Fighting to Stay a Father in Family Court with Derek Salyers

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 [https://fathersforfaircustody.com] Get Derek’s book, The Forgotten Fathers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBN8M3XB [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBN8M3XB] Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ [https://bestinterest.app/] Custody Journal (Free Documentation Tool): https://custodyjournal.com [https://custodyjournal.com] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rIqoK79LcrU [https://youtu.be/rIqoK79LcrU] Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ [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 [https://bestinterest.app/beyond]. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

Stop Saying “I’m Sorry”: Reclaiming Power After Divorce with Nicole Sodoma

Divorce is often framed as something you “win” or “lose”—but what if that mindset is exactly what keeps you stuck? In this episode, family law attorney and author Nicole Sodoma shares candid, hard-earned insights from both sides of the courtroom. After decades advising clients—and then going through her own divorce—Nicole reveals what actually matters when you’re navigating high-conflict co-parenting. From why saying “I’m sorry” can be disempowering, to the realities of parallel parenting, to the small communication shifts that can completely change your dynamic, this conversation is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in conflict, or unsure how to move forward, this episode offers a clearer path. Learn more about Nicole Sodoma: https://nicolesodoma.com [https://nicolesodoma.com] Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ [https://bestinterest.app/] Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ [https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/] Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/y_uWkYGxTPI [https://youtu.be/y_uWkYGxTPI] Keywords co-parenting, high conflict divorce, parallel parenting, family court reality, divorce attorney advice, co-parenting boundaries, communication strategies, conscious uncoupling, nesting after divorce, parenting plan challenges Takeaways * You Don’t Win in Family Court: Even when you “win” an issue, it rarely feels like victory—and much is outside your control. * Stop Saying “I’m Sorry”: Well-meaning language can reinforce a victim mindset and undermine your sense of agency. * Parallel Parenting Is a Path, Not a Fix: It can reduce conflict, but it won’t eliminate disagreements—you still need systems for decision-making. * Communication Is Everything: The structure, timing, and tone of how you communicate can either escalate conflict or create stability. * Pick Your Priorities Early: Knowing what truly matters helps you avoid getting lost in battles driven by principle instead of purpose. * You Can’t Change Your Ex: The only leverage you have is how you show up, communicate, and respond. * Freedom and Grief Coexist: Emotional ups and downs are normal—and temporary—as you move through separation. Chapters 00:01 – Meet Nicole Sodoma 02:25 – How Divorce Changed Her Perspective 04:07 – Why “I’m Sorry” Can Be Harmful 05:27 – Nesting: When It Doesn’t Work 07:26 – Conscious Uncoupling: Reality Check 10:04 – Parallel Parenting Explained 11:57 – Boundaries That Protect You 14:28 – Structuring Communication 17:49 – Handling Disagreements 18:47 – Picking Your Battles 21:21 – The Myth of “Winning” 24:52 – The Most Underrated Skill 26:54 – Final 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 [https://bestinterest.app/beyond]. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

