What does it really mean to pursue a true collaborative divorce? In this episode, Melinda sits down with fellow collaborative law attorney, Lisa Marquis, to break down the difference between simply having an “agreeable divorce” and engaging in Big C Collaborative Law—a structured process that puts families, not the courthouse, at the center of resolution.

We cover:

• Why collaborative law is different from litigation (and why it’s not just “amicable divorce”).

• The benefits: more control over timing, privacy, creativity in solutions, and often lower financial and emotional costs.

• The role of neutral professionals—financial and mental health experts who guide families without taking sides.

• Common myths, including how collaboration can still work when challenges like substance abuse or mental health issues are present (with treatment in place).

• When collaboration is not appropriate, including situations involving domestic violence or active protective orders.

At its core, collaborative divorce is about helping people who don’t agree—but want to. It’s a path toward peace of mind, healthier dynamics, and solutions tailored to your family’s unique needs.

Quotes:
“Collaborative is a process for people who do not agree but want to” - Melinda Eitzen

“It is a process for people who do not agree and have a desire to do what is best for their family and need a little help” - Lisa Marquis

"The power of the neutral voice" - Melinda Eitzen

"People who cannot collaborate, are if they are crazy, actually crazy; not divorce crazy because we all feel a little crazy when divorcing." - Melinda Eitzen

Melinda sits down with child therapist Dr. Dean Beckloff. They discuss the benefits of play, art, and activity-based therapies at different developmental stages, when it should be considered and why early intervention can make a lasting impact. The conversation covers everything from emotional regulation in parents, to recognizing signs a child may need support, to navigating the “loyalty bind”. Don’t miss this and more on this Episode of The Melinda Eitzen Show.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube.
Contact Dr.Dean at www.drbeckloff.com or call (972) 250-1700

#FamilyLaw #ChildCounseling #MelindaEitzenShow #DivorceSupport

Melinda talks to Laura Roach, a fellow family law attorney, about substance use and abuse and how it affects family law cases. It’s not uncommon for family law cases to involve some kind of substance abuse whether its alcohol or drugs to even gambling and shopping, addiction will affect law cases. Laura Roach is a DFW family law attorney who opens up about her own struggle with alcoholism and the realities those who struggle face. They dive into the misconceptions about being active in addiction while dealing with family law cases and discuss a better path forward. All of this and more on this episode of the Melinda Eitzen show

About the Guest

Laura Roach is a family law attorney in Frisco, TX. To find out more and hire or contact Laura, email lroach@mccathernlaw.com.

Key Takeaways About Substance abuse and family law

● Substance abuse—whether drugs, alcohol, gambling, or compulsive behaviors—is common in family law cases.

● Ego and denial can prevent people from getting help, often worsening legal consequences.

● Judges respect honesty. Having a recovery plan in place can influence custody and court decisions positively.

● Addiction doesn’t go away on its own, its progressive and requires intervention.

● Recovery and being a good parent can happen at the same time.

● Therapy helps. Always.

Notable Quotes About Substance Abuse and Family law

“Some kind of addiction of some sort, alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, gambling, those are all pretty relevant in most family law cases” - Laura Roach

“it's humility, you have to be humble and accept that you have a problem” -Laura Roach

“I was raised, you can fix any problem, you can do this, don’t depend on anybody else, don't do all that, but that is actually a liability “- Laura Roach

“Break the delusion. If you go to court, in that delusion, the judges are going to see right through you.” -Laura Roach

“Judges will forgive anything if you take personal responsibility and are on a path to solve the problem. You get to be a parent while in active recovery—not in denial.”

“Addiction is the only disease that kills you and tells you that you don’t have it.” -Laura Roach

“Values, thoughts, and actions in alignment equal happiness.” – Socrates”-Laura Roach

“Therapy can help everyone.” -Laura Roach

“You get to be an active and good parent while in recovery, but they do not like it when you’re in denial”