Self-Represented in Family Court
Your lawyer is gone, or the money to keep paying one is running out, but your Family Court case is not over yet and honestly, there seems to be no end in sight.
Self-Represented in Family Court is the strategy and trial-preparation podcast for people representing themselves in high-conflict divorce, custody, child support and related contested family law matters.
Hosted by Tracey Bee, a former family-law attorney and the founder of The Divorce Solutionist®, this podcast helps you understand what it takes to become a strategically prepared pro se litigant. We specifically focus on topics relevant to you if your attorney has withdrawn, your retainer has become unsustainable, you cannot afford continued representation or trial is approaching and you do not know what to do next.
This is NOT generic legal information, motivational encouragement or another podcast telling you simply to “believe in yourself.” Tracey examines the hidden strategic problems that can have the most impact on what happens in court:
- What did your attorney complete and what did they leave unfinished?
- Do you have your entire client file or merely a folder full of random documents?
- What does the judge still have to decide?
- What must you prove to obtain the outcome you are requesting?
- Does your evidence establish a relevant disputed fact or only tell your story?
- Which witnesses help prove your case, and which may weaken it?
- What Discovery, procedural or trial-preparation gaps still need attention?
- Can you realistically handle your hearing or trial without an attorney?
- Where would targeted legal assistance or support create the greatest value?
- How should you allocate any money or resources you have left?
Episodes explore topics that address Family Court trial preparation, attorney-to-pro-se transition, case strategy, evidence analysis & organization,
Discovery, witnesses selection, courtroom procedure, judicial decision-making, direct and cross-examination, settlement, litigation costs and the practical realities of presenting your own case particularly at hearing or trial.
You will learn why proving that your ex lied is not necessarily the same as proving your case; why your strongest evidence may never be seen or heard by the judge; why a beautiful trial binder cannot repair a weak case theory; and why the relief you are requesting may be the most vulnerable part of your case.
Tracey’s approach is grounded in one central principle:
You do NOT need to become a lawyer. You need to become a prepared litigant.
Some people can proceed through Family Court with structured preparation and strategic support. Others need targeted attorney involvement or full legal representation. This podcast helps you understand the difference, identify the gaps in your case and make more deliberate decisions before fear, depleted finances or an approaching trial date makes those decisions for you.
If your lawyer has withdrawn, you are preparing to transition from represented to pro se, or you are facing a Family Court hearing or trial without counsel, start listening now.
Learn more about Tracey’s From Represented to Pro Se™ Case Transition & Trial Readiness Assessment, Trial Strategy Intensives and comprehensive trial-preparation services at TheDivorceSolutionist.com.
Educational and strategic information only. This podcast does not provide legal advice, create an attorney-client relationship or replace advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Follow me on social media @TheDivorceSolutionist or @FamilyCourtStrategist
Episodes
67 episodes
What Really Makes a Family Court Case High Conflict? | Season 3 Episode 23
One of the phrases litigants overuse in Family Court is: "High Conflict."Someone disagrees with you?They’re high conflict.Someone enforces a boundary?They're high conflict.Someone refuses to give you what y...
Is Your Family Law Attorney Solving Problems or Just Billing You? | Episode 22
Having a lawyer does not automatically mean your case is moving forward.In fact, one of the biggest frustrations people experience in Family Court is wondering whether their attorney is actually solving problems, or simply managing confl...
Litigation Panic in Family Court: Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions | Episode 21
Litigation Panic is real.And it affects far more people than most ot us realize.In high-conflict Family Court cases, even highly capable, emotionally regulated, intelligent people can start second-guessing themselves, making impul...
The Truth About Delays in Family Court (What Nobody Tells You) | Season 3 Episode 20
Delays in Family Court can be discouraging.The continuances.The canceled hearings.The months of silence.The feeling that your case is going nowhere while your life stays stuck.Here's something to acknowledge: Not every d...
Going Pro Se in Family Court? What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Lawyer | Episode 19
Most people think hybrid legal representation is the “best of both worlds” and guarantees better results in their divorce or custody case. You represent yourself, but still use a lawyer for guidance, strategy, filings, or specific c...
Pro Se vs Lawyer in Family Court: Which Is Better for Your Case? | Season 3 Episode 18
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your case?Do you represent yourself…or hire a lawyer?It’s not as simple as most think. Because switching between pro se and lawyer can completely change:✔️ How your case ...
Divorce AI Tools: What NOT to Use in Family Court (Costly Mistakes) | Season 3 Episode 17
AI tools are everywhere right now, especially in Family Court. ✔️Helping you organize your case.✔️Prepare your documents.✔️Even “build” your legal argument.And for someone going through Family Court…that can fee...
