Advocating For Dads with Jana Jones

The Legal Podcast Network

From navigating custody battles to breaking down stereotypes, ’Advocating for Dads’ equips listeners with valuable insights and resources to support fathers in their journey to be actively involved in their children’s lives. Whether you’re a father, a co-parent, or simply interested in promoting equality in parenting, this podcast offers a compelling blend of information, inspiration, and advocacy. Join us on ’Advocating for Dads’ as we champion the rights and roles of fathers everywhere, one episode at a time.

  1. Modification of Child Custody in North Carolina: What Actually Qualifies?

    May 28

    Modification of Child Custody in North Carolina: What Actually Qualifies?

    Episode Summary: In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones explains the legal standards and considerations for modifying custody orders. She delves into the concept of substantial change in circumstances and how it impacts the welfare of the child. Jana also discusses the factors courts evaluate, such as relocation, remarriage, and new work schedules, when reviewing modification requests. Key Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:45 – Legal standard for custody modification in North Carolina 00:01:50 – What qualifies as a substantial change in circumstances 00:03:10 – Can changes in a parent’s life be enough? 00:04:20 – How recent must the change be? 00:05:40 – Is “the schedule isn’t working” enough to modify? 00:06:50 – How courts view relocation, remarriage & new work schedules 00:08:10 – Real case example: Cross-country relocation denied 00:09:50 – What evidence carries the most weight in court 00:11:00 – Strategic advice before filing for modification 00:12:20 – Closing & call to action About the Show: *Advocating for Dads* is a podcast hosted by a seasoned family law attorney, dedicated to empowering fathers in navigating legal challenges related to custody, divorce, and parental rights. Join us as we provide valuable insights and guidance for fathers seeking to protect their relationships with their children.

    13 min
  2. Joint Legal Custody in North Carolina: Who Decides School, Doctors, and Activities?

    Apr 30

    Joint Legal Custody in North Carolina: Who Decides School, Doctors, and Activities?

    Episode Summary:  In this episode of  Advocating for Dads, North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones breaks down the crucial distinctions between joint legal custody and joint physical custody. Jana explains the decision-making dynamics involved when parents share legal custody in North Carolina, offering valuable insights for fathers navigating custody arrangements. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – Explaining joint physical custody vs. joint legal custody 01:30 – Decision-making responsibilities in joint legal custody 02:45 – Options for resolving disagreements in joint legal custody 04:15 – Addressing major decisions like medical care under joint legal custody 05:30 – Granting final decision-making authority to one parent 06:45 – Judicial considerations and key issues in dividing parental responsibilities 08:00 – Encouraging parental involvement in major decisions under joint legal custody 09:30 – Dealing with parental non-compliance in joint legal custody arrangements 11:00 – Differentiating between contempt and modification in custody disputes 12:30 – Importance of detailed custody orders for clarity and enforcement 13:45 – Effective habits for smooth co-parenting under joint legal custody About the Show:  Advocating for Dads is a podcast dedicated to empowering fathers in North Carolina with the legal knowledge and support they need to protect their parental rights and play an active role in their children's lives. Join us as we delve into critical family law topics, offering guidance and insights for dads facing custody challenges.

    9 min
  3. Enforcing a Custody Order in North Carolina: What Dads Can Do When the Other Parent Won’t Comply

    Mar 26

    Enforcing a Custody Order in North Carolina: What Dads Can Do When the Other Parent Won’t Comply

    Episode Summary:  In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana dives into the crucial topic of enforcing custody orders when a parent fails to comply. From practical advice on dealing with non-compliance to the legal implications and consequences, Jana offers valuable insights for fathers navigating challenging custody situations. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:06 – Real-world enforcement of custody orders 02:45 – Common violations leading to court intervention 04:12 – Importance of documenting violations 05:30 – Exploring different custody arrangements 07:18 – Filing for contempt and judicial perspectives 09:45 – Consequences of being found in contempt 11:20 – Addressing vague orders and seeking modifications 13:05 – Handling repeated small violations vs. major defiance 14:40 – Seeking short-term relief for withheld visitation 16:10 – Structuring clear custody agreements for compliance About the Show:  Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones is a podcast dedicated to empowering fathers in understanding their rights and responsibilities in family law matters. Join us for expert insights, practical tips, and legal guidance to navigate the complexities of custody, support, and parental rights.

    11 min
  4. Temporary Custody in North Carolina: What Dads Can Request Before the Final Order

    Feb 26

    Temporary Custody in North Carolina: What Dads Can Request Before the Final Order

    Episode Summary:  In this episode of Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones family law attorney Jana Jones sheds light on temporary custody orders in North Carolina. Jana explains the nature of temporary custody orders, the reasons families may need them, and the key issues typically addressed in such orders. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – What is a temporary custody order? 01:30 – Reasons for needing a temporary order 02:15 – Issues decided in temporary custody orders 03:00 – Duration of temporary orders 04:10 – Evidence required for filing 05:00 – Timelines for scheduling a temporary custody hearing 06:20 – Enforcement of temporary orders 07:00 – Filing a lawsuit for a temporary plan 08:10 – Best first steps for fathers seeking temporary custody About the Show:   Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones is a podcast dedicated to helping fathers navigate family law issues and protect their parental rights. Join us for expert insights and advice on preserving relationships with your children during challenging times.

