In this episode of Sidebar Social, we sit down with Jennifer Richardson, a Texas family law attorney who is frequently appointed as an Amicus Attorney, to break down one of the most misunderstood roles in family law cases. Jennifer explains what an amicus attorney is (and isn’t), who they represent, and how they assist the court in high-conflict custody cases. We also discuss how the amicus role...
Not everything you hear about divorce and custody is true! In this week’s Sidebar Social episode, we’re debunking some of the common questions, and myths, about divorce, custody, and child support in Texas. Join us as we break down what’s true, what’s false, and somewhere in between.
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EP23 – Order in the Court! A Deep Dive into Protective Orders
Jennifer L. Grinke and Dana J. Stewart sit down with criminal defense attorney Ryne Sandel, a partner at Whalen Law Office, to unpack the world of protective orders — what they are, how they work, and why they’re so often misunderstood. From emergency orders to long-term protections, we explore how these legal tools are issued, enforced, and challenged, and what happens when criminal and family...
EP-22 In the Wake of Divorce: Grief, Growth & the Year of Firsts
Divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s an emotional upheaval. In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Sidebar Social, licensed therapist Kathleen Schofield returns to help us unpack the hidden grief that often goes unrecognized during and after a family law case. From mourning the loss of identity and routine to navigating “the year of firsts” post-divorce, Kathleen shares valuable...
EP 21 – Keep Calm and Collaborate On: A Collaborative Divorce Conversation
Is there a way to divorce that doesn’t involve court battles, scorched earth tactics, or drained bank accounts? On this episode of Sidebar Social, hosts Jennifer L. Grinke and Dana J. Stewart sit down with Katie Zuverink—licensed counselor and seasoned neutral mental health professional in the collaborative divorce process—to break it all down. Katie shares what collaborative divorce...
EP 20 – FBI to Family Law: Exposing Tech Abuse in High-Conflict Cases
In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Steven Bradley, Cybersecurity & Technology Expert at Our Family Wizard and former FBI agent, to unpack the darker side of tech in family law. From hidden trackers and spoofed messages to spyware and social media manipulation, Steven shares real-world insights into how technology is weaponized in high-conflict cases—and what parents and family law...
EP-19: High-Conflict, High Alert: Staying Safe in Family Law Battles
In this powerful episode, we’re joined by seasoned martial arts instructor and safety expert, Erik Hicks, to talk about a topic that’s all too common in family law—domestic violence. We unpack the warning signs, explore how abuse patterns tend to escalate over time, and offer practical safety tips for those navigating co-parenting in high-conflict situations. Whether you’re a legal...
EP18-From the Sidelines to the Frontlines: A Stepmom’s Role in Family Law Drama
In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tori Bradburry opens up about what it’s like being a stepmother in the middle of high-conflict family law litigation. As her husband’s case played out in court, Tori became more than a bystander—she became a source of strength, support, and stability for her blended family. Her story is one of love, frustration, and fierce resilience—perfect for...
EP17-Happiness in the Heartache: Helping Children and Parents Navigate Divorce and Co-Parenting
In this heartwarming episode, I chat with Amy Tyson, the founder of Happiness In The Heartache, a company dedicated to supporting children and parents through the challenges of divorce. She shares her expert insights on helping kids process their feelings with creative tools like her children’s books and workbooks, and discusses her journey as a certified divorce and co-parenting coach. Tune in...
EP16-Gavel to Mediator: Navigating Family Law with a Former Judge
Ever wondered what goes on behind the bench, or what makes mediation tick? In this episode, we’re joined by Suzanne Wooten, a former District Court Judge turned full-time mediator who’s spilling the tea on everything from courtroom drama to the secrets of successful family law mediation. With insights from both sides of the gavel, she shares pro tips for trial attorneys and folks about to head...
EP 15 – The Investigator’s Eye: Solving Family Law Mysteries with Surveillance & Forensics
In this episode, we sit down with Daryl Parker of Blackfish Intelligence. Tune in as we chat with a seasoned private investigator about the undercover services his firm offers to help crack open family law cases. Whether it's tracking assets, uncovering hidden truths, or just getting the inside scoop, this episode reveals how PI’s are the unsung heroes behind many courtroom victories. Grab your...
