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

In this episode, Gerard Virga interviews Jacob Nolin, a private investigator specializing in child custody cases. They discuss the importance of thorough investigations, the process of gathering evidence, and the impact of Florida's 50-50 custody presumption on legal proceedings. Jacob shares insights on how to determine a child's best interests and the significance of early involvement in cases to ensure the best outcomes for children. In this conversation, Gerard Virga and Inv. Nolin discuss the critical role of evidence in legal cases, particularly in child custody disputes. They emphasize the importance of commitment from clients, the quest for truth in investigations, and the need to understand the motivations behind legal actions. The discussion also covers the relevance of evidence, the distinction between good and bad parenting, and the emotional challenges faced by clients during legal proceedings. They conclude with insights on how to navigate these complexities and resources available for clients seeking help.

Takeaways

Jacob Nolin has a background in law enforcement and corporate investigations.

Child custody investigations are a primary focus for Jacob's agency.

Early involvement of private investigators can significantly impact case outcomes.

Evidence is crucial in child custody cases, especially with the 50-50 presumption in Florida.

Investigators must maintain objectivity and focus on the child's best interests.

The process of a child custody investigation involves detailed planning and teamwork.

Judges prefer evidence-based claims over mere allegations in custody cases.

The demand for private investigators has increased due to changes in custody laws.

Jacob emphasizes the importance of documenting evidence for court use.

Effective communication between attorneys and investigators is key to successful outcomes. Clients must be committed to the legal process.

Evidence is crucial in building a strong case.

False allegations can harm your case.

Understanding the 'why' behind a case is essential.

Not all evidence is relevant in custody cases.

Good parenting is about protecting children from adult issues.

Investigators must act if a child's safety is at risk.

Emotion can cloud judgment in legal matters.

Co-parenting is often the best solution for children.

Clear communication and documentation are vital in investigations.

"We try to do the best job we can."

"We want the evidence to get into court."

"We want to get the evidence."

"We try to prepare it for court use."

"We want to do it the best we can do."

"We have to go in there early."

"We're seeking the truth."

"We try very hard to make sure that..."

"You have to show that nexus."

"Emotion clouds good judgment."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Private Investigations

02:58 Child Custody Investigations: A Passionate Focus

06:44 The Importance of Early Involvement in Cases

11:04 Determining the Child's Best Interests

13:09 The Process of Child Custody Investigations

19:38 Navigating the 50-50 Presumption in Florida

25:02 Evidence and Decision-Making in Custody Cases

27:37 Building a Strong Case with Evidence

29:26 The Importance of Commitment in Legal Representation

30:45 The Quest for Truth in Investigations

32:49 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Cases

34:33 Relevance of Evidence in Child Custody Cases

36:29 Distinguishing Good Parenting from Bad

39:49 Handling Dangerous Situations During Investigations

42:47 The Role of Emotion in Legal Cases

45:49 Closing Thoughts and Resources for Clients

In this episode, Gerard Virga interviews Dan Estes, a seasoned private investigator, discussing the realities of private investigation in family law. They explore the differences between Hollywood portrayals and real-life investigative work, the importance of understanding privacy laws, and the role of technology in modern investigations. Dan shares insights on statement analysis, analytical interviewing, and the significance of cell phone forensics in uncovering the truth. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication between clients and attorneys, and the evolving landscape of investigative techniques.

Episode Title: Co-Parenting Made Easy: How Our Family Wizard App Transforms Child Custody Communication

Guest: Rebecca Perra, Judicial Education Coordinator, Our Family Wizard

Episode Summary: Host Gerard Virga interviews Rebecca Perra about revolutionizing co-parenting communication through technology. This episode explores how Our Family Wizard platform helps divorced parents communicate effectively, document interactions, and create better outcomes for children. The conversation covers Rebecca's transition from practicing attorney to judicial educator, AI-powered communication tools, and essential features for high conflict custody situations.

Key Topics:

• Co-parenting communication technology
• Our Family Wizard platform features and benefits
• AI tools for improving parent communication tone
• Documentation strategies for family court
• Financial tracking for child support and expenses
• Safety features for domestic violence survivors
• Recording capabilities for evidence collection
• Professional development in family law

Target Audience:

• Divorced or separated parents
• Family law attorneys
• Mediators and collaborative professionals
• Mental health professionals working with families
• Court personnel and judicial staff

Keywords/Tags: co-parenting, family law, Our Family Wizard, communication, technology, mediation, family dynamics, child custody, legal tools, AI in family law, divorce, parenting plans, documentation, financial tracking, domestic violence support, legal technology

Episode Length: one hour

Season/Episode Number: Season 1, Episode 16

Publication Date: 08/15/2025

Content Warnings: Discussion of domestic violence and high-conflict family situations

Call to Action: Subscribe for more family law insights, visit Our Family Wizard to learn about their platform, and share your co-parenting experiences in the comments.