    8 min
  5. What Dads Need To Know About Emergency Custody In North Carolina

    Jan 29

    What Dads Need To Know About Emergency Custody In North Carolina

    Episode Summary: In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones explains what qualifies as an emergency custody situation, how the process works, and when it’s appropriate to file. She breaks down what counts as a true emergency versus a temporary parenting issue, how long these orders last, and what evidence the court needs to act fast. Jana also shares clear advice for fathers worried about their child’s safety — and the first steps they should take before heading to court. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – What makes a custody situation an “emergency” 01:30 – Common emergencies: abuse, neglect, or moving a child out of state 03:00 – How emergency custody works in Mecklenburg County 04:30 – The difference between an emergency motion and a temporary parenting arrangement (TPA) 06:00 – When a custody dispute feels urgent but isn’t legally an emergency 08:00 – What happens after the judge grants or denies emergency custody 09:30 – How long emergency orders last and when they become permanent 10:30 – The type of evidence courts look for in emergency cases 11:30 – Why hearsay isn’t enough and what dads should document instead 12:00 – Practical steps for fathers worried about their child’s safety About the Show: Advocating for Dads helps fathers understand their legal rights and responsibilities under North Carolina family law. Each episode, Attorney Jana Jones offers practical insight to help dads make informed decisions, protect their children, and navigate custody challenges with clarity and confidence.

    13 min
  6. Can I Travel with My Kids for the Holidays? What Fathers Need to Know

    12/23/2025

    Can I Travel with My Kids for the Holidays? What Fathers Need to Know

    Episode Summary:  In this episode of Advocating for Dads, Jana, a seasoned family law attorney, delves into the complexities of holiday travel custody disputes. From parental rights to court orders, Jana provides insights on handling travel conflicts during the festive season. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Parental rights and holiday travel 02:30 – Understanding custody orders for holiday visits 03:45 – Travel restrictions and written consent 05:00 – Dealing with a refusal to allow travel 06:30 – Enforcing custody orders for holiday time 08:00 – Handling travel disputes outside of court 09:45 – Proactive steps for dads to avoid conflicts 11:10 – Using co-parenting apps for communication 12:30 – Giving advance notice for holiday travel About the Show:  Advocating for Dads focuses on empowering fathers in navigating legal challenges related to family law. With a commitment to father's rights, the show offers valuable insights and guidance to dads facing custody and parenting issues.

    7 min
  7. Custody Battles: Does the Parent Who Files First Have the Advantage?

    11/26/2025

    Custody Battles: Does the Parent Who Files First Have the Advantage?

    Episode Summary: North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones explains whether filing first in a custody or divorce case actually gives one parent an advantage. She breaks down when it might matter, how courts really decide custody, and why timing your response is more important than racing to file first. Jana also shares what mistakes dads should avoid early in the process—and why waiting too long to act can hurt your case. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Does filing first give you an advantage in custody cases? 01:00 – Why “who files first” doesn’t matter in divorce or property division 02:30 – When filing first can help in custody disputes 04:00 – Why the court always focuses on the child’s best interest 05:00 – Deadlines to respond: 30 days, plus an optional 30-day extension 07:00 – How to properly respond with an “answer” and “counterclaim” 08:00 – Common misconception: filing first equals winning 09:00 – When dads should take action and file for custody 10:00 – The biggest mistake fathers make—waiting too long to assert rights About the Show: Advocating for Dads helps fathers understand their legal rights in North Carolina family law. Each episode, Attorney Jana Jones shares practical advice and real courtroom insight to help dads protect their time, make informed decisions, and stay focused on their child’s best interests.

    11 min
  8. When Your Child Wants to Live With You: What Dads Need to Know

    10/30/2025

    When Your Child Wants to Live With You: What Dads Need to Know

    Episode Summary: In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones explains what happens when a child says they want to live with one parent over the other. She breaks down how courts handle a child’s preference, what “best interest” really means, and when it might lead to a custody change. Jana also shares practical advice for parents—how to approach the other parent, when to seek mediation, and why emotional balance and communication matter just as much as legal steps.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 – How North Carolina courts view a child’s custody preference 02:00 – When a judge will speak directly with a child 04:00 – Why stability and safety matter more than preference 06:00 – Factors courts consider in deciding custody 08:00 – What dads should do if a child wants to live with them 10:00 – Using therapy to support children and parents through changes 12:00 – How mediation can help parents reach a new custody agreement 14:00 – What a “friendly lawsuit” looks like in family court 15:30 – Steps to take before filing a motion to modify custody   About the Show: Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones helps fathers understand their legal rights and responsibilities in North Carolina family law. With over 15 years of experience, Attorney Jana Jones shares real-world insights and practical advice to help dads protect their relationships with their children and make informed decisions through custody and family court challenges.

    16 min
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About

From navigating custody battles to breaking down stereotypes, ’Advocating for Dads’ equips listeners with valuable insights and resources to support fathers in their journey to be actively involved in their children’s lives. Whether you’re a father, a co-parent, or simply interested in promoting equality in parenting, this podcast offers a compelling blend of information, inspiration, and advocacy. Join us on ’Advocating for Dads’ as we champion the rights and roles of fathers everywhere, one episode at a time.

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