The Gray Area Trap: Custody Agreement Loopholes High-Conflict Exes Love

Pt 1: Inside I Love You, My Narcissist — with Producer/Director Ali & Stephanie Schmall

In this episode of The Coaching Couch, Livi North is joined by Ali and Stephanie Schmall, the producer and director behind I Love You, My Narcissist. This independent hybrid film blends scripted storytelling, survivor experiences, and expert commentary to show the slow, confusing, identity-eroding reality of narcissistic abuse — the part that is so hard to explain to friends, family, courts, and anyone who only sees the charming public version of the abuser. Ali and Stephanie share why they created the film, how survivor stories shaped the fictional storylines, why they chose a hybrid scripted/documentary format, and how the film helps people see the pattern of manipulation, gaslighting, isolation, and reactive abuse more clearly. If you have ever wished you could point to something and say, “This. This is what happened,” this conversation — and this film — is for you. Watch I Love You, My Narcissist and use code LIVI1 for 15% off. [https://stream.alefcinestream.com/checkout/i-love-you-my-narcissist/purchase?code=livi1] Book a Strategy Call: unfuckyourcoparenting.com/book-your-call [unfuckyourcoparenting.com/book-your-call]

Parallel Parenting vs Co-Parenting: When Cooperation Isn’t Possible

What happens when “healthy co-parenting” becomes a trap? In this episode, Livi North breaks down the difference between co-parenting and parallel parenting — and why so many people stay emotionally stuck trying to force cooperation with someone committed to conflict. We cover: * what healthy co-parenting actually looks like * signs cooperation is no longer realistic * why communication becomes weaponized in high-conflict dynamics * the emotional burnout that pushes many parents toward parallel parenting * real-world examples of control, baiting, and endless conflict cycles * why reducing engagement is often healthier for both you and your kids If you have ever thought: “Why does every conversation turn into a fight?” or “Am I giving up if I stop trying so hard?” …this episode is for you. Book a Strategy Call: unfuckyourcoparenting.com/book-your-call Follow the show and share this episode with someone stuck in the Good Co-Parent Trap. #coparenting #parallelparenting #highconflictcoparenting #narcissisticcoparent #divorcepodcast #custodybattle #familycourt #coparentinghelp

Pt 2: The Gray Area Trap: Custody Agreement Loopholes High-Conflict Exes Love

This is Part 2 of our series on how high-conflict co-parents weaponize custody agreements. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, start there—we break down The Gray Area Trap and why “reasonable” parenting plans don’t work with unreasonable people. In this episode, we apply those concepts to real-life situations, including: * Being blocked from your child’s activities * Phone calls being ignored * Holidays and schedule manipulation * Extracurriculars scheduled during your time * Travel without notice * Last-minute changes used to control your life Because the issue is not the individual problem. It’s the pattern. You’ll learn how to: * Identify tactics like Boundary Creep and Schedule Hijacking * Stop engaging in constant renegotiation * Protect your time and your relationship with your kids * Stay strategic—even when your ex is not If you feel like you’re constantly reacting instead of actually co-parenting, this episode will help you shift that dynamic. 📩 Submit your questions: livi@unfuckyourcoparenting.com 📌 Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Always consult an attorney for your specific situation. #coparenting #highconflictcoparenting #divorcepodcast #narcissisticex #custodybattle #familycourt #parallelparenting #toxicrelationships #divorcerecovery #parentingpodcast #part2

The Gray Area Trap: Custody Agreement Loopholes High-Conflict Exes Love

Why does it feel like your ex follows the custody agreement only when it benefits them? Because when a parenting plan is vague, high-conflict people turn every gray area into an opportunity for control. In this Coaching Couch episode, I break down the “Gray Area Trap” — what happens when your custody agreement uses vague language like “reasonable notice,” “reasonable phone contact,” “be flexible,” or “parents will cooperate.” Those phrases sound fine if you are dealing with a reasonable person. But if you are dealing with a high-conflict or narcissistic ex, they become loopholes. We cover: * Why vague parenting plans create constant conflict * “Death by logistics” and the small issues that become big control tactics * Whether your ex can control what you do during your parenting time * What to do when your ex’s new partner starts showing up to everything * Your rights around school events, doctor appointments, and parent-teacher conferences * Right of first refusal problems * When late bedtimes and bad parenting decisions are worth addressing * How to document patterns without looking “difficult” in court If you have ever found yourself wondering, “Am I overreacting?” this episode is for you. Follow Unfuck Your Co-Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts, and make sure to follow on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @unfuckyourcoparenting. Need help with your parenting plan or parallel parenting strategy? Visit unfuckyourcoparenting.com or email livi@unfuckyourcoparenting.com.

The 6 Biggest Mistakes You’re Making With Your Narcissistic Co-Parent

Most co-parenting advice assumes both parents care about the same things. But if you are dealing with a narcissistic or high-conflict co-parent, that is not what is happening. In this episode of The Breakdown, I explain why you are stuck, why nothing seems to work, and the six mistakes that are keeping you trapped in the cycle. We cover: * Trying to make their behavior make sense * Believing the right words will change them * Expecting them to care about parenting the way you do * Why “performance parenting” happens during court * Why things often change after custody is finalized * Why they escalate when challenged * Why nobody else seems to see what you see This episode introduces the idea of “counter parenting”—when your ex is not trying to co-parent at all, but instead is using parenting as a way to maintain control, protect their image, and keep you reacting. Once you understand that, everything changes. Follow, rate, and share if this episode helped you. And send me a message: which mistake hit you the hardest?