Advocating For Dads with Jana Jones
From navigating custody battles to breaking down stereotypes, ’Advocating for Dads’ equips listeners with valuable insights and resources to support fathers in their journey to be actively involved in their children’s lives. Whether you’re a father, a co-parent, or simply interested in promoting equality in parenting, this podcast offers a compelling blend of information, inspiration, and advocacy.
Join us on ’Advocating for Dads’ as we champion the rights and roles of fathers everywhere, one episode at a time.
Episodes

Sep 24, 2026
Sep 24, 2026
17 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of Advocating for Dads, Jana and Sean O'Connor delve into the intricacies of parenting time schedules in North Carolina. Jana, a seasoned family law attorney, explains the nuances of common custody arrangements, including the popular 50-50 split and variations like the 2-2-3 schedule. The discussion highlights how courts in Mecklenburg County approach custody, emphasizing the child's best interests while considering factors such as the child's age, parents' work schedules, and geographical distance. Jana offers practical advice on preparing for custody negotiations, including the importance of documenting agreements and having a clear parenting plan. This episode is a valuable resource for fathers seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of custody arrangements, ensuring they maintain strong relationships with their children.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction00:11 – Understanding 50-50 Custody in North Carolina01:08 – Typical Parenting Schedules in Mecklenburg County02:20 – Influence of Child's Age on Custody Schedules03:54 – Impact of Distance on Custody Arrangements05:46 – Balancing Work Schedules with Custody Plans07:02 – Creative Scheduling for Non-Traditional Jobs09:48 – Importance of Detailed Custody Orders11:33 – Preparing for Custody Negotiations14:06 – Strategies for Fathers in Custody Battles16:02 – Ensuring Appropriate Child Care Arrangements
About the Show: Advocating for Dads is a podcast dedicated to helping fathers navigate the complexities of family law and custody arrangements. Hosted by experienced family law attorney Jana and co-host Sean O'Connor, the show provides practical advice and insights into creating stable and structured parenting plans. With a focus on the unique challenges faced by fathers, each episode covers topics such as custody schedules, legal rights, and effective communication strategies. The podcast aims to empower dads with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain strong relationships with their children while navigating the legal system.
For more information, visit our website:http://www.lawofficeofjkj.com/

Aug 27, 2026
Aug 27, 2026
15 min
Episode Summary:In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana delves into the legalities of denying visitation rights to parents. From the conditions under which visitation can be denied to the proper legal routes for resolution, Jana provides valuable insights for anyone facing visitation challenges in North Carolina.
Key Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:45 – Can a mother legally deny visitation?00:02:00 – When denying visitation may be justified00:03:20 – Proper legal steps for safety concerns00:04:40 – Options for repeated refusal of visitation00:06:00 – How courts respond to interference patterns00:07:20 – Impact on future custody decisions00:08:30 – Real case example: Denied visitation with infant00:09:40 – Key documentation to keep00:10:50 – Sick child, vacations & extracurriculars00:12:10 – When to file for contempt or enforcement00:13:30 – How to get legal help00:14:10 – Closing & call to action
About the Show:*Advocating for Dads* with Jana Jones is a podcast dedicated to providing insights and guidance on family law matters, specifically focusing on fathers' rights in custody disputes. Join us as we explore legal nuances and practical solutions for navigating challenging family law issues.
For more information, visit our website:http://www.lawofficeofjkj.com/

Jul 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
12 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of *Advocating for Dads* Jana, a seasoned North Carolina family law attorney, delves into the complexities of school choice disputes. From discussing joint legal custody implications to factors judges consider when deciding a child's school, Jana offers valuable insights for parents facing educational disagreements.
Key Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:45 – Joint legal custody & school decision authority00:02:00 – Tiebreaker options: final decision, mediation, arbitration00:03:20 – Factors judges consider for school choice00:04:40 – Importance of child’s current stability00:05:50 – How distance between homes affects decisions00:07:00 – Unilateral school enrollment by one parent00:08:10 – Private school tuition & child support00:09:20 – Real case example of school dispute00:10:30 – Do children get a say in school choice?00:11:40 – Preparation tips before going to court00:12:00 – Closing & call to action
About the Show:*Advocating for Dads* brings expert legal insights on family law matters, offering guidance and clarity on navigating challenging situations. With a focus on empowering parents through knowledge, the show equips listeners with actionable information for informed decision-making.

