Advertise on podcast: Texas Family Law Insiders

In this episode of the Texas Family Law Insiders Podcast, Holly Draper welcomes Sharon Ramage, founder and CEO of the Ramage Law Group in McKinney, Texas. In addition to being a family law attorney, Sharon is one of the few special education attorneys in the state. Sharon brings a unique perspective as both a former social worker and special education hearing officer. She discusses the critical intersection of family law and special education, explaining why family lawyers must understand IDEA, IEPs, and 504 plans when representing families with special needs children. Sharon shares practical advice on drafting orders, avoiding common pitfalls like appointing tiebreakers, and knowing when to bring in a special education attorney.  In this episode you’ll discover: The basics of Special Education law and the differences between IDEA and Section 504 The necessity of assigning educational rights to one parent and the potential pitfalls when they are not How to advocate properly with the judge when there are special education issues at hand Who should and should not be making Special Education-related decisions 

Have you ever noticed that Temporary Orders often become the long-term orders in a divorce proceeding? Temporary orders can influence the ultimate outcome of a divorce or custody proceeding dramatically. In this episode, Holly Draper will provide a list of very important things to make sure you include in your preparation for and in your appearance at a temporary orders hearing.

. Divorces can be complicated enough, but what happens when there is a child with special needs involved?  This episode will help you identify issues that you might never have encountered before and give you practical solutions for approaching these in your negotiations and at trial. In this episode, Monica Peters, partner at Neal Peters Law, shares insights from her years of experience dealing with these difficult issues both professionally as a family lawyer and personally as the parent of a child with special needs. You’ll discover… How every situation is unique and why they need to be approached without a one-size fits all mentalityThings that you will need to consider which will help you identify the specific needs of the child or children involved.How the special needs may necessitate creative solutions and impact the final ordersHow to admit pertinent expert input and testimony, even when there are strict time limits in the courtImportant financial considerations for care beyond childhood that must be taken into consideration

AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s changing the legal landscape right now. But what does that mean for solos, small firms, and the future of legal practice? If you’re a family lawyer (or any lawyer who wants to thrive in the age of AI), this episode will surprise you with practical, actionable insights. In this episode, Carolyn Elefant, founder of the Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant and myshingle.com, reveals how solo and small firm lawyers can harness AI to transform their law practices, streamline operations, and stay competitive—without needing to code or become a tech guru. You’ll discover… The single mindset shift that makes AI adoption easy for even the most tech-averse attorneysA clever method to “train” AI so it actually understands your firm’s language and processesWhy AI might help you escape the billable hour grind—and what that means for your revenue modelThe #1 mistake lawyers make with AI (and why it could land you in hot water)Simple automations you can set up to finally take control of email overload and daily busywork

It’s one of the biggest headaches for family lawyers—but ignoring it won’t make it go away. What do you really need to know about handling cases with pro se litigants in Texas family courts? In this episode, Amy Rod, Board Certified Family Law Attorney at Paul Webb, PC, unpacks the surprising rise of self-represented parties and reveals battle-tested strategies for navigating the ethical and practical challenges these cases bring. You’ll discover… Why up to 85% of divorces in some Texas courts now feature at least one unrepresented partyThe rule all attorneys must know before talking to a pro se litigant—and the most common mistake lawyers makeWhich resources you can share without crossing ethical lines, and where most lawyers slip upCommunication tips that will safeguard you (and your client) against future headachesHow empathy and professionalism can actually speed up settlements—even when the process gets frustrating

Most lawyers don’t realize there’s a hidden pitfall that could instantly doom their appeal after trial… Missing a single post-judgment deadline could cost your client everything—and it’s more common than you think. In this episode, Holly Draper takes you behind the scenes on the nitty-gritty of findings of fact and conclusions of law in Texas family law—revealing the overlooked rules that can make or break your case (and your reputation). You’ll discover… Why filing proposed findings before trial won’t shield you from critical post-judgment deadlines.The little-known mistakes that sabotage even seasoned trial lawyers on appeal.What happens behind the bench when judges delegate drafting findings—and how it could impact your client.The counterintuitive strategy for drafting findings when you’re on the losing side of the case.How missing a single day can doom your appeal—no matter how strong your arguments are.

Every Texas family lawyer dreads the moment when critical evidence gets tossed out—often with little warning. But what if you could master the rule that makes or breaks your courtroom strategy? Get ready to discover the overlooked details and hidden pitfalls of Rule 193.6. In this episode, Holly Draper and Emily Doron from The Draper Law Firm unveil the real-world intricacies of evidentiary exclusion under Rule 193.6 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, revealing common traps, key exceptions, and judgment calls that could change the outcome of your case. You’ll discover… The surprising ways evidence can be excluded—even if you think you’re playing by the rulesThe overlooked “exceptions” that judges scrutinize before letting excluded evidence back inHow minor mistakes in deadlines or disclosures can snowball into appellate nightmaresThe practical tactics attorneys use to protect their record—and their clients—when things go sidewaysWhy relying on the statute alone can land you in trouble, and what seasoned trial lawyers do differently

Most mediations are doomed before they even start—not because of conflict, but because of a lack of preparation. Ever wonder why some family law mediations go smoothly while others spiral into chaos and confusion? In this episode, Holly Draper and Carrie Tapia, Board Certified Family Lawyers and Partners at the Draper Law Firm, pull back the curtain on the art of mediation prep for family law cases—and reveal why thoughtful groundwork (not luck) is the real secret to successful settlements. You’ll discover… The surprising (and expensive) mistake lawyers make that can derail a mediation before it beginsWhy timing your mediation could make or break your client’s outcome—and what factors you should really considerHow to use inventories, spreadsheets, and checklists for maximum negotiation powerWhich simple mindset shift can help set client expectations (and protect morale) before mediation dayThe behind-the-scenes strategies top attorneys use to ensure mediators arrive fully briefed and ready for action

