Real Talk with Thacker Sleight

Thacker Sleight

Real Talk with Thacker Sleight, a podcast for those thinking about or going through a divorce. Hosts Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight are two experienced attorneys who believe honesty, transparency, and knowledge are key to achieving the best legal outcomes. In each episode, they talk candidly about a variety of topics related to divorce, family law, child custody, and rebuilding your life following a difficult transition. Let's get the conversation started.

Episodes

  1. 12/01/2025

    Substance Abuse

    In this episode of the Thacker Sleight podcast, hosts Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight discuss the complexities of dealing with substance use problems during divorce with Dr. Dan Post, a licensed psychologist from Pine Rest. Dr. Post shares insights on evaluating substance abuse in family court cases, including the challenges of monitoring alcohol and drug use, different methods of evaluation, and the impacts of substance abuse on parenting. The discussion also covers treatment options for substance use disorders, the role of stress and trauma, and the changes in cannabis use following its legalization. Practical advice is offered for those dealing with their own or a spouse's substance abuse issues, emphasizing safety, compassion, and proper documentation.   Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Thacker Sleight Podcast 00:33 Navigating Substance Use Problems During Divorce 00:55 Meet Dr. Dan Post: Forensic Psychologist 01:17 Common Issues in Family Court Evaluations 01:52 Understanding Substance Abuse Disorders 04:27 Challenges in Monitoring Substance Use 05:47 Diagnosis and Causes of Substance Abuse 08:31 Treatment Options for Substance Abuse 11:02 Impact of Cannabis Legalization 14:34 Street Drugs and Parental Fitness 18:41 Tips for Dealing with Substance Abuse in Relationships 21:41 Impact on Children and Conclusion   When substance use becomes part of an already complex divorce process, having clarity, compassion, and the right guidance is essential. Thoughtful assessment, consistent documentation, and supportive treatment can significantly impact the safety and well-being of everyone involved—especially children. If you or someone you love is facing divorce complicated by alcohol or drug use, the team at Thacker Sleight is here to help you navigate each step with experience and empathy. Contact us today to discuss your options and ensure you have the legal and professional support you need to move forward with stability and confidence.     www.thackersleight.com

    23 min
  2. 11/01/2025

    Understanding Personality Disorders in Divorce

    In this episode of the Thacker Sleight podcast, hosts Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight dive into the complexities of personality disorders within the context of divorce. They are joined by Dr. Dan Post, a board-certified clinical psychologist and lead forensic psychologist at Pine Rest. Dr. Post explains the nuances of narcissistic and borderline personality disorders, how to detect and diagnose these conditions, and practical advice for dealing with individuals who have these disorders during the challenging divorce process. The discussion covers symptoms, diagnostic tools, treatment options, and specific strategies for maintaining stability and health during high-conflict situations.   Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Divorce and Personality Disorders 01:09 Guest Introduction: Dr. Dan Post 02:38 Understanding Narcissism 04:45 Diagnosing Narcissistic Personality Disorder 11:52 Dealing with Narcissistic Individuals 20:25 Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder 23:27 Dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder 30:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   When divorce intersects with serious mental health conditions, it's vital to approach these difficult situations with compassion, knowledge, and the right support. Early, evidence-based intervention can make a meaningful difference for everyone involved. If you or someone you care about is navigating divorce while dealing with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder, the experienced team at Thacker Sleight is here to help you move forward with understanding and expertise. Reach out to us today to explore your options and ensure you have the legal and emotional resources you need during this challenging time.     www.thackersleight.com

    31 min
  3. 10/01/2025

    Forensic Accounting

    In this episode of the Thacker Sleight podcast, hosts Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight, joined by forensic accountant Kevin Marold, delve into the intricacies of forensic accounting in the context of divorce cases. Kevin outlines his background, discusses the role of forensic accounting in litigation, and explains the processes involved in tracing assets, normalizing income, and utilizing AI in forensic investigations. The discussion also covers the importance of obtaining comprehensive financial documents and how forensic accounting findings are summarized for court presentations. This episode is packed with insights for both legal professionals and individuals seeking to understand the financial complexities involved in divorce proceedings.   00:00 Introduction 00:31 Meet Kevin Marold: Forensic Accounting Expert 02:32 Understanding Forensic Accounting 05:31 The Role of AI in Forensic Accounting 07:52 Business Valuations and Income Normalization 13:17 Summarizing Financial Documents for Court 14:18 Tips for Business Owners in Divorce Cases 16:09 Conclusion and Contact Information   Resources + Links Connect with Kevin Marold on LinkedIn Visit Morones Analytics at moronesanalytics.com   When substance use disorders overlap with divorce, custody disputes, or allegations of abuse, the stakes are high for individuals, families, and children. Navigating these situations requires legal counsel that understands the realities of addiction and the challenges it creates within the family system. At Thacker Sleight, our attorneys bring both knowledge and compassion to help clients protect their rights and rebuild their lives. If you or someone you love is facing family law matters complicated by addiction, reach out to us today to ensure you have the support and advocacy you need. www.thackersleight.com

