Witnessing the unraveling of my own parents' marriage as a child left me with a suitcase of unanswered questions and emotions. Fast forward to today, and we're joined by Billie, a family attorney from Gilbert, Arizona, who not only lived a similar story but also dedicated her career to guiding others through the choppy seas of family law. In this heart-to-heart talk, she shares valuable insights on how the echoes of divorce resonate with children and young adults, emphasizing that the conflict level is the true culprit of long-lasting scars, not the divorce itself. Billy marries her personal narrative with her legal acumen to offer strategies that protect the emotional well-being of those caught in the middle. The echoes of lockdown still reverberate in many homes, where the pandemic's pressure-cooker environment escalated underlying domestic tensions, sometimes shattering relationships beyond repair. On the flip side, some families found a silver lining, with strengthened bonds forged in the crucible of shared adversity. Billy walks us through these contrasting tales while unraveling the knotted threads of parental alienation—a term that's as complex legally as it is emotionally. Her advice to those navigating these treacherous waters is both a lighthouse and a lifeboat, as she emphasizes the importance of mental health and clear communication in weathering the storm. We close our episode with a compass for the journey of co-parenting and divorce, illuminating the path through the dense fog of legalities and emotional turmoil. Billy speaks to the importance of knowing your rights and when to seek legal counsel, advocating for mediation as a beacon of hope for maintaining peace and ensuring the welfare of the children involved. Whether you're at the beginning of this voyage or navigating the aftermath, this episode is charted to offer support, resources, and guidance to help you find your way to calmer waters. (00:01) The Impact of Divorce on Children Divorce's impact on children, strategies for protection, and addressing common concerns from a family attorney's personal experience. (09:28) Effects of Pandemic on Families Lockdowns brought relationship issues to forefront, leading to domestic conflicts and divorces, while also addressing parental alienation. (17:27) Understanding Parental Alienation Dynamics Parental alienation, misconceptions, therapist recommendations, different parenting styles, navigating parental rights, and imperfect parenting. (20:51) Co-Parenting and Divorce Advice Family court's approach to parenting time, the importance of understanding rights during divorce, benefits of mediation, and long-term perspective. https://modernlawpractice.com/billie-tarascio/https://twitter.com/mymodernlaw?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/btarascio/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/billie-tarascio-62322bb --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themattphiferexperience/support