Advocating For Dads with Jana Jones

What Dads Need to Know About Emergency Custody in North Carolina

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.

Courtroom Confidence: What to Expect When Your Case Goes to Trial

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Sophia Morales and family law attorney Jana K. Jones discuss what fathers should expect when their case goes to trial in North Carolina. Jana shares valuable insights on court proceedings, preparation strategies, and billing options for family law litigation.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:41 - Understanding court parties (plaintiff, defendant, judge)
01:39 - Timeline expectations for different types of cases
02:46 - Emotional and legal preparation for custody/divorce hearings
04:05 - Common trial mistakes and avoiding hearsay
05:31 - Courtroom participants and roles
06:04 - Children's involvement in court proceedings
07:03 - Evidence and behaviors that influence judges
08:06 - Billing models: flat fees vs. hourly billing
10:03 - Final advice for fathers preparing for trial
 
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads is a podcast dedicated to helping fathers navigate family law issues, custody, divorce, and separation. Host Sophia Morales and family law attorney Jana Kay Jones (serving North Carolina since 2008) provide practical advice and expert insights for fathers facing legal challenges.

Dividing the Details: What Dads Need to Know About Property and Debt in Divorce

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, family law attorney Jana K. Jones discuss equitable distribution in North Carolina divorces. Jana explains how marital assets and debts are divided, what constitutes separate property, and provides crucial advice for fathers navigating property division during divorce proceedings.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:04 - Introduction and episode overview
00:52 - Definition of equitable distribution in North Carolina
02:08 - Discussion of inheritance and separate property
03:11 - Types of property exempt from equitable distribution
04:01 - How marital assets are handled and distributed
04:51 - Treatment of marital debt and non-marital expenses
06:16 - How fathers can protect themselves during property division
07:19 - Factors that affect equitable distribution
08:12 - Discussion of income contribution and stay-at-home parents
09:40 - Important first steps for fathers preparing for divorce
11:09 - Final advice on separation agreements
 
About the Show:
"Advocating for Dads" is a podcast dedicated to helping fathers navigate family law issues, including custody, divorce, and separation. Family law attorney Jana K. Jones provide practical advice specifically tailored for fathers in North Carolina.

When Life Changes: Adjusting Custody and Support Orders the Right Way

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Zofia Morales and family law attorney Jana K. Jones discuss the process of modifying custody and support orders in North Carolina. Jana explains what constitutes a substantial change in circumstances, the legal process for modifications, and provides practical advice for fathers navigating custody changes.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - What constitutes a substantial change for custody modifications
02:21 - Common misconceptions about substantial changes
02:50 - How relocation affects legal orders
04:36 - Changes in child's needs requiring legal modifications
05:54 - Age considerations for child's input in custody decisions
06:17 - Process of requesting modifications
09:45 - Formalizing agreements and consent orders
10:49 - Risks of reopening settled orders
12:15 - Documenting your case and court presentation
13:59 - Final advice for fathers facing custody modifications
 
About the Show:
"Advocating for Dads" is a podcast dedicated to helping fathers navigate family law issues, providing practical advice on custody, divorce, and separation. Host Sophia Morales and family law attorney Jana K. Jones, who has been serving fathers in North Carolina since 2009, offer expert guidance for fathers seeking to protect their rights and maintain relationships with their children.

Flat Fee or Hourly? Understanding Legal Costs Before You Sign

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Advocating for Dads, host Sophia Morales and family law attorney Jana K. Jones discuss the differences between flat fee and hourly billing in family law cases. Jana shares insights on why she exclusively uses flat fee and subscription-based models, helping fathers understand their legal cost options when seeking representation.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
00:45 - Basic differences between flat fee and hourly billing
02:25 - Why some attorneys prefer hourly billing
03:29 - Services covered under flat fee structure
04:25 - Jana's perspective on hourly billing vs. flat fee
05:58 - How to avoid unexpected legal costs
06:46 - Benefits of flat fee model for financial planning
07:45 - Advice for comparing legal fee structures
 
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads is a podcast focused on helping fathers navigate family law issues, including custody, divorce, and separation. The show features practical advice from experienced family law attorney Jana K. Jones, who has been serving fathers in North Carolina since 2009.

Relocation and Custody: What Happens When Mom Wants to Move with the Kids?

Episode Summary:
In this episode, family law attorney Jana Jones dives into the complex issue of relocation in custody cases. What happens when one parent wants to move with the children, potentially impacting the custody arrangement? Jana and host Kevin Rosenquist explore how North Carolina courts typically approach these cases, the importance of the child's best interest, and what factors play into court decisions, including the distance of the move, reasons for relocation, and the child's perspective. They also offer practical advice for both custodial and non-custodial parents facing this situation.
Time Stamps:
[00:00] Introduction to the show and episode topic: Relocation and custody.
[00:42] How North Carolina courts handle relocation cases.
[01:16] Key factors considered: Distance, custody arrangements, and the child's best interests.
[02:43] Acceptable and unacceptable reasons for relocation.
[05:16] What options non-custodial parents have if they oppose the move.
[06:16] Balancing the custodial parent's needs with the non-custodial parent's visitation rights.
[07:25] Creative solutions for maintaining parental relationships after relocation.
[09:15] Situations where courts allow relocation despite objections.
[11:28] When a child's wishes impact court decisions.
[13:41] Steps for both custodial and non-custodial parents when a relocation is proposed.
About the Show:
Advocating for Dads with Jana Jones is a podcast dedicated to helping fathers navigate the complexities of family law. Hosted by experienced family law attorney Jana Jones, each episode covers topics like custody, visitation, and legal rights, with a focus on achieving fair and balanced outcomes.
 

Raising the Bar: The Legal Perspective on Fathers and Child Development

Episode Summary
In this episode, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Jana Jones to discuss the profound impact fathers have on their children’s development, especially during and after divorce. Jana highlights the importance of joint custody, the evolving perspectives in family law, and strategies fathers can use to demonstrate their involvement in their children's lives. They also address common misconceptions about fatherhood, how courts view parental roles in North Carolina, and practical advice for fathers navigating contentious custody disputes.
Timestamps
[00:00] Welcome to Advocating for DadsIntroduction to the podcast and today’s topic: fathers’ involvement in child development.
[00:37] Meet Jana JonesJana’s experience as a family law attorney and her approach to custody cases.
[01:05] The Impact of Fathers on Child DevelopmentWhy children thrive with both parents involved during and after divorce.
[02:04] Misconceptions About Fathers’ RolesAddressing outdated beliefs about custody schedules and fathers' rights.
[03:39] Shifting Mindsets in Family LawThe evolution of legal perspectives on joint custody and parental involvement.
[04:40] How Courts View Fathers in North CarolinaThe legal system focuses on the child’s best interest and father’s rights.
[07:44] Strategies for Fathers in CourtHow dads can demonstrate involvement and commitment in custody cases.
[09:26] Making the Most of Limited Custody TimeTips for fathers to maximize quality time with their children.
[10:25] Importance of Hiring Legal Counsel EarlyWhy acting quickly is critical to protecting your rights as a father.
[12:10] Do Children’s Wishes Matter in Custody Decisions?How judges weigh children’s preferences and the challenges involved.
[13:37] Closing ThoughtsAdvice for fathers feeling undermined during custody battles and how to connect with Jana Jones.
About the Show
Advocating for Dads is a podcast dedicated to empowering fathers with the legal knowledge and insights they need to navigate family law, custody battles, and co-parenting challenges. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring experienced family law attorney Jana Jones, the show aims to break down misconceptions, provide actionable advice, and advocate for fathers' rights in family court.