Gray Areas in Family Court: What to Do When There’s No Clear Answer | S3 Episode 16
Family Court would be easier if every situation had a clear answer.An identifiable rule to follow.A direction on which motion to file.A fair judge to decide.But that’s not how it works, not in Family Court. ...
Five Alimony Scenarios and Strategies: What Courts Actually Look For | Season 3 Episode 15
More people are asking for alimony right now than ever before.And it makes sense, based on:Economic uncertainty.Job instability.Rising costs.Financial dependence after divorce.But here’s what you probably don't rea...
The 5 Types of Clients Lawyers Work With (Which One Are You?) | Season 3 Episode 14
Season 3 Episode 14Most people think hiring a lawyer means they can step back and let the professional handle everything… I meant to say EVERYTHING. But that’s not how strong cases are built.In this episode of Self-Repr...
Choosing Peace in Family Court: When Settling Your Case is the RIGHT Move | Season 3 Episode 13
Settling your case can feel like the fastest path to having the peace you once enjoyed.Less stress.Less conflict.Less time in court.And sometimes… settling is absolutely the right move.But settling just to en...
Financial Abuse Gets WORSE During Divorce: Here's What Works in Court | Season 3 Episode 12
In this episode of Self-Represented in Family Court, Tracey Bee goes deep on one of the most misunderstood and frustrating dynamics in divorce: Financial abuse. And the same patterns from the marriage begin to play out inside the divor...
The House Mistake Family Courts See Every Day | Season 3 Episode 11
Can You Keep the House? | Family Court StrategyIn this episode of Self-Represented in Family Court, Tracey Bee addresses one of the most emotionally motivated (and often misunderstood) questions in divorce and custody cases:...
Can Bad Timing RUIN Your Family Court Case? | Season 3 Episode 10
In this episode of Self-Represented in Family Court, Tracey Bee dives into one of the most overlooked elements of family court strategy: timing.Most litigants focus on what to file, what evidence to present, or what arguments to make.
Family Court NIGHTMARES! How Judges LABEL Litigants | Season 3 Episode 8
In this episode of “Self-Represented in Family Court,” Tracey Bee breaks down a reality most litigants don’t realize until it’s too late:Family Court is overloaded, overworked and overwhelmed…no matter where the court is. Judges just don...
Season 3. Episode 9 You Might be Ready, But You're NOT Prepared
You are not prepared for Family Court. You might be ready, but you are NOT prepared, at least most of you aren’t. You might have gathered all the proof you can, gotten familiar with the laws, might have even hired the best lawyer for the job...
Your Case is Losing Traction & You Have No Idea Why | Season 3 Episode 7
In this episode of “Self-Represented in Family Court”, Tracey Bee breaks down a common (and frustrating) reality: your case can lose traction even when you have “strong evidence.”Why? Because in Family Court, outcomes often hinge less on...
Season Break
This time of year I usually take a break to decompress. So right now I am working on clearing my mind while at the same time gearing up for 2026.I am still working though so if you need to schedule a strategy session, need he...
Season 3. Ep 6. The Perils of Over-Documenting Evidence
Most people think the more evidence you bring to court, the better. But in family court? That approach can destroy your credibility.In this episode, Tracey explains why judges ignore evidence, how opposing counsel gets it thrown...
Season 3. Ep 5. Reframing: It IS What You Said AND HOW You Said It
Ever walked out of a courtroom thinking, “What just happened in there?” You told the truth. You stayed calm. You presented your evidence — and somehow, the judge still didn’t get it.If that sounds like you, this episode is y...
Season 3. Ep 4. Analyzing Court Rulings to Move Your Case Forward
Tracey Bee breaks down how to turn court rulings, whether wins, losses, or partial decisions, into strategic data points you can actually use to finally move your case forward.She explains how to read between the lines of your j...
Season 3. Ep 3. How to Get — and Keep — a Restraining Order That Actually Protects You
Tracey Bee breaks down civil vs. criminal restraining orders as it relates to Family Court issues. She also goes into things like why requests get denied, and how to build a stronger application if you’re self‑represented...
Season 3 - Episode 2: Strategy Destroyed: How the Blind Spots in Family Court Ruins Your Case
Most litigants lose in Family Court for reasons they never even see coming. In this episode, I’m breaking down the hidden blind spots that can quietly sabotage your case—even when you think it’s airtight. Whether you’re representing yourself, s...
Season 3 Kickoff: Empowerment, Strategy & Beating the Rigged Family Court System
Welcome back to Self-Represented in Family Court! In this Season 3 opener, Tracey Bee (your host, former family law attorney, mediator, and strategist) sets the stage for the most empowering season yet. After a summer of building...
Season 2 - Episode 18: Using Mediation Strategically in Family Court
In this insightful episode your host, Tracey Bee, founder of The Divorce Solutionist, former family law attorney, and your go-to pro se strategist — pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood tools in the family court system: me...