    17 min
  4. 09/01/2025

    Substance Dependency and Family Law

    Thacker Sleight attorneys explore the complex issues of abuse, addiction, and dependency in family law cases with guest Kate Elenbaas, a licensed Master's social worker and an advanced alcohol and drug counselor. Kate shares her extensive background in treating substance use disorders and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of addiction in oneself and others. The conversation includes statistical insights on substance use in the U.S., the significance of recovery beyond mere sobriety, and the DSM-5 classifications for diagnosing substance use disorders. The discussion also highlights the impact of addiction on family dynamics, the challenges of maintaining trust and respect in relationships, and effective treatment options. Emphasis is placed on the disease model of addiction, the critical two-week period leading to relapse, and the family's role in the intervention and support process. This episode provides practical advice and deep insights into the sensitive issues surrounding addiction in the context of family law.   00:00 Introduction 00:32 Meet Kate Elenbaas: Credentials and Experience 02:45 Statistics on Substance Use in the U.S. 04:30 Understanding DSM-5 Classifications 07:55 Impact of Substance Use on Relationships 13:55 Court System and Substance Use 18:40 The Disease Model of Addiction 21:24 Treatment and Recovery Options 25:06 Triggers and Relapse 31:36 Alcohol and Domestic Violence 35:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts When substance use disorders overlap with divorce, custody disputes, or allegations of abuse, the stakes are high for individuals, families, and children. Navigating these situations requires legal counsel that understands the realities of addiction and the challenges it creates within the family system. At Thacker Sleight, our attorneys bring both knowledge and compassion to help clients protect their rights and rebuild their lives. If you or someone you love is facing family law matters complicated by addiction, reach out to us today to ensure you have the support and advocacy you need.   www.thackersleight.com

    37 min
  5. 08/01/2025

    Kayden's Law

    Thacker Sleight attorneys dive into Kayden's Law, parental alienation, and coercive control laws alongside their guest, Danielle Pollack. Pollack, policy manager at the National Family Violence Law Center and co-founder of the National Safe Parents Organization, discusses the origins and implications of Kayden's Law—legislation designed to protect children in family court cases involving abuse. She highlights the law's key provisions, including requirements for family court training and limitations on reunification treatments. The conversation also addresses the controversial concept of parental alienation and explores coercive control legislation adopted by various states. This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these critical legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding children and reforming family court practices.   00:00 Introduction 00:31 Today's Topic: Kayden's Law and Parental Alienation 01:01 Guest Introduction: Danielle Pollack 01:41 The Origin and Impact of Kayden's Law 06:56 Federal and State Adoption of Kayden's Law 09:03 Parental Alienation: A Controversial Concept 13:33 Reunification Treatments and Their Criticisms 14:56 Core Provisions of Federal Kayden's Law 23:09 DARVO: Understanding Abuser Tactics 32:00 Coercive Control Legislation 37:00 Conclusion and Call to Action   When divorce intersects with allegations of abuse, coercive control, or child endangerment, it's critical to approach these situations with knowledge, diligence, and the right legal support. The decisions made in family court can have lifelong consequences for children and parents alike. If you or someone you care about is navigating a custody dispute involving safety concerns, the experienced team at Thacker Sleight is here to help. Reach out to us today to understand your legal options and ensure you have the support you need to protect yourself and your children. At Thacker Sleight, we're committed to protecting your rights and your family's well-being with integrity, insight, and compassion.   Resources & Links Mentioned: National Family Violence Law Center National Safe Parents Organization Learn more about Kayden's Law Training on Coercive Control for Legal Professionals   www.thackersleight.com

    39 min
  6. 07/01/2025

    Mental Health and Divorce

    Thacker Sleight attorneys are joined by Dr. Dan Post, a board-certified clinical and forensic psychologist from Pine Rest, to discuss the critical intersection of divorce and severe mental health issues. The discussion focuses on bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder, examining their symptoms, diagnosis, and impact on family dynamics and legal proceedings. Dr. Post emphasizes the importance of early and evidence-based care, debunks common misconceptions about self-diagnosis through social media, and provides practical advice for those dealing with or suspecting serious mental illness in themselves or their spouses   Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Guest Introduction: Dr. Dan Post 00:39 Understanding Serious Mental Health Issues in Divorce 01:36 Bipolar Disorder: Identification and Impact 08:26 Schizophrenia: Symptoms and Onset 10:47 Impact on Families and Children 13:22 Tips for Managing Mental Health in Divorce 16:10 Conclusion and Contact Information   When divorce intersects with serious mental health conditions, it's vital to approach these difficult situations with compassion, knowledge, and the right support. Early, evidence-based intervention can make a meaningful difference for everyone involved. If you or someone you care about is navigating divorce while dealing with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder, the experienced team at Thacker Sleight is here to help you move forward with understanding and expertise. Reach out to us today to explore your options and ensure you have the legal and emotional resources you need during this challenging time.     www.thackersleight.com

    17 min

About

Real Talk with Thacker Sleight, a podcast for those thinking about or going through a divorce. Hosts Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight are two experienced attorneys who believe honesty, transparency, and knowledge are key to achieving the best legal outcomes. In each episode, they talk candidly about a variety of topics related to divorce, family law, child custody, and rebuilding your life following a difficult transition. Let's get the conversation started.