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Divorce Matters

Written by: Michael Alexander and Mark Fidelman
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to the Divorce Matters Podcast, where we give unfiltered, unadulterated guidance for how to survive family courts. We will give you no-nonsense, straight forward strategies for beating the system. We guarantee you won’t hear this advice anywhere else. A reminder that we are not attorneys and this is not legal advice. However, we’ll help you more than any attorney ever will.
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Episodes
  • David Segui's Nightmare with Family Court and Family Bridges

    David Segui's Nightmare with Family Court and Family Bridges
    May 13 2024
    David Segui, Former MLB baseball player, discusses his nightmare with the family courts and family bridges David Segui discussed the challenges and misconceptions surrounding family court, particularly in cases of alleged child abuse, and the need for a different approach to better protect children. They also shared personal experiences and ongoing legal cases, highlighting the financial drain and manipulation of the system, and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The conversation concluded with a commitment to stop a certain issue from escalating and a pledge to remove judicial immunity, particularly in cases of flagrant lawbreaking. Sponsored by KidsMatter.charity We Give kids A Voice in Court Podcast Summary Family Court Misconceptions and Reform Mark and David Segui discussed the misconceptions and issues surrounding family court, particularly in cases of alleged child abuse. They argued that the current system often does more harm than good, with the industry's main goal being to reunify the child with the abusive parent, rather than protecting the child. The discussion highlighted the need for a different approach and better support for children who have experienced abuse. Family Law, Child Custody, and Advocacy Mark and an anonymous David Segui discussed issues related to family law, with a focus on child custody and parental alienation. They discussed the challenges faced by families without financial means, and how the legal system can exacerbate existing problems. The conversation touched on the perception of power dynamics in family court, and the lack of understanding among the general public regarding the daily realities of those going through a divorce. Mark announced his return to advocacy work for children's rights, signaling a renewed commitment to the cause. Discussing Abuse in Family Court System Mark and David Sege discussed the challenges faced by victims of abuse in the Family Court system. David, a former Major League Baseball player, introduced himself as a father involved in a Family Court case after escaping an abusive household environment. He shared how the court system operates through coercion and control, similar to abusive relationships, threatening consequences like losing child custody or facing sanctions for speaking out or reporting abuse. David mentioned guiding other "Momma Bears" through the process of reporting abuse while navigating the court system's challenges. Navigating Family Court Challenges and Strategies The speakers discussed the challenges and strategies involved in navigating the family court system. They recognized that the system can be exploitative and compared it to a game, where certain parties have an advantage. David expressed concern about the financial drain that the system can cause and the difficulty in getting out of it once involved. They also discussed the need to remove judicial immunity to facilitate exit. The conversation then shifted to specific cases, with the speaker indicating that they would continue the discussion in this area. Child Alienation Case and Custody Dispute The attorneys agreed on proceeding with the case, which involves allegations of child alienation. The main speaker described a situation where their children were taken away due to an emergency order, despite the children being found to be in good health and happy in California. The speaker claimed their ex-partner made false allegations of abuse and used threats to maintain control over the children. The case has been ongoing for over three months, and the speaker is seeking to regain custody of their children. False Allegations and Child Abuse Discussion The discussion centered around allegations of abuse made by David's sons against their mother and her boyfriend, who was a former teammate of David's. The boys had reported these allegations after attending religious camps. David claimed that the mother had made false allegations against him, and was given custody of his children by the court despite evidence of her wrongdoing. David and his sons were left to deal with the aftermath of these false allegations and abuse. Discussing Child Welfare Camps and Lying to the Court David and Mark discussed the negative effects of withholding information and lying to the court, and the importance of taking an offensive stance against those who abuse the system. They also talked about the issue of child welfare camps, with Arizona and California being mentioned as states that have implemented them. The conversation indicated a growing momentum against these camps, with several states having already banned them. Then Mark and David also highlighted the brazenness and arrogance of those running these camps, expressing their belief that the truth will ultimately prevail. Accountability, Parental Alienation, and Abuse Reports Mark proposed a plan to make individuals accountable for their actions...
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    31 mins
  • Why we Need to Remove Judicial Immunity - with Sherry Lund

