Children First Family Law

Babies cannot tell us what separation feels like, but their behavior can show when change is hard. We are joined by Professor Jennifer McIntosh to consider what infants and toddlers need when parents separate. We learn that attachment is a child’s reliance on caregivers for comfort and security, and that babies can form bonds with both parents.  Rather than treat overnights or equal time as universal answers, we consider safety, existing relationships, parental cooperation, and developmental stage when shaping parenting plans. We look at research suggesting frequent moves may pose challenges for children under two, while avoiding rigid rules or gender-based claims.  The episode ends with ways to assess arrangements and recognize signs of stress so the process can be as easy as possible for younger kids. In this episode, you will hear: Infant development and the first four years Attachment as a child’s bond of trust and reliance Safety and existing relationships as guides for pa...

Your Record Starts Early Many parents assume a custody case begins when they file the paperwork. Yet daily conduct may become part of the record long before court. Messages, social posts, recordings, and choices during conflict can shape how others view a parent’s judgment, communication, and focus on the children. Keep Communication Calm Pause before sending a message and reread it. Sarcasm, profanity, threats, and repeated texts can look harsher in writing, especially when readers see only a short excerpt. Keep replies brief, respectful, and focused on the child. If upset, wait until you can respond calmly. Take Responsibility And Show Change Taking responsibility can protect credibility. Discuss mistakes candidly with your lawyer rather than denying what evidence shows. Explain what you learned, then follow through on steps such as parenting classes, counseling, or recommended testing. Change does not erase the past, but it shows effort to improve. Keep Useful Records Keep ac...

In this episode, Krista speaks directly to parents who are lying awake at night asking the same question: Is this going to ruin my kids? Drawing from decades of experience as an attorney, mediator, parenting coordinator, and child advocate, Krista unpacks a hard truth—divorce itself does not automatically damage children, but chronic conflict and poor co-parenting absolutely can. She walks through ten practical, immediately usable strategies to lower tension and protect a child’s emotional safety. Krista shares real stories from her work with families, highlighting how tone, structure, exchanges, and emotional regulation shape a child’s long-term wellbeing. Divorce handled with maturity and intention can still raise secure, emotionally healthy children—and that choice starts with the adults. In this episode, you will hear: Why divorce itself does not automatically damage children but chronic conflict does Ten practical strategies to reduce co parenting tension and protect emotio...

What Judges See, What It Costs You, and How to Protect Yourself A post written in anger can resurface months later in a custody dispute. Photos, comments, stories, dating profiles, check-ins, and messages may all become relevant if they shed light on a parent’s conduct or a child’s well-being. Before sharing, consider who might see the post beyond your intended audience. How Social Media Can Enter Court In Colorado, courts decide parenting arrangements by considering the child’s best interests. Social media may offer time-stamped information about a parent’s activities, statements, or location. Posts can be shared during discovery or offered as evidence. The person presenting them may need to show they are authentic, but familiar details, photos, or account information can help establish that. A parent’s own statements may also be offered against them. A private account does not create legal privilege, and screenshots can circulate beyond a selected group of followers. Posts That ...

A custody case can begin long before filing: an angry message, social post, or tense exchange may shape how a judge sees a parent. Krista talks with Virginia family law attorney Whitney Pennington about choices that shape a family’s record. Pennington urges parents to pause before replying, keep communication respectful, avoid involving children, and answer hostile messages without escalating. Sarcasm, profanity, threats, repeated texts, and labels such as “narcissist” can damage credibility. When past conduct is raised, she says, acknowledge it honestly, explain what you learned, and show steps taken to change. The conversation also covers choosing mediation where possible, documenting incidents and parenting time, and keeping records of child support payments and missed amounts. Pennington stresses that local laws differ, including rules for ending support obligations. Listeners will hear how calmer communication, accountability, and careful recordkeeping can protect children, re...

Key Takeaways To a child, a new partner isn’t an addition — it’s another change. Handle the introduction as a transition for your child, not a milestone for the couple. Turnover hurts more than any single family structure. Research links the number of adult transitions to behavior problems, which is the strongest argument for waiting until a relationship is serious and stable. Connection before correction. The parent stays the parent. A new partner should be a warm, steady adult who isn’t in charge of discipline, possibly forever. Protected one-on-one time is essential, not optional. What kids fear most is losing you. Colorado courts don’t punish parents for dating. Restricting parenting time requires evidence of actual endangerment, though parents can agree to reasonable waiting periods and notice provisions. Introduction You’ve been through the separation. The parenting plan is in place. Things have settled into some kind of rhythm. And the...