Episode Highlights:

• Rebecca's journey from attorney to judicial educator
• How centralized communication improves co-parenting outcomes
• AI Tone Meter feature for better parent communication
• Documentation tools that hold up in family court
• Support resources for families experiencing domestic violence

Keywords

co-parenting, family law, Our Family Wizard, communication, technology, mediation, family dynamics, child custody, legal tools, AI in family law

Summary

In this episode, Gerard Virga interviews Rebecca Pera, a judicial education coordinator for Our Family Wizard, discussing the importance of effective communication in co-parenting. They explore Rebecca's journey in family law, the features of Our Family Wizard, and how technology can help parents navigate the complexities of co-parenting. The conversation highlights the role of AI in improving communication, the significance of documentation, and the support available for domestic violence survivors. The episode emphasizes the need for better communication to ensure positive outcomes for children in co-parenting situations.

Takeaways

Rebecca Pera shares her journey from attorney to judicial educator.

Our Family Wizard is a co-parenting communication platform that centralizes communication.

Effective communication can lead to better outcomes for children.

The app provides secure documentation of all communications.

AI features like Tone Meter help improve communication tone.

The app can track financial transactions and...

🎙️ The Most Personal Episode Yet

What happens when a family law attorney comes home to his wife every day after witnessing marriages fall apart? Gerard and his wife Mary pull back the curtain on their own relationship in this deeply vulnerable conversation about love, communication, and living with the weight of family law.

This episode gets REAL about:

• How practicing family law affects your own marriage
• The conversations Gerard and Mary have that most couples never do
• Communication strategies learned from watching relationships fail
• The emotional toll of seeing families destroyed daily
• How Mary supports Gerard through his most difficult cases
• Why their marriage works when so many don't
• Co Parenting and the fun of having eenagers

🌴 Florida Family Law Through Personal Eyes: Gerard doesn't just practice Florida family law - he lives it. Hear how his professional expertise shapes his approach to his own relationship, and how Mary navigates being married to someone who sees the worst of human relationships every day.

💔 Raw Moments You'll Hear:

• Personal cases and scenarios that Gerard has dealth with
• How Mary deals with Gerard's emotional baggage from work
• The communication technique that saves their marriage
• What Gerard's clients teach him about his own relationship
• Why Mary sometimes resents family law

This isn't your typical family law discussion - it's an intimate look into how two people make love work when one of them witnesses love failing professionally every single day.

Perfect for: Married couples, legal professionals, anyone curious about work-life balance, relationship communication, or the human side of family law practice.

Host: Gerard - Florida Family Law Attorney

Special Guest: Mary - Gerard's wife and the woman who keeps him grounded

Warning: This episode contains raw, emotional content about marriage, divorce, and the psychological impact of legal practice. Listener discretion advised.

Tags: #MarriageAndLaw #FamilyLawAttorney #CouplesCommunication #LegalLife #FloridaFamilyLaw #WorkLifeBalance #RelationshipAdvice #LegalProfessional #MarriageTips #AuthenticConversation

Subscribe for more real conversations about the intersection of law and life and Florida famiy law

In this eye-opening episode, Gerard Virga sits down with seasoned criminal defense attorney Rusty Shepard to explore the dangerous intersection where criminal law collides with family court. With over 21 years of experience, Rusty reveals how domestic violence allegations can destroy custody cases, the devastating impact of false accusations, and why you should never speak to police without legal representation.

Discover the critical strategies for defending against allegations that span both criminal and family law, learn about the varying burdens of proof in different courts, and understand why having the right legal team can make or break your case. This conversation could save your freedom, your family, and your future.

They discuss the intricate relationship between family law and criminal law. They explore how criminal allegations, particularly domestic violence, can significantly impact family law cases, including custody and divorce proceedings. Rusty shares his extensive experience in handling cases that often overlap between these two legal areas, emphasizing the importance of having a competent legal team to navigate the complexities involved. The conversation also touches on the implications of false allegations, the role of the Fifth Amendment, and the varying burdens of proof in different legal contexts.

Tags: criminal defense, family law, domestic violence, custody battles, false allegations, legal rights, Fifth Amendment, legal strategy, divorce proceedings, parental rights

Category: Law & Legal

Explicit Content: No

Episode Notes: Guest: Rusty Shepherd - Criminal Defense Attorney (21+ years experience)

Key Topics Covered:

• The intersection of criminal law and family law cases
• How domestic violence allegations impact custody arrangements
• Strategies for defending against false accusations
• The importance of the Fifth Amendment in legal proceedings
• Varying burdens of proof in criminal vs. family court
• The role of domestic violence injunctions
• Evidence preservation in complex legal cases
• Why legal representation is crucial from day one

Sound Bites:

• "It's a very difficult thing to navigate."
• "Don't talk to the police without a lawyer."
• "You have to attack it on all fronts."

Episode Highlights: This episode is essential listening for anyone facing criminal charges that intersect with family law matters, parents dealing with custody disputes involving allegations, or legal professionals working in either criminal defense or family law.

Connect with Rusty Shepherd at Shepard Law

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for your specific legal situation.