Advocating For Dads with Jana Jones

Parental Alienation: What North Carolina Dads Can Do

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.

Modification of Child Custody in North Carolina: What Actually Qualifies?

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.

Joint Legal Custody in North Carolina: Who Decides School, Doctors, and Activities?

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.

Enforcing a Custody Order in North Carolina: What Dads Can Do When the Other Parent Won’t Comply

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.

Temporary Custody in North Carolina: What Dads Can Request Before the Final Order

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.

What Dads Need To Know About Emergency Custody In North Carolina

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.

Can I Travel with My Kids for the Holidays? What Fathers Need to Know

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.

Custody Battles: Does the Parent Who Files First Have the Advantage?

Episode Summary:
North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones explains whether filing first in a custody or divorce case actually gives one parent an advantage. She breaks down when it might matter, how courts really decide custody, and why timing your response is more important than racing to file first. Jana also shares what mistakes dads should avoid early in the process—and why waiting too long to act can hurt your case.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Does filing first give you an advantage in custody cases?01:00 – Why “who files first” doesn’t matter in divorce or property division02:30 – When filing first can help in custody disputes04:00 – Why the court always focuses on the child’s best interest05:00 – Deadlines to respond: 30 days, plus an optional 30-day extension07:00 – How to properly respond with an “answer” and “counterclaim”08:00 – Common misconception: filing first equals winning09:00 – When dads should take action and file for custody10:00 – The biggest mistake fathers make—waiting too long to assert rights
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads helps fathers understand their legal rights in North Carolina family law. Each episode, Attorney Jana Jones shares practical advice and real courtroom insight to help dads protect their time, make informed decisions, and stay focused on their child’s best interests.

When Your Child Wants to Live With You: What Dads Need to Know

Episode Summary:
In this episode, North Carolina family law attorney Jana Jones explains what happens when a child says they want to live with one parent over the other. She breaks down how courts handle a child’s preference, what “best interest” really means, and when it might lead to a custody change. Jana also shares practical advice for parents—how to approach the other parent, when to seek mediation, and why emotional balance and communication matter just as much as legal steps.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – How North Carolina courts view a child’s custody preference02:00 – When a judge will speak directly with a child04:00 – Why stability and safety matter more than preference06:00 – Factors courts consider in deciding custody08:00 – What dads should do if a child wants to live with them10:00 – Using therapy to support children and parents through changes12:00 – How mediation can help parents reach a new custody agreement14:00 – What a “friendly lawsuit” looks like in family court15:30 – Steps to take before filing a motion to modify custody
 
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones helps fathers understand their legal rights and responsibilities in North Carolina family law. With over 15 years of experience, Attorney Jana Jones shares real-world insights and practical advice to help dads protect their relationships with their children and make informed decisions through custody and family court challenges.

What If My Ex Is Misusing Child Support? Legal Rights for North Carolina Dads

Episode Summary:In this episode of Advocating for Dads, North Carolina family law attorney Jana K. Jones talks about one of the most common frustrations fathers face: how child support is actually used. Jana explains the law in North Carolina, why custodial parents are not required to provide an itemized accounting, and what options fathers have if they believe their children are not being properly cared for. She also covers the child support calculation process, the difference between worksheets A and B, and when custody modifications may be appropriate. This is a must-listen for fathers navigating the realities of child support, custody, and parental rights.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Show introduction01:05 – Why fathers often feel frustrated about how child support is spent04:10 – What child support is legally supposed to cover in North Carolina07:35 – Why custodial parents are not required to provide an itemized accounting10:20 – Examples of spending that courts allow under current law13:00 – What fathers can do if they believe children’s needs are not being met16:15 – Filing for custody modification or initial custody to address neglect20:05 – Evidence courts look for when determining best interests of the child23:40 – Child support calculations: worksheets A vs. B explained28:10 – How gross income, health insurance, and childcare expenses factor in32:25 – Appealing child support determinations — when it’s possible36:15 – Why neither parent usually feels child support amounts are “fair”39:00 – Attorney advice: setting realistic expectations and preparing clients
About the Show:Advocating for Dads is a podcast hosted by family law attorney Jana K. Jones, dedicated to helping fathers in North Carolina protect their rights and strengthen their relationships with their children. With over 15 years of legal experience, Jana provides clarity, strategy, and support for dads navigating custody, child support, and family court challenges.