    Why we Need to Remove Judicial Immunity - with Sherry Lund
    May 8 2024
    Mark and Sherry Lund discussed the creation of a podcast focused on court reform and family issues, with Sherry sharing her personal experiences and advocating for better safeguards and accountability in the legal system. They also criticized the criminal activities of the legal mafia, the lack of due process, and the impunity of judges and lawyers, emphasizing the need for significant changes in the system. The discussion also touched on the injustices caused by the legal system, the importance of legislative action to remove judicial immunity, and the challenges they faced in trying to expose and address these issues. A KidsMatter.charity Production Episode Summary Sherry's Personal Experience With Court Reform Mark and Sherry discussed their plans to create a podcast focused on court reform and family issues. Sherry shared her personal experiences as an advocate for family court victims, including her own legal battles with probate courts. She described an emotionally charged situation where her stepdaughter fell ill, leading to a lengthy and contentious legal battle over her inheritance and accusations of misconduct against her family. Sherry recounted how her family, with her husband's involvement, fought against a well-connected legal team and the accusations made against them. The legal team repeatedly served legal papers on her family, even on holidays, as part of their tactics to keep the case going. Improving Estate Management and Conservatorships Sherry shared her family's experience with the mismanagement of a loved one's estate and their subsequent legal struggles. She highlighted the need for better safeguards and advocated for a new bill that guarantees the right to an accounting of the estate and access for interested parties. She also discussed her involvement with the Free Britney movement in California, highlighting the violations committed against Britney and the need for conservators to appoint their own attorneys. Sherry emphasized the importance of due process and the rights of the person of interest, even in probate cases involving minors' trusts. Mark agreed with Sherry's perspective, pointing out the potential for abuse when attorneys are appointed to take over trusts for minors. Legal Mafia and Systemic Issues Sherry and Mark discussed the criminal activities of the legal mafia, a highly organized crime syndicate operating under the color of law. They identified a significant issue within the legal system, where state court judges and actors do not always acknowledge federal law, leading to a lack of accountability. Sherry also shared her family's experiences with the legal system, where her relative, Michelle, has been wrongfully accused and denied visitation, causing emotional distress. Sherry urged individuals not to use the court system to settle personal scores, as the innocent party is often the one who suffers most. Judicial System Accountability and Impunity Sherry and Mark discussed the issue of judges and lawyers acting with impunity and violating the rights of others. Sherry expressed her concern about the judicial system's inability to hold judges accountable for their actions, even when they break the law. They both criticized the system for its lack of due process and the complicity of certain individuals in maintaining a problematic situation. They highlighted the double standard in the legal system where attorneys could lie in court but others had to prove the truth of their statements. They both agreed on the need for significant changes in the system and noted that any false statements made in court were protected activity. Addressing Judges' Law Violations and Accountability Sherry and Mark discussed the issue of judges violating the law and the lack of accountability for their actions. Sherry shared her efforts to address this issue, including reaching out to Senator Cavanaugh and working on a petition to choose the attorney for a trial by jury before a guardian or conservator is appointed. Sherry also highlighted her work on a bill related to disability rights, which faced unexpected opposition from Judge Polks. The discussion also touched on the need for accountability in stakeholder meetings and Sherry proposed a thought experiment to emphasize the importance of accountability and address the growing frustration with judges. Injustices in the Legal System Discussed Sherry and Mark discussed the injustices and abuse caused by the legal system, specifically targeting families and children. Sherry shared her personal experiences and highlighted the devastating impact on families, including the loss of loved ones and the destruction of relationships. Mark expressed his outrage and blamed the press for not exposing these issues more widely. Both were critical of the actions of lawyers and judges who they believed exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain, and they expressed frustration at the lack of ...
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    57 mins
  • The $21.3 Million Verdict That Rocked the Family Court System

    The $21.3 Million Verdict That Rocked the Family Court System
    Feb 28 2024

    Welcome to Divorce Matters, a podcast where we delve into the intricate and often misunderstood world of divorce, custody battles, and the legal system that navigates these turbulent waters. Today, we're unpacking a case that has captured national attention and sparked a significant conversation about the integrity of the family court system, the impact of false allegations in custody disputes, and the profound emotional toll these battles take on families. Our focus is on a landmark $21.3 million jury verdict awarded in a disputed Colorado custody case, a verdict that calls into question the actions of an ex-husband, the decisions of family court evaluators, and the rulings of a judge that led to a mother being barred from any contact with her children based on allegations now deemed to be falsely manipulated.

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    SPONSORED BY www.kidsmatter.charity WE'D LOVE YOUR DONATION

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    This case, stemming from Routt County, Colorado, involves Cynthia Hayek, a mother who lost all contact with her children due to her ex-husband Steven Herron's allegations that her new fiancé sexually abused one of their children. These allegations, which were later found to be part of a "false narrative" cultivated by Herron, led to a series of legal and child protective actions that isolated Hayek from her children and ultimately resulted in a jury finding Herron liable for defamation, conspiracy, outrageous conduct, abuse of process, and malicious prosecution. As we dive into the details of this case, we'll explore the implications of the jury's verdict, the systemic issues it highlights within the family court system, and the path forward for those seeking justice and reform in similar disputes. Join us as we navigate the complex, heart-wrenching, and ultimately hopeful journey of Cynthia Hayek and the broader lessons this case teaches us about the power of perseverance, the importance of truth, and the need for systemic change in our family courts.

    Details

    Plaintiff/Counterclaim Defendant:

    Cynthia Hayek, an individual

    V.

    Defendants/Counterclaimant/Third Party

    Plaintiff:

    Steven Herron, an individual; and Christine

    Herron, an individual,

    V.

    Third Party Defendant:

    Kenneth Wayne Hamp, an individual.

    This case revolves around a deeply contentious and complex legal battle stemming from the divorce and subsequent disputes between Cynthia Hayek and Steven Herron, involving allegations of child abuse, manipulation, and emotional distress. After their divorce, Herron and Hayek became embroiled in a series of legal confrontations, with Herron accusing Hayek and her boyfriend, Kenneth Wayne Hamp, of various forms of abuse towards their children, leading to a series of investigations and legal claims. These allegations, which Hayek contends are entirely fabricated and part of a "False Narrative" created by Herron to gain an advantage in custody and parenting disputes, have led to a multifaceted legal battle involving claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress, abuse of process, conspiracy, malicious prosecution, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The case highlights the severe personal and legal ramifications of such disputes, touching on the emotional toll on all parties involved, the impact on the children at the center of the allegations, and the broader implications for the legal and community systems navigating such deeply personal and contentious issues.

    In light of the resolution of this contentious custody case, where a jury awarded $21.3 million in damages after finding that the ex-husband corruptly manipulated proceedings to gain full custody by falsely alleging abuse, here are revised questions reflecting the allegations and the jury award:

    1. Legal and Ethical Implications:
      • "With a $21.3 million verdict against Steven Herron for defamation, conspiracy, outrageous conduct, abuse of process, and malicious prosecution, what message does this send about the use of false allegations in custody disputes?"
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    1 hr and 20 mins
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