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.

In this powerful episode, Gerard Virga sits down with Bettie, founder of Mariposa Law Group, to explore the critical but often overlooked intersection of human trafficking and family law.

Bettie shares her journey from legal aid attorney to advocate for vulnerable populations, revealing how coercive control operates in relationships and why our legal system frequently fails trafficking survivors. The conversation delves into polyvictimization, the repeated cycles of trauma that victims experience, and how restorative justice can offer healing rather than punishment.

From understanding the symbolism behind "Mariposa" (butterfly) as transformation and empowerment to discussing the urgent need for specialized legal protections, this episode sheds light on systemic failures and the path forward for supporting survivors.

Key Topics Covered:

• Human trafficking's hidden presence in family law cases
• Coercive control as a form of domestic violence
• The importance of legal aid experience in handling vulnerable populations
• Polyvictimization and cycles of trauma
• Restorative justice approaches
• Systemic changes needed in legal protections
• Education and awareness as tools for combating trafficking

Bettie is the founder of Mariposa Law Group, a practice dedicated to serving vulnerable populations affected by human trafficking and domestic violence. With extensive experience in legal aid, Bettie has dedicated her career to empowering survivors and advocating for systemic change in how the legal system addresses trafficking cases, particularly within family law contexts.

"I just did not like injustice." - Bettie on what drove her to legal aid work

"The system is not fair." - Bettie on current legal protections for trafficking victims

• 00:00 - Introduction to Human Trafficking in Family Law
• 04:25 - The Journey into Legal Aid and Public Service
• 08:09 - Empowering Vulnerable Populations
• 13:07 - Understanding Coercive Control
• 19:49 - The Intersection of Coercive Control and Human Trafficking
• 27:51 - Awareness and Education on Human Trafficking
• 32:33 - Understanding the Roots of Human Trafficking
• 36:25 - The Impact of Polyvictimization
• 41:39 - Restorative Justice and Its Importance
• 48:11 - The Symbolism of Mariposa: Transformation and Healing
• 54:30 - Addressing the Underlying Issues in Domestic Violence
• 58:40 - The Need for Specialized Legal Protections Against Trafficking

Mariposa Law Group

• Human trafficking cases are frequently overlooked in family law proceedings
• Coercive control represents a significant form of domestic violence that's often misunderstood
• Legal aid experience is crucial for effectively representing vulnerable populations
• Empowering clients to make informed choices is essential for their healing journey
• Current legal systems often fail to adequately protect trafficking victims
• Polyvictimization creates ongoing cycles of trauma that require specialized intervention
• Restorative justice offers healing-focused alternatives to traditional punishment models
• The butterfly (Mariposa) symbolizes the transformation possible for survivors
• Education and public awareness are fundamental to combating human trafficking
• Comprehensive systemic change is needed to protect trafficking victims...

In this episode of the Florida Family Law Attorney Podcast, host Gerard Virga speaks with Kevin Maloney, CEO, and Megan Seraphine, Community Engagement Manager of Children in Crisis. They discuss the organization's mission to provide homes for children in need, the importance of keeping siblings together, and the challenges faced in the child welfare system. The conversation highlights the critical role of community support, volunteerism, and the intersection of legal and child welfare systems in ensuring the well-being of at-risk children.

Takeaways

• Children in Crisis provides essential support for at-risk children.
• Keeping siblings together is crucial for emotional stability.
• Community involvement is vital for the success of child welfare programs.
• Trauma can have long-lasting effects on children's health and well-being.
• The legal system plays a significant role in child welfare cases.
• Volunteering can make a substantial difference in children's lives.
• Children in Crisis operates a neighborhood designed to feel like home.
• The organization relies heavily on community donations and support.
• Maintaining a normal environment helps children cope with trauma.
• Awareness and education about child welfare issues are essential for community support.

• "It takes a village to raise children."
• "Pressure is a privilege."
• "Every child deserves a loving home."

In this episode, Florida family law attorney, Gerard Virga interviews Asha Maharaj-Lucas, a seasoned paralegal with 30 years of experience. Asha shares her journey in the paralegal profession, her involvement with the Paralegal Association of Florida, and the importance of mentorship in the legal field. They discuss the challenges faced by paralegals, the impact of COVID-19 on the profession, and the need for personal connections in a digital age. Asha emphasizes the value of teamwork between paralegals and attorneys, and the importance of adapting to changes in the legal landscape. In this conversation, Gerard Virga and Asha discuss the evolving role of paralegals in the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of investing in future paralegals, adapting to technological advancements, and maintaining the human element in law. They also touch on the challenges of balancing work and family life, the significance of mental health in the legal field, and the need for community building through professional associations.

Takeaways

• Asha has been a paralegal for 30 years and loves her profession.
• The Paralegal Association of Florida plays a crucial role in supporting paralegals.
• Mentorship is vital for the growth of new paralegals.
• In-person networking is essential in today's digital world.
• Paralegals are the backbone of the legal profession.
• COVID-19 has changed the way paralegals operate.
• Building relationships with attorneys and judges is important.
• New paralegals should learn from seasoned professionals.
• The legal field is facing challenges in attracting new paralegals.
• Teamwork between paralegals and attorneys enhances legal practice. Investing in paralegals is a long-term commitment.
• Technology is rapidly changing the legal landscape.
• Paralegals will need to adapt to AI and new software.
• Human interaction remains crucial in legal practice.
• Work-life balance is essential for legal professionals.
• Mental health awareness is growing in the legal field.
• Networking and community are vital for paralegals.
• Paralegals should be seen as integral team members.
• Empowering paralegals benefits the entire legal team.
• Professional associations provide valuable support and resources.