EP14 – Financing the Future: Divorce Lending Tips for a Smooth Transition
In this episode, we sit down with Noel Cookman of The Mortgage Institute , a divorce lending specialist with over two decades of experience at the intersection of divorce and mortgage finance. Noel shares his expert insights on how to navigate mortgage financing during a divorce, offering practical advice for both divorce attorneys and clients. By getting involved early in the process, Noel helps...
Ep13 – Title – Keeping the Peace: Supervised Visitation Tips for Family Law Cases
In this episode, we sit down with Rick Willey, owner of Keeping the Peace, LLC, a service dedicated to providing supervised visitations for families in North Texas. As a bailiff for the 417th Judicial District Court of Collin County, Texas, Rick shares his expertise on how supervised visitations can be a vital tool in family law cases. He discusses best practices for ensuring smooth and...
EP12 – Custody Clarity: Expert Insights on Child Custody Evaluation
In this episode, Jennifer and Dana were joined by licensed professional counselor Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, a trusted expert in child custody evaluations. With nearly 600 evaluations under her belt, Christy shares her deep insights into the evaluation process, offering expert advice on navigating high-conflict custody disputes. She discusses common issues like relocation, resist/refuse dynamics...
EP11 – From Courtroom to Conference Room: The Art of Mediation in Family Law
In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Stuart Brown, a seasoned family law attorney who has transitioned from the courtroom to full-time mediation. Stuart shares his unique perspective on the mediation process and offers expert advice on how it can help families reach peaceful, practical solutions outside of the courtroom. W
EP10 – From Heartbreak to Homeownership: Empowering Women After Divorce
In this empowering episode, Jennifer and Dana sit down with two incredible experts— Lindsay Menz, a loan officer with Town Square Mortgage, and Natalie Andrews with CLEAR Title & Apprasial Co.—who are on a mission to help women rebuild their lives after divorce, starting with securing a home. Both of our guests share their personal experiences navigating divorce and their passion for supporting...
Ep9 – From “We” to “Me”: A Step-by-Step Guide Through Divorce
In this episode, Jennifer and Dana discuss the process and steps of divorce from start to finish.
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Jennifer and Dana welcome back clinical psychologist, Dr. Kevin Gilliland, to discuss the impact that substance abuse has on your psychological dashboard.
EP7 – Mind Over Matter: Navigating Your Psychological Dashboard
Jennifer and Dana talk with clinical psychologist, Dr. Kevin Gilliland, about the struggles people go through before, during and after their family law case. In this episode, Dr. Gilliland discusses the importance of understanding your psychological dashboard, the struggles people face when dealing with legal issues in the midst of life, and insightful tips how to become the best version of...
Ep6 – Marriage, Mayhem, and Misdemeanors: The Criminal Side of Family Law
Jennifer and Dana talk with criminal defense attorney Andrew Jee about what happens when family law and criminal law intersect.
Ep 5 – Divorce Dollars and Sense: Navigating Property, Pitfalls, and Hidden Assets
Jennifer and Dana talk with forensic financial expert Damon Wykrent. Damon helps explain martial property laws, including the difference between separate property and community property, pitfalls people often make when going through divorce, ways to look for hidden assets, and shares tips on how to protect your property in a divorce.
Ep4 – Drama in the Sandbox: Breaking the Cycle of Conflict for Happier Co-Parenting
Jennifer and Dana talk with licensed professional counselor Kathleen Schofield. This episode explores the cycle of interpersonal conflict and how it can impact children. Kathleen provides a unique perspective as a mental health professional and shares helpful insight to improving your co-parenting situation.
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EP3 – From the Gridiron to the Courtroom: An NFL Player’s Journey Through Divorce
Jennifer and Dana talk with Joe Looney, former Dallas Cowboys player and a client of Grinke Stewart Family Law. Joe shares his perspective of going through a divorce while playing in the NFL and he provides some insightful and inspirational messages to other parents dealing with a family law matter.
EP 2 Custody Chaos: Most Common Mistakes Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Jennifer and Dana discuss some of the most common, and detrimental, mistakes parents make in custody cases. This episode also explores useful tips for keeping the spotlight off of you when it comes to your co-parenting behavior.
Join attorneys Jennifer L. Grinke and Dana J. Stewart for the first episode of the Sidebar Social Podcast.

























