In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, Dan Cuneo continues his conversation with Lelan Kirk, Melone Hatley's Fort Worth Attorney, as they explore the intricate landscape of Texas divorce law.

They unpack what divorcing couples need to know, especially when children are involved, from the roles of mediation and collaborative law to the unique use of jury trials in family court.

Whether you’re navigating a divorce or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into the legal realities and potential pitfalls of family law in Texas.

In this episode, Dan Cuneo sits down with Melone Hatley's family law attorney, Lelan Kirk, to break down the divorce process in Texas.

From filing the original petition to finalizing the divorce decree, they walk listeners through every critical step, including the mandatory 60-day cooling-off period, temporary orders, and the importance of mediation.

They also unpack what happens when one spouse doesn’t respond—leading to default judgments—and explain why having legal representation during mediation is essential.

Whether you’re considering divorce or in the middle of one, this episode sheds light on the legal nuances unique to Texas, offering practical insights on protecting your rights and navigating the process with confidence.

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, our hosts sit down with Melone Hatley, PC attorney Mandy Mueller, to take you inside the courtroom to explore the vital, but often misunderstood, role of the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in family law disputes.

When parents butt heads over custody and visitation, a GAL steps in as a neutral fact-finder, gathering evidence, interviewing children and third-party witnesses, and delivering clear, transparent recommendations to help judges make informed decisions.You’ll learn why a GAL’s mission is never to decide what’s “best,” but rather to shine a light on the facts, bridge communication gaps, and bring calm to emotionally charged conflicts.

Tune in and discover how a dedicated GAL can transform parental conflict into constructive resolution.

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, we unpack the emotional and legal landmines of conflict during divorce. From outbursts that can hurt your custody case to digital footprints that may be used as evidence, the hosts explore how emotional intelligence and strategic communication are essential during separation.

You’ll learn how to stay grounded when tensions run high, present yourself well in front of third parties like judges, and protect your children from being caught in the crossfire. We also tackle the risks of entering new relationships too soon, the danger of spoiling evidence, and why your social media habits might need a serious overhaul.Whether you're navigating co-parenting, managing conflict, or trying to avoid legal pitfalls, this episode is packed with practical guidance to help you make smarter, calmer decisions during one of life’s most challenging transitions.

In this follow‑up episode, Dan Cuneo continues his conversation with Melone Hatley's Managing Attorney Erik McCauley and Manager of Legal Operations Jessica Hayden to delve deeper into the symbiotic partnership between paralegals and attorneys in family law, with a special focus on divorce cases and trial readiness.

They unpack advanced strategies for hands‑on legal training, seamless client communication, and streamlined legal operations.

Learn how paralegals manage discovery and calendaring, prepare witnesses, navigate local procedural rules, and keep remote teams aligned, ensuring every case moves forward efficiently and effectively.

In this episode, Dan Cuneo is joined by Melone Hatley PC's Managing Attorney Erik McCauley and Manager of Legal Operations Jessica Hayden to spotlight the often-unsung heroes of the legal world: paralegals.

Together, they dive into paralegals' indispensable role in family law, from client communication and legal billing to trial preparation and calendaring.

Learn how paralegals support attorneys behind the scenes, manage legal operations, and help set clear client expectations. The conversation also hi the importance of training, collaboration, and strategies for navigating interpersonal challenges within legal teams.

Whether you're an attorney, paralegal, or someone navigating the legal system, this episode provides key insights into the legal support systems that keep family law practices running smoothly.

In part II of our Mental Health episode series, our hosts dive deep into the emotional and mental challenges that surface during divorce, especially when faced with gut-wrenching allegations and defamation.

From the complexities of family law to the personal toll of reading false claims, this conversation sheds light on what clients really experience in the trenches of family court.

Learn why maintaining your truth is vital, even when the legal process feels overwhelming or unfair. Join us as we share practical coping strategies, emotional support tips, and legal insights to help individuals navigate the storm of accusations while protecting their mental health.

This week on the "I Now Pronounce You Divorced" podcast, we discuss the emotional realities that come with ending a marriage and helpful tips to mitigate any associated mental strain. Hear practical tips that we've seen actually help clients navigate divorce and also hear the missteps that almost always backfire. Whether you're in the early stages or deep in the process, we’ll cover how to avoid common pitfalls and start building a healthier day-to-day life during a potentially challenging transition.