Secrets of the Narcissist Mind with Tracy Malone

Are you co-parenting with someone who seems to change the rules, twist reality, and keep you constantly on edge? Divorce is hard enough—but when you’re dealing with manipulation, control, and emotional chaos, it can feel impossible to find your footing. In this episode, Tracy Malone, author and renowned narcissistic abuse recovery coach, breaks down exactly how to protect your peace, support your kids, and reclaim your power in a system that often feels stacked against you. Learn more about Tracy Malone at: https://tracyamalone.com/ [https://tracyamalone.com/] and https://narcissistabusesupport.com [https://narcissistabusesupport.com] Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ [https://bestinterest.app/] Other Resources Mentioned: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345487427 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345487427]  Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ [https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/] Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/1Lm1hG5JQiY [https://youtu.be/1Lm1hG5JQiY] Keywords co-parenting with a narcissist, parallel parenting, high conflict divorce, narcissistic abuse recovery, co-parenting communication, parenting plan strategy, gaslighting and DARVO, emotional regulation for parents, supporting kids through divorce, family court strategies Takeaways * The Teflon Strategy: How to stop absorbing emotional attacks so they don’t derail your day—or your parenting. * Parallel Parenting Reality Check: How to let go of control in the other household while staying grounded and consistent in your own. * The Documentation Filter: What actually matters to track (and what will just drain your energy). * The BIFF Response Method: How to reply to triggering messages without giving your ex ammunition. * The Parenting Plan Power Move: How to build in protections now that save you years of stress (and thousands in legal fees) later. * The Emotional Resilience Toolkit for Kids: How to help your children regulate, process, and stay grounded between two very different homes. Chapters 01:22 – The Wake-Up Call: When “Normal” Isn’t Actually Normal 04:31 – Parallel Parenting: Acceptance or Giving Up Control? 07:13 – The Escalation Phase: What to Expect Before (and During) Divorce 09:06 – Documentation Without Losing Your Sanity 10:46 – The Biggest Early Mistake Most Parents Make 11:27 – Post-Divorce Power Struggles: Money & Control 12:43 – Communication Traps: How They Bait You Into Losing Control 15:05 – The BIFF Method: Responding Without Fueling the Fire 16:00 – Regulating Yourself Before You Respond 17:26 – DARVO, Gaslighting & The Mind Games Explained 19:07 – Supporting Kids in Two Opposite Worlds 20:16 – Why Co-Parenting Can Feel Like an 18-Year Sentence 23:39 – The Parenting Plan That Saves You Years of Court 26:55 – Setting Boundaries Around Communication 27:57 – When Your Ex Lies to Your Kids: What Actually Helps 29:34 – Helping Kids Build Emotional Resilience 33:20 – Signs Your Child Needs Extra Support 36:51 – Peace Starts Here: Letting Go of the Fight 37:13 – A Narcissist’s Favorite Tool 37:28 – What the Legal System Gets Wrong 39:45 – One Thing You Can Do Today to Feel More Empowered 43:22 – Where to Find Tracy Malone What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App [https://bestinterest.app/beyond]. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

How to Protect Your Peace in a High-Conflict Divorce with Karen Covy

Think family court will give you closure, fairness, or emotional justice? Think again. If you’re walking into divorce expecting the system to make things right, you may be setting yourself up for more frustration, confusion, and costly mistakes. Karen Covy—attorney, divorce coach, and founder of Divorce Road Map—pulls back the curtain on what the legal system actually does (and what it doesn’t), and why so many people feel blindsided by the process. This conversation will help you shift from overwhelmed and reactive to clear, strategic, and in control—so you can protect your peace, your kids, and your future. Learn more about Karen Covy at: https://karencovy.com/ [https://karencovy.com/] Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ [https://bestinterest.app/] Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ [https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/] Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/zN6CrfOnZ9k [https://youtu.be/zN6CrfOnZ9k] Takeaways * The CEO Shift: How to take full ownership of your divorce by building a plan, setting priorities, and leading your own “team” instead of relying solely on a lawyer. * The 90% Blindspot: Why the legal system only handles a fraction of what matters—and how to proactively manage the emotional, financial, and parenting realities it ignores. * The Process-First Strategy: How choosing your divorce approach (mediation, litigation, collaborative) before hiring a lawyer can dramatically change your outcome. * The Board of Directors Model: How to assemble the right mix of professionals (coach, therapist, financial expert, etc.) to save money, reduce stress, and make better decisions. * The Boundary Blueprint: How to set and enforce clear, realistic boundaries with a high-conflict ex—without escalating the situation. * The Reality Reset: Why expecting fairness or emotional justice from court keeps you stuck—and what mindset actually leads to peace. Chapters 00:00 The Moment Everything Clicks: Why the Legal System Isn’t Enough 03:34 The Bottom-Up Revolution: Why Change Won’t Come from the Courts 05:58 The Costly Mistake Most People Make Before Hiring a Lawyer 06:58 Stuck in Limbo: How to Decide Whether to Divorce or Stay 07:53 The CEO of Your Divorce: Why No One Else Will Run This for You 10:17 The High-Conflict Reality Check: Stop Expecting a Peaceful Divorce 11:31 Your Divorce “Board of Directors”: Who You Actually Need on Your Team 15:20 Why Divorce Feels So Inefficient (and How to Stay Sane Anyway) 15:32 Overwhelm & Paralysis: How to Start When You Don’t Know What to Do 17:20 The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Conflict 19:12 Boundaries 101: Simple, Not Easy—and Why They Matter Now 22:01 When Your Ex Manipulates the Kids: What Actually Helps 27:00 Boundaries with an Ex: What Works (and What Doesn’t) 29:14 Communication That Doesn’t Backfire with High-Conflict Exes 31:01 Parenting Plans That Actually Hold Up in Real Life 34:20 Reducing Conflict Through Structure and Specificity 36:05 Decision Deadlocks: Who Gets the Final Say? 39:11 The Biggest Lie About Family Court 40:00 Peace Starts When You Stop Trying to Win 41:25 The Word Everyone Misunderstands in Divorce 41:56 Why Court Can’t Give You Justice 42:10 Final Advice: How to Get Through This Without Losing Yourself What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App [https://bestinterest.app/beyond]. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

