highlight how unmanaged conflict—not divorce itself—creates lasting harm for children, often with generational consequences. Tracy shares insight into how divorce coaching complements legal representation, saves time and money, and helps parents stop using attorneys and courts as emotional outlets. The episode offers clarity for parents, professionals, and anyone working in family law who wants better outcomes for children navigating two homes. In this episode, you will hear: Divorce coaching as a child-centered dispute resolution tool Clear distinctions between divorce coaching, therapy, and legal advocacy The impact of unresolved parental conflict on children Emotional regulation as a foundation for effective co-parenting Future-focused decision-making during divorce Support divorce coaching provides in mediation and legal processes Shifting away from win–lose thinking toward family stability Resources from this Episode www.divorcecoachesacademy.com www.mediating-matters.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.

    1h 1m
  7. 063: Co-Parenting Over the Holidays, with Dr. Marlene Bizub

    12/15/2025

    063: Co-Parenting Over the Holidays, with Dr. Marlene Bizub

    The holidays can bring joy, excitement, and meaningful traditions, but for separated and divorced families, they can also amplify stress, conflict, and emotional overload. In this episode of the Children First Family Law®️ podcast, Krista explores how parents can navigate holiday schedules, shifting expectations, new traditions, and blended-family dynamics in a way that truly protects children’s emotional well-being. Dr. Marlene Bizub draws on nearly three decades of working with court-involved families to unpack why the season feels so intense and what parents can do differently to create calmer, healthier holidays. Dr. Bizub and Krista talk through the issues that emerge every December, from split-day disasters to extended-family tensions, gift-giving challenges, travel disruptions, and the grief children often feel beneath the surface. Dr. Bizub offers practical strategies parents can act on right now, along with long-term guidance on flexibility, communication, and taking the high road. Whether you’re newly separated or years into co-parenting, this episode provides grounded, child-centered guidance for navigating the holidays more peacefully. Dr. Marlene Bizub, a longtime psychologist working with court-involved families, shares her expertise on creating healthy traditions, supporting children through grief, and setting realistic expectations during the holidays. She highlights what children genuinely need, how parents can avoid emotional pitfalls, and why kindness creates lasting goodwill. This episode reminds parents that even small changes in approach can transform the holidays for their children and for themselves. In this episode, you will hear: Emotional pressures that intensify holidays for co-parents The shift from rigid expectations to child-centered planning Why avoiding split-day celebrations smooths the season for kids Fresh ideas for building new, meaningful traditions Approaches that help blended families adjust at their own pace Thoughts on birthdays, gift-giving, and extended-family involvement Flexibility strategies for travel delays, illness, and disrupted plans How generosity and cooperation create long-term goodwill Nonverbal communication patterns that shape a child’s experience Ways parents can find support and care for themselves during the holidays Resources from this Episode www.amazon.com/Contentious-Custody-Really-Interest-Children/dp/1941870724 open.spotify.com/show/4LJ9Ey2LemBeXfkh4wNauv 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.

    1h 2m
  8. 062: Top Reasons Parents Lose Custody in Colorado — And How to Protect Your Parenting Time

    12/08/2025

    062: Top Reasons Parents Lose Custody in Colorado — And How to Protect Your Parenting Time

    In this episode of the Children First Family Law®️ podcast, Krista breaks down the leading reasons parents lose custody or experience restrictions on parenting time in Colorado. Drawing on her work as a child advocate and family law attorney, Krista explains how judges evaluate safety, stability, mental health, and co-parenting behaviors when deciding on parental responsibilities. She also reminds listeners that “losing custody” in Colorado rarely means a permanent loss of parental rights. Instead, it typically reflects temporary limits tied to a child’s best interests. Krista walks through the three most common categories that lead courts to restrict parenting time—safety concerns, parental unfitness or instability, and damaging co-parenting behavior. She illustrates each category with case patterns she has seen repeatedly in child advocacy work, including emotional abuse, unmanaged mental health issues, and behavior that undermines the child’s relationship with the other parent. She emphasizes that Colorado courts prioritize the child’s emotional and physical safety above all else, and that parents who take proactive steps, such as treatment, stable routines, and appropriate communication, can protect or rebuild their parenting time. For parents, professionals, and supporters, this episode serves as a clear and practical guide to navigating Colorado custody cases while centering children’s well-being. In this episode, you will hear: Safety issues that lead judges to restrict parenting time Behaviors that courts view as instability or parental unfitness Patterns of harmful co-parenting that damage custody outcomes Practical steps parents can take to protect and rebuild time with their children 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.

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About

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.

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