When family law meets cultural and generational traditions, divorce gets far more complicated than you might expect… Uncover the unique challenges, complexities, and cultural dynamics at play when South Asian families navigate divorce in Texas. In this episode, Yasmin Kutty, Founding Partner of Kutty Guajardo Khoury Family Law, PLLC, and Shailey Gupta-Brietzke, Principal Owner of Shailey Gupta-Brietzke PLLC, sit down with host Holly Draper to explore high-stakes separation, legal nuances, and family involvement in South Asian divorces in Texas. You’ll discover… How family dynamics and extended relatives play a pivotal (and sometimes disruptive) role in divorce decisionsThe property puzzle of gold jewelry, heirlooms, and real estate that spans continentsWhat to do when cultural or religious holidays collide with standard possession schedulesWhy Islamic marriage contracts rarely hold up in Texas courts—and what clients need to knowEye-opening challenges around domestic violence and financial transparency when cultural expectations are at odds with legal rights

Dealing with difficult personalities isn't just a challenge in family law—it’s an art form. What if you could master communication strategies that turn chaos into progress, even in the most high-conflict cases? Unlock powerful tools to transform your approach, your client relationships, and your peace of mind. In this episode, Christina Hollwarth, founding attorney at Hollwarth Law Firm, dives deep into the realities of handling high-conflict personalities in family law—from red flags at intake to courtroom communication tactics and everything in between. You’ll discover… The “red flag” behaviors you should never ignore during the very first client call.Why some people derail their own family law cases—and how lawyers can respond.The communication techniques proven to work with high-conflict clients, co-parents, and even other attorneys.How not to become your client’s unpaid therapist—while still giving them the support they need.The ethical landmines and boundaries every family lawyer needs to navigate to safeguard their sanity and their practice.

Five years after the Texas Supreme Court’s landmark decision in In re C.J.C., the Texas legislature has made some big changes when it comes to parent vs. non-parent cases. Find out what every family law practitioner and parent needs to know about the changes to the law that took effect on September 1, 2025. In this episode, Holly Draper, CEO and Managing Partner of The Draper Law Firm, unpacks sweeping legislative updates and landmark standards that are turning parent vs. non-parent custody litigation on its head in Texas. You’ll discover… The subtle statutory word change that could bar non-parents from ever filing suit.Why affidavits will make or break non-parent custody cases—and what must be in them.How the new “clear and convincing evidence” requirement raises the bar for non-parents seeking access.What the fit parent presumption really means after this legislative session.The strategy risks—and new hope—for parents and non-parents when agreeing to custody orders.

Ever wondered how high-stakes family law cases can sidestep the chaos and scrutiny of the public courtroom? What if the oldest form of alternative dispute resolution in Texas offered a hidden path to both privacy and faster justice? In this episode, Judge Roy Ferguson, retired Texas District Judge and current private judge and arbitrator, sits down with attorney Holly Draper to unravel the world of private judging and arbitration in family law—shedding light on the little-known legal mechanisms that could change how complex cases are handled in Texas. You’ll discover… The surprising legal history behind “special judging” and why it’s far from a new trendHow high-profile (and everyday) clients are using private judges to keep sensitive disputes out of the spotlightWhy private judging might save clients money, even with added costsThe critical differences between arbitration and private judging—especially when it comes to appealsEssential advice for young family lawyers to thrive without burning out

Sometimes, a courtroom decision quietly rewrites the rules for thousands of Texas families—until a landmark case rips the lid off the status quo. What does it mean for parental rights and protective orders when the Texas Supreme Court steps in? In this episode, Holly Draper dives deep into Stary v. Ethridge—her recent Texas Supreme Court case that shakes up the standards for long-term protective orders and constitutional parental rights. You’ll discover… Why “care, custody, and control” are three words every family lawyer—and parent—should know.How fast-tracked protective order hearings can short-circuit due process, and why that matters.The surprising burden of proof shift that changes the game for protective orders lasting over two years.Masterful behind-the-scenes strategy and suspenseful moments from the Supreme Court oral argument.Practical steps lawyers (and parents) must take now if they’re impacted by this bombshell ruling.

Going through a divorce or separation is never easy, especially when it comes to co-parenting. Imagine an app that can streamline communication, reduce conflicts, and serve as a reliable record in court. In this episode, Rebecca Perra, Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Judicial and Legal Education Coordinator for OurFamilyWizard, delves into the ways this innovative tool can transform co-parenting for separated families. You’ll discover: How an integrated co-parenting app can centralize communication and reduce court appearances.The role of AI in improving family communication and reducing negativity.How to ensure expense tracking and reimbursement are seamless and conflict-free.Why OurFamilyWizard’s calendar feature stands out over free alternatives.Tips on doing away with "he said, she said" in custody exchanges with GPS verified check-ins.

Unlock the secrets to mastering the art of evidence in family law cases! In this episode, Spenser Housewright, a family law attorney at the Shapiro Law Firm, delves into the critical topic of evidence—how to get it in, how to keep it out, and its importance in winning a case. You’ll discover… The surprising importance of knowing your judge's tendencies to sway your case's outcome.A sneak peek into personal business records and their underutilized power in family law.Why attorneys shouldn't overuse objections, and when exactly to make them count.The crucial role of business records affidavits and how to secure them.A proven strategy to not let non-responsive testimony derail your case.