Jun 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
15 min
Episode Summary:In this episode, Jana Jones, a North Carolina family law attorney, sheds light on parental alienation and its impact on custody disputes. She explains how courts view parental alienation, the challenges in proving it, and behaviors that raise concerns for judges. Jana discusses the difference between alienation and natural parent-child conflicts, highlighting the importance of addressing issues early to prevent long-term damage. She also shares insights on evidence, court considerations, and steps fathers can take to address alienation effectively.
Key Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:45 – What is parental alienation?00:01:50 – How North Carolina courts view alienation00:03:10 – Why it’s difficult to prove00:04:20 – Behaviors that raise red flags for judges00:05:50 – Alienation vs. natural parent-child pull away00:07:10 – Can older kids play parents against each other?00:08:30 – Most persuasive evidence in court00:09:50 – Do small repeated actions count?00:11:00 – Balancing alienation claims vs. child safety00:12:10 – Steps fathers should take before filing00:13:20 – Can alienation lead to custody modification?00:14:00 – Final advice & closing
About the Show:*Advocating for Dads* focuses on legal insights and advice for fathers navigating family law challenges, aiming to empower dads to protect their parental rights and foster meaningful relationships with their children.

May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
13 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones explains the legal standards and considerations for modifying custody orders. She delves into the concept of substantial change in circumstances and how it impacts the welfare of the child. Jana also discusses the factors courts evaluate, such as relocation, remarriage, and new work schedules, when reviewing modification requests.
Key Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:45 – Legal standard for custody modification in North Carolina
00:01:50 – What qualifies as a substantial change in circumstances
00:03:10 – Can changes in a parent’s life be enough?
00:04:20 – How recent must the change be?
00:05:40 – Is “the schedule isn’t working” enough to modify?
00:06:50 – How courts view relocation, remarriage & new work schedules
00:08:10 – Real case example: Cross-country relocation denied
00:09:50 – What evidence carries the most weight in court
00:11:00 – Strategic advice before filing for modification
00:12:20 – Closing & call to action
About the Show:
*Advocating for Dads* is a podcast hosted by a seasoned family law attorney, dedicated to empowering fathers in navigating legal challenges related to custody, divorce, and parental rights. Join us as we provide valuable insights and guidance for fathers seeking to protect their relationships with their children.

Apr 30, 2026
Apr 30, 2026
9 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Advocating for Dads, North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones breaks down the crucial distinctions between joint legal custody and joint physical custody. Jana explains the decision-making dynamics involved when parents share legal custody in North Carolina, offering valuable insights for fathers navigating custody arrangements.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Explaining joint physical custody vs. joint legal custody
01:30 – Decision-making responsibilities in joint legal custody
02:45 – Options for resolving disagreements in joint legal custody
04:15 – Addressing major decisions like medical care under joint legal custody
05:30 – Granting final decision-making authority to one parent
06:45 – Judicial considerations and key issues in dividing parental responsibilities
08:00 – Encouraging parental involvement in major decisions under joint legal custody
09:30 – Dealing with parental non-compliance in joint legal custody arrangements
11:00 – Differentiating between contempt and modification in custody disputes
12:30 – Importance of detailed custody orders for clarity and enforcement
13:45 – Effective habits for smooth co-parenting under joint legal custody
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads is a podcast dedicated to empowering fathers in North Carolina with the legal knowledge and support they need to protect their parental rights and play an active role in their children's lives. Join us as we delve into critical family law topics, offering guidance and insights for dads facing custody challenges.

Mar 26, 2026
Mar 26, 2026
10 min
Episode Summary: In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana dives into the crucial topic of enforcing custody orders when a parent fails to comply. From practical advice on dealing with non-compliance to the legal implications and consequences, Jana offers valuable insights for fathers navigating challenging custody situations.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:06 – Real-world enforcement of custody orders02:45 – Common violations leading to court intervention04:12 – Importance of documenting violations05:30 – Exploring different custody arrangements07:18 – Filing for contempt and judicial perspectives09:45 – Consequences of being found in contempt11:20 – Addressing vague orders and seeking modifications13:05 – Handling repeated small violations vs. major defiance14:40 – Seeking short-term relief for withheld visitation16:10 – Structuring clear custody agreements for compliance
About the Show: Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones is a podcast dedicated to empowering fathers in understanding their rights and responsibilities in family law matters. Join us for expert insights, practical tips, and legal guidance to navigate the complexities of custody, support, and parental rights.

Feb 26, 2026
Feb 26, 2026
8 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones family law attorney Jana Jones sheds light on temporary custody orders in North Carolina. Jana explains the nature of temporary custody orders, the reasons families may need them, and the key issues typically addressed in such orders.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – What is a temporary custody order?
01:30 – Reasons for needing a temporary order
02:15 – Issues decided in temporary custody orders
03:00 – Duration of temporary orders
04:10 – Evidence required for filing
05:00 – Timelines for scheduling a temporary custody hearing
06:20 – Enforcement of temporary orders
07:00 – Filing a lawsuit for a temporary plan
08:10 – Best first steps for fathers seeking temporary custody
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones is a podcast dedicated to helping fathers navigate family law issues and protect their parental rights. Join us for expert insights and advice on preserving relationships with your children during challenging times.

Jan 29, 2026
Jan 29, 2026
13 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones explains what qualifies as an emergency custody situation, how the process works, and when it’s appropriate to file. She breaks down what counts as a true emergency versus a temporary parenting issue, how long these orders last, and what evidence the court needs to act fast. Jana also shares clear advice for fathers worried about their child’s safety — and the first steps they should take before heading to court.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – What makes a custody situation an “emergency”01:30 – Common emergencies: abuse, neglect, or moving a child out of state03:00 – How emergency custody works in Mecklenburg County04:30 – The difference between an emergency motion and a temporary parenting arrangement (TPA)06:00 – When a custody dispute feels urgent but isn’t legally an emergency08:00 – What happens after the judge grants or denies emergency custody09:30 – How long emergency orders last and when they become permanent10:30 – The type of evidence courts look for in emergency cases11:30 – Why hearsay isn’t enough and what dads should document instead12:00 – Practical steps for fathers worried about their child’s safety
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads helps fathers understand their legal rights and responsibilities under North Carolina family law. Each episode, Attorney Jana Jones offers practical insight to help dads make informed decisions, protect their children, and navigate custody challenges with clarity and confidence.

Dec 23, 2025
Dec 23, 2025
6 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Advocating for Dads, Jana, a seasoned family law attorney, delves into the complexities of holiday travel custody disputes. From parental rights to court orders, Jana provides insights on handling travel conflicts during the festive season.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Parental rights and holiday travel
02:30 – Understanding custody orders for holiday visits
03:45 – Travel restrictions and written consent
05:00 – Dealing with a refusal to allow travel
06:30 – Enforcing custody orders for holiday time
08:00 – Handling travel disputes outside of court
09:45 – Proactive steps for dads to avoid conflicts
11:10 – Using co-parenting apps for communication
12:30 – Giving advance notice for holiday travel
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads focuses on empowering fathers in navigating legal challenges related to family law. With a commitment to father's rights, the show offers valuable insights and guidance to dads facing custody and parenting issues.








