Episodes

  • Can Witnessing Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody in Texas? - Ep 98

    Can Witnessing Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody in Texas? - Ep 98
    Oct 25 2026
    Children don't have to be physically abused to experience the effects of domestic violence. Sometimes, simply witnessing conflict, intimidation, or abuse between parents can have lasting consequences.In Episode 98 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston discuss how exposure to domestic violence can influence Texas child custody cases, why courts examine both parents' actions, and the importance of protecting children from harmful household environments.They also explore the role of therapy in high-conflict custody disputes and whether parents are addressing the underlying problems affecting their children.This Week's Cocktail: Apple Honey Bourbon SmashBefore diving into the discussion, Bryan and Janice enjoy a seasonal Apple Honey Bourbon Smash.Ingredients:BourbonLemon juiceAppleHoney syrupWith its fall-inspired flavors, the cocktail reminds the hosts of Thanksgiving and sets the stage for an important conversation about family violence and child custody.Children Don't Have to Be the Direct VictimsOne of the episode's central points is that children can be deeply affected by abuse even when they aren't physically harmed.Witnessing verbal, emotional, or physical abuse between parents can create fear, instability, and emotional distress.Bryan and Janice discuss how some children begin feeling responsible for protecting a parent or caring for younger siblings, a situation often described as parentification.These experiences can influence a child's emotional development, relationships, and understanding of acceptable behavior.In custody litigation, the question isn't simply whether a parent physically harmed a child. It's also whether the child's home environment is safe and emotionally healthy.What Did You Do to Protect Your Children?Bryan and Janice explain that one of the most important questions in family violence custody cases is:Where were the children, and what steps did you take to protect them?Courts may examine whether children witnessed abusive incidents and what protective measures were reasonably available.The hosts emphasize that the person committing the abuse is responsible. However, protecting children from continued exposure remains an important consideration in custody proceedings.They also discuss situations where parents document volatile interactions for court without fully considering how those incidents affect children who are present.Evidence may matter in litigation, but a child's safety should always take priority.How CPS Can Become InvolvedChildren often see and hear more than parents realize.When children discuss violence or troubling incidents with teachers, school counselors, or other adults, those disclosures can lead to reports to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.Bryan and Janice explain that investigators may examine whether a parent is taking appropriate steps to protect children from harmful circumstances.Even when a child hasn't been physically assaulted, exposure to serious household violence may raise concerns about their safety and well-being.Why Context Matters in Custody CourtVideo recordings, text messages, and other evidence can play significant roles in high-conflict custody cases.However, Bryan and Janice caution against examining isolated incidents without understanding the circumstances surrounding them.A recording may show one parent's behavior, but it may not reveal what happened before the camera started rolling.Courts must consider the broader circumstances while also recognizing that ongoing volatility can negatively affect children.The hosts stress that the most important question remains how the behavior affects the children and whether similar problems may continue after the parents separate.Individual Therapy vs. Family TherapyThe episode also explores a controversial question: Are children in high-conflict custody cases always receiving the right kind of therapy?Bryan argues that when a child's emotional struggles are closely connected to conflict between parents, addressing the parent-child relationships may be just as important as providing individual counseling.He expresses concern that therapy records can sometimes become tools in custody litigation rather than remaining focused on helping children.The hosts discuss family therapy as a potential way to address underlying relationship problems, improve communication, and help parents take responsibility for the environment they're creating.The appropriate approach depends on each child's circumstances and safety needs. Family therapy may be beneficial in some situations, while individual therapy remains important for others, particularly when abuse or trauma is involved.Protecting Children Comes FirstThe central message of Episode 98 is that children can be harmed by domestic violence even when they are never physically touched.Parents must recognize how their behavior, conflicts, and relationships affect the children watching and listening.For families navigating ...
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    30 mins
  • Lindsay Clancy Trial: Postpartum Mental Health, Custody & Family Law - Ep 97

    Lindsay Clancy Trial: Postpartum Mental Health, Custody & Family Law - Ep 97
    Oct 17 2026
    Can a high-profile criminal trial change how courts view mental health in child custody cases?In Episode 97 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston discuss the Lindsay Clancy case, the reported mistrial and hung jury, and the difficult questions surrounding postpartum mental health.Their conversation explores how mental health concerns can affect custody disputes, whether a diagnosis alone should influence parental rights, and why supporting struggling parents matters just as much as protecting children.This Week’s Cocktail: Pom PalomaBefore diving into the episode’s difficult subject matter, Bryan and Janice enjoy a refreshing Pom Paloma.Ingredients:TequilaLimeSquirt grapefruit sodaPomegranate juiceTajínThe drink receives positive reviews, with a slightly sweet, soda-forward flavor, before the conversation turns to the serious issues surrounding the case.The Lindsay Clancy Trial and Its AftermathBryan and Janice begin by discussing the Lindsay Clancy criminal proceedings, which they describe as ending in a mistrial following a hung jury.A central issue in their conversation is the defense's reported reliance on postpartum psychosis and other mental health concerns.The hosts acknowledge that they did not follow every day of the trial, but use the reported outcome to examine the challenges of presenting complex evidence to a jury.Bryan discusses how trial strategy, jury selection, and evidence presentation can influence outcomes. When a jury cannot reach a verdict, attorneys may need to reconsider how they communicate their case rather than simply repeating the same arguments.But the discussion raises a larger question: Could the public attention surrounding this case affect future custody disputes?Does Postpartum Depression Affect Child Custody?One of the episode's central concerns is whether a high-profile tragedy could lead parents to use postpartum depression diagnoses against one another in family court.Bryan and Janice distinguish between having a mental health diagnosis and presenting an actual risk to a child.A diagnosis alone does not automatically mean someone is an unfit parent.Family courts must consider the specific circumstances, including evidence of potential danger, a parent's ability to care for their children, and whether appropriate steps are being taken to address identified concerns.The hosts anticipate that some parents may attempt to reference the Clancy case when raising mental health allegations in custody proceedings.However, they emphasize that serious allegations require more than speculation or fear.Mental Health Shouldn't Become a WeaponDivorce and custody disputes can already be emotionally charged.Introducing allegations about a parent's mental health can make those situations even more complicated, particularly when the allegations are being used to gain an advantage rather than address a legitimate safety concern.Bryan and Janice discuss the importance of distinguishing between a parent who is experiencing mental health challenges and a situation involving credible evidence of danger.They also emphasize the importance of seeking treatment, communicating with healthcare professionals, and actively addressing a condition.The goal should be protecting children without automatically stigmatizing parents who seek help.Supporting Your Co-Parent Through Difficult TimesThe conversation eventually turns to a broader responsibility parents share, even after divorce.What happens when a former spouse experiences a major life change, such as having another child?Bryan suggests that healthy co-parenting can include checking in, offering support, and recognizing when the other parent may be struggling.That doesn't mean invading someone's privacy or assuming that a new pregnancy creates a mental health crisis.Instead, it means approaching the situation with genuine concern.A simple question like “How are you doing, and is there anything I can do to help?” can be more productive than immediately turning a concern into a custody dispute.Janice reinforces the importance of taking maternal healthcare seriously and ensuring parents receive appropriate support, not judgment.When Mental Health Becomes a Custody ConcernBryan and Janice acknowledge that there are situations where mental health issues may require court intervention.When credible evidence suggests that a parent presents a danger to themselves or their children, protective measures may be necessary.But that is different from assuming that every parent diagnosed with postpartum depression poses a threat.Courts must evaluate individual circumstances, evidence, and the children's safety rather than relying on assumptions created by a highly publicized case.For parents navigating difficult custody disputes, understanding that distinction is essential.Protecting Children While Supporting ParentsThe Lindsay Clancy case raises deeply emotional questions about mental health, parental responsibility, and the legal ...
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    34 mins
  • How to Be a Better Co-Parent: Communication, Self-Care & Letting Go - Ep 96

    How to Be a Better Co-Parent: Communication, Self-Care & Letting Go - Ep 96
    Oct 10 2026
    In Episode 96 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston answer a simple question with a complicated answer: What is the best advice for becoming a better co-parent?Their conversation comes down to communication, self-care, focusing on your children, and learning to let go of what you simply cannot control.This Week’s Cocktail: Blackberry MargaritaThis week, Bryan and Janice enjoy a refreshing Blackberry Margarita.Ingredients:Blackberry pureeLime juiceTequilaAgaveAfter giving the cocktail their approval—and debating whether it could make the list of their favorite drinks from the first 100 episodes—they turn their attention to the challenges of raising children across two households.Communication Comes FirstJanice’s first piece of advice is simple: communicate.Parents can’t control everything that happens in the other parent’s home, but they can communicate about what is happening with their children, their routines, and important changes in their lives.That doesn’t mean telling the other parent how to run their household. Instead, it can mean sharing what works in one home and discussing whether some consistency could make things easier for the children.Communication can also help when circumstances change. If a parent is preparing to introduce a serious new romantic partner, for example, giving the other parent a heads-up may help prevent the child from being caught off guard.It isn’t necessarily about asking permission. It’s about respect and keeping the focus on the child.Work on YourselfBryan’s advice takes a different approach: work on yourself.Divorce can leave behind anger, resentment, hurt, and unresolved emotions. Carrying those feelings into every interaction with a former spouse can turn co-parenting into another battleground.Taking care of yourself, working through those emotions, and accepting your new reality can help you become a better co-parent—and a better parent.That can be especially difficult after separation. Parents may have less free time, more responsibilities, and no other adult in the home to help pick up the slack.But taking care of yourself can ultimately help you be more present and emotionally available for your children.Stop Keeping ScoreSuccessful co-parenting also requires moving away from the idea that every interaction has to produce a winner and a loser.Who was late last time? Who changed the schedule? Who didn't communicate? Who started the argument?Keeping score can create an endless cycle of conflict.The romantic relationship may be over, but the parenting relationship continues. Decisions should no longer be about proving which parent is right. They should focus on what is best for the children.You Can Only Control YourselfOne of the hardest lessons in co-parenting is accepting that you cannot control the other parent.You can communicate respectfully. You can follow the custody order. You can show up on time. You can create stability in your own home.But you cannot force your former spouse to behave the way you want them to.Bryan and Janice point out that the behaviors that frustrated someone during a marriage often don’t magically disappear after a divorce.At some point, continuing to expect the other parent to suddenly meet your standards may only create more frustration.You have control over yourself.That’s where your energy can make a difference.Sometimes You Have to Let It GoPerhaps the biggest takeaway from Episode 96 is also the simplest:Let it go.There will be moments when your co-parent frustrates you. They may do things differently than you would. Sometimes you may even believe they are intentionally making the situation more difficult.But not every disagreement needs to become a battle.Bryan and Janice use custody exchanges as an example. A child can experience a calm handoff between two cordial parents—or be forced to walk between two adults yelling at one another.The exchange still happens either way.But the experience is dramatically different.Children shouldn’t have to carry the emotional weight of their parents’ conflict.Keep the Focus on Your ChildrenGood co-parenting doesn’t require former spouses to become best friends.It requires them to recognize that their relationship has changed, while their responsibility to their children has not.Communicate when you can.Take care of yourself.Stop keeping score.Focus on what you can control.And when something doesn’t require another fight, learn to let it go.As Bryan and Janice acknowledge, that advice is much easier to give than it is to follow. But when parents can shift the focus away from their former relationship and back toward their children, they create a healthier foundation for everyone involved.Listen to Episode 96 of Cases & Cocktails for Bryan and Janice’s full conversation about communication, self-care, managing conflict, custody exchanges, and becoming a better co-parent after divorce.
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    19 mins
  • The $642 Million Divorce: What a Billionaire Breakup Can Teach Us About Texas Divorce - Ep 95

    The $642 Million Divorce: What a Billionaire Breakup Can Teach Us About Texas Divorce - Ep 95
    Oct 3 2026
    In Episode 95 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston dive into a South Korean billionaire divorce that took roughly a decade to unfold and resulted in a settlement worth hundreds of millions of dollars.The numbers may be extraordinary, but the issues behind the fight—property, infidelity, negotiation, and determining what each spouse is entitled to—aren't nearly as unusual.As Bryan puts it during the conversation, in high-asset divorce, sometimes the fights are the same; the zeros are just different.This Week's Cocktail: Pineapple Coconut MargaritaA "divorce of the century" deserves a drink worthy of the occasion.Episode 95 features a tropical Pineapple Coconut Margarita, which Bryan quickly describes as essentially a tequila-based piña colada.Ingredients:TequilaPineapple juiceLime juiceCream of coconutTropical, creamy, and apparently good enough to earn consideration as the "drink of the century."With cocktails poured, Bryan and Janice turn their attention to a marriage—and divorce—that received a similar title.South Korea's "Divorce of the Century"The episode focuses on a high-profile South Korean couple whose marriage had once been described as a "marriage of the century."According to the story discussed on the podcast, the couple had been married for approximately 27 years when their divorce began around 2015. What followed was a legal battle that stretched for roughly a decade.One major issue was an enormous marital fortune.The wife sought about $1 billion and ultimately received a settlement the podcast describes as about $642 million.But money wasn't the only thing making the divorce remarkable.Bryan and Janice discuss reports that the husband publicly revealed that he had fallen in love with another woman and fathered a child with her during the marriage.From a divorce attorney's perspective, publicly announcing something like that is probably not the strategy Bryan would recommend.Can Your Spouse Refuse to Let You Get Divorced?The story leads Bryan and Janice into a question they have encountered much closer to home:What happens if one spouse simply refuses to get divorced?In Texas, refusing to sign divorce papers doesn't necessarily stop the divorce.A spouse can agree to the terms of a divorce and sign the necessary documents. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, however, the case can proceed through the court system and ultimately to trial, where a judge can make decisions for them.Simply refusing to participate doesn't automatically keep the marriage intact.What matters is completing the legal process and obtaining a final divorce decree signed by the judge.That's an important distinction from the familiar movie scene where someone dramatically declares, "I'm not signing the divorce papers!"Not signing may prevent an agreed divorce from moving forward in that particular form, but it doesn't necessarily give one spouse veto power over the other's ability to pursue a divorce.You're Married Until You're Legally DivorcedThe discussion also highlights why couples shouldn't simply assume they're divorced because they separated or reached an informal agreement.In Texas, Bryan and Janice explain that you're married until the marriage has legally ended.That distinction can have major financial consequences.Imagine a separated couple agrees they're finished, exchanges paperwork, and moves on with their lives—but the divorce is never finalized.Then one spouse wins the lottery.That could suddenly create a much bigger problem.Property accumulated while the parties remain married can raise community-property issues. That's why confirming that a judge has actually signed the final decree matters.What Happens to Property in a Texas Divorce?The billionaire case naturally leads to one of the biggest questions in almost every divorce:Who gets what?Bryan and Janice explain that when discussing a Texas community estate, people often start with a 50/50 division.But that doesn't mean every divorce automatically ends with each spouse receiving exactly half of everything.Circumstances can affect the ultimate division, including differences in earning ability and other facts surrounding the marriage and divorce.Fault can also be relevant, although Bryan notes that it doesn't always have the enormous effect people expect.This becomes particularly interesting when discussing a marriage involving hundreds of millions—or even billions—of dollars.The Fights Are the Same. The Zeros Are Different.One of the episode's most important observations is that enormous wealth doesn't necessarily change the emotional dynamics of divorce.A couple fighting over $100 million can feel the same anger, resentment, fear, and sense of fairness as a couple fighting over far less.The numbers change.The emotions don't necessarily change.That's especially true in high-asset divorces, where emotionally driven decisions can carry enormous financial consequences.At some point, both sides have to evaluate the ...
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    36 mins
  • Does Your Job Affect Your Chances of Divorce? What the Data Says - Ep 94

    Does Your Job Affect Your Chances of Divorce? What the Data Says - Ep 94
    Sep 26 2026
    In Episode 94 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston look at data on divorce, separation, and remarriage rates across professions—and some of the results are surprising.From healthcare workers and telemarketers to scientists and engineers, the numbers lead to a bigger conversation about work stress, demanding schedules, emotional exhaustion, and what happens when your career starts following you home.But before getting into the numbers, there’s a cocktail to pour.This Week's Cocktail: Sparkling Dragon Fruit MargaritaEpisode 94 features a colorful Sparkling Dragon Fruit Margarita, inspired by dragon fruit's tropical flavor.Ingredients:Dragon fruitLime juiceAgaveTequilaSparkling waterThe result is a bright, refreshing cocktail to accompany a conversation about a subject that might make some married couples take a second look at their career choices.Which Careers Have the Highest Divorce Rates?The episode draws on data Bryan and Janice discuss from Visual Capitalist, which references an analysis of American Community Survey data. The figures examine the share of ever-married workers who are currently divorced, separated, or remarried.Before looking at the list, Bryan and Janice expected some traditionally high-stress professions to rank near the top.Finance seemed like an obvious possibility because of the long hours, stress, and demanding work environment. Attorneys were another possibility, particularly considering how easily legal work can extend beyond normal business hours.Instead, healthcare practitioners appeared at the top of the rankings discussed during the episode.That led to a larger question:What is it about certain professions that might place additional pressure on a marriage?Healthcare, Stress, and Time Away From HomeHealthcare professionals can face several factors that potentially create stress within relationships.Long and irregular shifts can mean significant time away from a spouse and family. The work itself can also be emotionally demanding.Bryan and Janice discuss how healthcare professionals may spend long hours alongside coworkers who understand experiences that can be difficult to explain to someone outside the profession.That combination of schedule, stress, shared experiences, and emotional exhaustion could potentially affect relationships—but the statistics alone don't establish why people in a particular profession divorce.And that's an important distinction throughout the episode.A correlation between profession and divorce doesn't necessarily mean the profession caused the divorce.Why Would Telemarketers Rank So High?One of the more surprising results was telemarketers, who ranked second among the professions discussed.Bryan had some firsthand perspective.Earlier in his career, he worked in oil and gas sales, making cold calls to potential investors. He remembers how mentally exhausting it could be to hear "no" repeatedly throughout the day.Cold-call sales can involve rejection after rejection, sometimes delivered impolitely.Eventually, that stress can follow someone home.A spouse may simply see that their partner spent the day making phone calls. The person doing the job, however, may have spent hours dealing with rejection and frustration.That difference in perspective illustrates one of the episode's recurring themes:Your spouse doesn't always experience—or fully understand—the pressures you face at work.Some of the Other Surprising CareersThe list surprised Bryan and Janice.Massage therapists appeared among professions with higher rates, as did bus drivers and bus monitors. Other occupations discussed included practical nurses, casino workers, bartenders, press machine operators, psychiatric aides, metal furnace operators, and animal control officers.Meanwhile, several scientific, engineering, and highly technical professions appeared toward the lower end.Actuaries were among those with the lowest rates discussed during the episode, while atmospheric scientists, engineers, chemists, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, and surgeons also appeared toward the lower end of the rankings.The variety suggests there probably isn't one simple explanation connecting someone's occupation with divorce.When Your Career Comes Home With YouThe conversation eventually turns personal.As attorneys, Bryan and Janice understand what it's like for work to extend well beyond traditional office hours.Sometimes an urgent situation involving a case simply cannot wait until tomorrow.That creates a challenge many professionals will recognize.You may technically be home with your spouse or children, but mentally you're still at work.Bryan explains that sometimes handling the problem immediately lets him be more present afterward. Otherwise, he may spend the entire evening thinking about the issue instead of enjoying time with his family.Because Bryan and Janice are both attorneys, they also have an advantage: they understand the demands of each other's ...
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    29 mins
  • Can You Control Who Your Ex Brings Around Your Children in Texas? - Ep 93

    Can You Control Who Your Ex Brings Around Your Children in Texas? - Ep 93
    Sep 19 2026

    After a divorce or custody case, one of the hardest realities of co-parenting is accepting that you no longer control what happens in the other parent's home. That becomes especially difficult when a new boyfriend or girlfriend enters the picture.

    In Episode 93 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston discuss a question that frequently comes up in Texas child custody cases: Can one parent prevent the other parent from bringing a new romantic partner around their children?

    Can You Tell Your Ex Who Can Be Around Your Child?

    Generally, if a Texas custody order doesn't contain a restriction addressing the situation, one parent cannot simply dictate who the other parent allows around the children.

    There are important exceptions. The episode discusses statutory warnings involving circumstances such as registered sex offenders and protective orders, as well as specific restrictions that may have been written into a custody order.

    The key is understanding what the court order actually says, rather than assuming that being a parent automatically gives someone control over the other household.

    What About a Morality Clause?

    Some Texas custody orders contain what is commonly called a morality clause. These provisions can restrict a parent's romantic partner from staying overnight while the children are present or impose conditions before introducing a new partner.

    Bryan and Janice explain that these provisions are far less common in their experience today, but they can still appear in final orders. That's why parents should carefully review their specific custody order before assuming what is—or isn't—allowed.

    Is the Concern About Safety—or Fear?

    A major theme of the episode is distinguishing a legitimate concern about a child's safety from the fear that naturally comes with losing control.

    A child meeting someone new can create uncomfortable questions: Who is this person? Are they responsible? How will they treat my child? Are they going to replace me?

    Those feelings can be real without automatically creating a legal reason to control the other parent's decisions. Bryan and Janice discuss how fear and unresolved emotions from the relationship can sometimes turn into attempts to control what happens in the other household.

    Communication Is Better Than Control

    Instead of immediately escalating the situation, the episode encourages parents to approach the other parent calmly.

    If a child mentions meeting a new partner, a healthier approach may be to acknowledge what the child said and then communicate directly with the co-parent. Asking for information and explaining concerns differs greatly from demanding that the other parent follow your instructions.

    The other parent may not provide every answer you want—but making a reasonable effort to communicate is an important part of effective co-parenting.

    The Issue Goes Beyond Dating

    The desire to control the other household isn't limited to new relationships. Similar conflicts can arise over food, school, extracurricular activities, friends, haircuts, piercings, birthdays, and other parenting decisions.

    Divorce means parents will inevitably miss moments in their children's lives. Learning to manage those emotions and focus on the child's experience can help prevent ordinary parenting disagreements from becoming high-conflict custody disputes.

    The Takeaway

    Co-parenting requires accepting something that can be incredibly difficult: you can control how you parent, but you generally cannot control every decision made in the other parent's home.

    When there is a genuine safety concern or a specific restriction in a Texas custody order, the situation may require legal action. But when the concern comes primarily from uncertainty, fear, or disagreement, communication and focusing on the child's best interests may be far more productive than trying to control the other parent.

    Questions About Your Texas Child Custody Order?
    The Eggleston Law Firm helps parents navigate child custody, high-conflict co-parenting, enforcement, and other complex Texas family law matters. If you're unsure what your custody order allows—or what options you have when a new issue arises—getting legal guidance before taking action can help protect both you and your children.

    Learn more at The Eggleston Law Firm.
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    29 mins
  • When Your Child Refuses Visitation: What Texas Parents Need to Know - EP 92

    When Your Child Refuses Visitation: What Texas Parents Need to Know - EP 92
    Sep 12 2026

    What happens when a parent has been voluntarily paying child support, loses their job, asks for temporary flexibility—and the other parent takes them to court?

    In Episode 92 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston unpack an internet story involving a father who reportedly went from voluntarily paying approximately $1,200 per month in support to being ordered to pay just $13 per month after the dispute landed in court.

    While the case didn't happen in Texas, it raises an important question for Texas parents: When is going to court over child support the right move?

    When Informal Child Support Arrangements Break Down

    According to the story discussed in the episode, the father had no formal child support order. Instead, he voluntarily paid the mother $300 per week, helped with daycare, saw the child regularly, and had the child approximately three days each week.

    Then he lost his job.

    Rather than stopping support entirely, he reportedly explained the situation, temporarily reduced what he could pay, and continued caring for the child. The mother ultimately chose to pursue child support through the court.

    The result? According to the Reddit story discussed on the podcast, the court ordered only $13 per month.

    How Child Support Works in Texas

    Bryan and Janice explain that $13 per month would be extremely unusual in Texas.

    Texas courts generally begin with statutory child support guidelines. Even when someone is unemployed, the court may calculate support based upon an assumed level of income rather than simply treating the parent's income as zero. The underlying consideration remains the child's best interests and needs.

    But guidelines aren't necessarily the end of the analysis.

    What About 50/50 Custody?

    The situation becomes more complicated when parents have something approaching 50/50 possession.

    Texas courts can consider factors beyond guideline percentages, including each parent's income, the child's needs, expenses associated with the child, and how much each parent is already contributing.

    That matters when one parent already pays significant expenses, such as daycare, while also caring for the child nearly half the time.

    The lesson is simple: child support isn't always as straightforward as plugging an income into a calculator.

    Winning the Battle Can Mean Losing the War

    One of the episode's biggest themes isn't actually about the $13.

    It's about the consequences of turning a functioning co-parenting relationship into litigation.

    Before court, the father reportedly provided substantial financial support and actively participated in the child's life. After litigation, there was now a court order—but potentially a much more damaged relationship between the parents.

    Sometimes being legally entitled to ask a court for something doesn't automatically mean litigation is the best first option.

    Don't Ignore the Opportunity to Negotiate

    Bryan and Janice also discuss how much room for compromise may have existed.

    Instead of forcing the court to choose a number, the parents potentially could have negotiated temporary reduced support while the father searched for employment, with support increasing again after he returned to work.

    That type of solution can provide certainty while protecting a co-parenting relationship that will continue long after the courtroom dispute ends.

    The Takeaway

    Child support disputes can become emotional quickly, but child support is ultimately a financial and legal issue that should be approached strategically.

    Before rushing into litigation, Texas parents should understand the likely financial outcome, the cost of pursuing the dispute, and the potential effect on their long-term co-parenting relationship.

    Sometimes court is unavoidable. Other times, negotiation can produce a better outcome for everyone—especially the child.

    Facing a Child Support or Custody Dispute in Texas?

    The Eggleston Law Firm helps parents navigate child support, custody, modifications, high-conflict disputes, and other complex Texas family law matters. Understanding your options before making your next move can help protect both your rights and your family.

    Learn more at The Eggleston Law Firm
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    28 mins
  • When Kids Don't Want to Visit the Other Parent: A Guide for Texas Co-Parents - Ep 91

    When Kids Don't Want to Visit the Other Parent: A Guide for Texas Co-Parents - Ep 91
    Sep 5 2026

    One of the most emotionally challenging situations divorced parents face is when a child suddenly says they don't want to visit the other parent. Is it a sign of a serious problem, or is it simply a child struggling with change? In Episode 91 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston discuss how parents should respond when children resist visitation and why the answer isn't always as straightforward as it seems.

    Over a Peach Pineapple Margarita, the conversation focuses on helping parents distinguish between normal childhood emotions and situations that may require legal or professional intervention.

    Not Every Objection Means Something Is Wrong

    Bryan explains that children, like adults, naturally resist change. Sometimes a child doesn't want to leave one home simply because they're comfortable where they are, have plans with friends, or don't want to interrupt an activity. Those feelings, while real, don't necessarily indicate that the other parent has done anything wrong.

    The Egglestons stress the importance of separating ordinary childhood reluctance from legitimate concerns involving abuse or safety. If a parent truly believes a child's health or welfare is at risk, they should seek immediate legal and professional guidance. However, absent a genuine safety concern, parents should be careful not to assume that every complaint signals a larger problem.

    Avoid Reinforcing the Child's Resistance

    One of the biggest mistakes parents can make is unintentionally validating a child's refusal to visit the other parent.

    Janice explains that apologizing to a child for having to follow a court-ordered possession schedule or suggesting they only have to go because "the judge says so" can reinforce the child's negative feelings and create unnecessary conflict between the child and the other parent. Instead, parents should calmly acknowledge the child's emotions while encouraging them to maintain their relationship with both parents.

    Children Need Resilience

    A central theme of the episode is teaching children how to handle discomfort.

    Bryan notes that children who are allowed to avoid every uncomfortable situation may struggle later in life. Whether it's sharing a bedroom, adjusting to different household rules, or simply sleeping in a different bed, these everyday challenges help build resilience and emotional maturity. Parents should avoid treating minor inconveniences as reasons to disrupt court-ordered parenting time.

    Communication Between Co-Parents Matters

    Rather than blaming one another, Bryan and Janice encourage parents to communicate openly about concerns their children express.

    If a child complains about something at the other parent's home, the goal should not be to criticize or accuse. Instead, parents should share the information respectfully and work together to determine whether the issue requires attention or is simply part of normal childhood adjustment. Effective co-parenting often begins with honest, solution-focused conversations.

    Good Parenting and Good Litigation Are Not Always the Same

    The episode also highlights an important reality: parenting decisions and litigation strategy do not always align.

    Bryan and Janice explain that while attorneys provide legal guidance, parents must sometimes balance legal advice with what they believe is best for their child. The key is maintaining communication with your attorney so legal strategy can adapt when parenting priorities change.

    The Takeaway

    Episode 91 reminds parents that co-parenting is rarely easy, but consistency, communication, and confidence go a long way.

    When there are no legitimate safety concerns, encouraging children to maintain healthy relationships with both parents helps build resilience while supporting long-term emotional well-being. By approaching these situations with patience and cooperation, parents place themselves in the best position to support their children—and, if necessary, demonstrate to the court that they have acted in their child's best interests.

    Questions About Child Custody or Co-Parenting in Texas?
    The Eggleston Law Firm in Spicewood, Texas, helps parents navigate child custody disputes, possession schedules, and high-conflict family law matters with practical guidance and experienced advocacy.

    📞 Learn more at The Eggleston Law Firm
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    32 mins