In this episode, Gerard Virga and Jerry Rumph delve into the complexities of appellate law, particularly in the context of family law. They discuss the appellate process, types of appeals, the role of appellate courts, and the significance of court reporters. The conversation also touches on hot topics such as retroactive alimony, attorney's fees, and the nuances of paternity cases. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of understanding the legal framework and the implications of various rulings in family law cases.

Episode 20: What Is Your Why? – Jasmine Allen on Parental Evaluations and Child Custody

In this compelling episode of the Florida Family Law Attorney Podcast, host Gerard sits down with Jasmine Allen, In-House Parental Evaluator at Nolin, Nolin, & Associates Private Investigations, for an in-depth conversation about parental evaluations, child custody cases, and what truly serves the best interest of the child.

Jasmine brings over 25 years of experience in social work and child advocacy to this discussion. As the in-house parental evaluator at Nolin, Nolin, & Associates for the past five years, she specializes in conducting comprehensive parental evaluations for child custody cases, providing detailed Risk Assessment Reports, and testifying as an expert witness in Florida courts.

With a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Florida State University (summa cum laude), Jasmine's educational foundation is as impressive as her career trajectory. She has held pivotal leadership roles including Program Director for the Juvenile Diversion Alternatives Program at DISC Village Behavioral Health, Component Director for the Healthy Families Bay program, and lead social worker for the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida.

Throughout this episode, Jasmine and Gerard explore critical questions: What is the role of an in-house parental evaluator at a private investigation firm? How can parental evaluations help or hurt a child custody case? What does "best interest of the child" truly mean from both a legal and social work perspective?

Gerard shares personal lessons learned throughout his family law career, while Jasmine dives deep into childhood trauma, developmental needs, and the psychological factors that statistics and statutes alone cannot capture. Despite their different professional approaches—Gerard navigating Florida law and statutes, Jasmine conducting comprehensive social investigations—both share an unwavering commitment to protecting and advocating for children in Florida's family court system.

Jasmine's dedication to vulnerable populations has earned her recognition as Florida DCF's Children's Mental Health Advocate of the Year and the 'Rising Star' of the year at Life Management Center. Beyond her professional work, she has demonstrated exceptional civic engagement as Region 1 Director for the Florida JCI Senate, President of the Bay County Domestic Violence Task Force, and through various leadership roles in community organizations.

This episode is essential listening for family law attorneys, parents navigating custody disputes, social workers, and anyone involved in Florida family court proceedings who wants to understand the critical role parental evaluations play in custody decisions.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The role and responsibilities of an in-house parental evaluator
• How parental evaluations and Risk Assessment Reports are used in custody cases
• When hiring a parental evaluator can strengthen or weaken your case
• Understanding childhood trauma and its impact on custody decisions
• What "best interest of the child" means from legal and social work perspectives
• Expert witness testimony in Florida family courts
• Personal lessons learned advocating for children

About the Guest: Jasmine Allen is the In-House Parental Evaluator at Nolin, Nolin, & Associates Private Investigations, where she has served for five years conducting parental evaluations for child custody cases. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama and has over 25 years of experience in social work, child welfare, and community health services

In this episode, Gerard Virga speaks with mental health counselor Katie Bergman about the complexities of dealing with narcissism in relationships, especially during divorce. They explore the characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder, the dynamics of relationships with narcissists, and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. Katie emphasizes the importance of therapy, support systems, and practical strategies like the gray rock method for navigating interactions with narcissists. The conversation also touches on the impact of narcissistic behavior on children and the healing process after leaving such relationships.

Takeaways

Narcissism is often misunderstood and overused as a term.

The honeymoon phase can mask underlying issues in relationships.

Gaslighting is a common tactic used by narcissists to undermine self-esteem.

People often struggle to leave narcissistic relationships due to emotional bonds.

Therapy is crucial for individuals recovering from narcissistic relationships.

Documentation is key when dealing with narcissists in legal situations.

The gray rock method helps maintain neutrality in communication.

Children can be significantly affected by narcissistic parenting.

Rebuilding self-esteem takes time and effort after a toxic relationship.

Support from trusted individuals is essential for recovery.

"What is a narcissist?"

"Surround yourself with trusted people."

"Narcissists generally don't apologize."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Divorce

02:56 Understanding Narcissism: Definition and Traits

10:08 The Honeymoon Phase and Its Aftermath

16:09 Breaking the Cycle: Recognizing Reality

22:11 Seeking Help: When to Start Therapy

24:11 The Importance of Professional Guidance

25:16 Building a Support Network

25:57 Understanding Narcissistic Behavior

28:55 Effective Communication Strategies

35:10 Impact on Children and Co-Parenting

37:29 Healing After a Toxic Relationship

40:56 The Nature of Narcissism

44:11 Resources for Support