The traditional family law approach is being revolutionized, and this groundbreaking conversation between attorney Jonathan Merel and certified divorce coach Kristina Lindsay reveals exactly how. As possibly the nation's only family law firm with an in-house divorce coach, Merel Family Law is pioneering a more holistic approach to divorce representation that addresses both legal needs and profound emotional challenges.

Kristina shares her journey from domestic violence advocacy to high-conflict divorce coaching, explaining how she bridges critical gaps in client care. ”What a divorce coach does is really we're an expert guide, to walk alongside somebody in the process,” she explains, helping with boundaries, co-parenting strategies, and the overwhelming emotional burden that attorneys aren't trained to handle.

The episode takes a deep dive into the realities of high-conflict divorces, particularly those involving domestic violence. Kristina's certification in lethality risk assessment allows her to recognize when a situation might turn deadly – revealing shocking statistics like how strangulation history increases murder risk by 750%, and firearm access raises that risk to 1100%. She details the often-overlooked signs of dangerous situations and explains how technology has become both protector and weapon in modern divorce cases.

Perhaps most compelling is the discussion of trauma-informed approaches to divorce. ”Being trauma informed really means thinking about…in the old way it was what's wrong with you and now it's what happened to you,” Kristina explains. This perspective shift helps clients process their experiences, manage court appearances, and ultimately focus forward: ”Where are we going to be in six months? Where are we going to be in five years?”

Ready to transform your understanding of the divorce journey? Listen now to discover why the future of family law demands more than just legal expertise – it requires compassionate, specialized emotional support for lasting healing.