Stop Saying Yes: How People-Pleasing Is Sabotaging Your Co-Parenting with Amy Ballantyne

Are you saying “yes” just to keep the peace—while quietly losing yourself in the process? If you feel trapped between avoiding conflict and honoring your own needs, you’re not alone. Amy Ballantyne, executive coach and host of Power to the People Pleasers, breaks down how people-pleasing patterns show up in co-parenting—and how to start setting boundaries without guilt, escalation, or self-abandonment. Learn more about Amy Ballantyne at: https://www.amyballantyne.com/ [https://www.amyballantyne.com/] Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ [https://bestinterest.app/] Other Resources Mentioned: • Celebrate Yourself [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1777502764] by Amy Ballantyne • Power to the People Pleasers Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-to-the-people-pleasers/id1654789721] Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ [https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/] Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/hV6YuttGURU [https://youtu.be/hV6YuttGURU] Keywords people pleasing in relationships, co-parenting boundaries, high conflict co-parenting, setting boundaries with ex, self worth and boundaries, people pleaser recovery, communication skills co-parenting, conflict avoidance psychology, parenting after divorce, emotional intelligence parenting Takeaways * The Approval Trap: How early conditioning drives people-pleasing—and shows up in co-parenting communication. * The Boundary Reset: Identify your non-negotiables before the conversation so you don’t default to “yes.” * The “No Without Drama” Method: Use simple, respectful language (even just “no”) without over-explaining. * The Win-Win Lens: Shift from control to collaboration by finding outcomes that work for both parents and kids. * The Self-Worth Link: Why stronger boundaries come from self-love—and how to start building it. * The Pattern Breaker: What your child learns from your boundaries—and how to model healthier dynamics. Chapters 00:00 The People-Pleasing Trap 01:00 From Helper to Coach 02:00 The Approval Pattern in Co-Parenting 03:00 Where People Pleasing Begins 05:00 The Biggest Myth About People Pleasers 06:30 Why Saying No Feels So Hard 08:30 Boundaries vs. Self-Abandonment 10:00 Big Picture vs. Petty Fights 12:00 When Co-Parenting Feels Impossible 13:30 Setting Boundaries That Stick 15:00 How to Say No Without Escalating 17:00 What Kids Learn From Your Patterns 19:00 Teaching Boundaries to Your Child 22:00 The Link Between Self-Worth and Boundaries 23:30 A Simple Self-Love Practice 24:30 Handling Disrespect Without Losing Yourself 27:00 Lightning Round: Boundaries & Self-Respect 31:00 One Step to Start Changing Today What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App [https://bestinterest.app/beyond]. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond