Straight Talk
Straight answers from a licensed clinical psychologist with 28 years in family court. Written for parents navigating custody and divorce, and the professionals in their corner.
DVRO Hearing Prep: 3 Keys to Demonstrating Genuine Change
Heading to a DVRO hearing? You aren’t alone. Many clients struggle with where to focus their testimony. In this post, I break down three specific areas to demonstrate accountability and explain why genuine internal change matters…
Why ‘In the Best Interests of the Children’ Fails in Court
If you are preparing for a custody evaluation, pay close attention to your language. Using the phrase “in the best interests of the children” may feel right, but it often signals a credibility problem. Learn why…
The Hidden Custody Risk of Moving Out
Leaving the family home without a written agreement can lead to false narratives. Discover why you need a parenting plan in place before you leave.
Manipulative In-Laws and Custody Cases: What You Need to Know Before It Is Too Late
Dr. Miguel Alvarez explains how in-laws with money, controlling tendencies, or a desire to parent your children can become the biggest threat in a custody case, and what to watch for.
AI and Your Custody Case | What It Can Help With and Where It Gets It Wrong
A parent walked in with 47 AI-generated questions for their custody case. Every one was wrong for their situation. After 28 years of evaluations, Dr. Alvarez breaks down where AI genuinely helps you prepare, and where…
Family Court Mistakes | How to Recover When You Mess Up in Custody Cases
A family psychologist shares a four-step framework for recovering from custody court mistakes, and explains why parents who handle errors with accountability often come out of the experience more credible than before.