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 – Introduction 01:06 – Real-world enforcement of custody orders 02:45 – Common violations leading to court intervention 04:12 – Importance of documenting violations 05:30 – Exploring different custody arrangements 07:18 – Filing for contempt and judicial perspectives 09:45 – Consequences of being found in contempt 11:20 – Addressing vague orders and seeking modifications 13:05 – Handling repeated small violations vs. major defiance 14:40 – Seeking short-term relief for withheld visitation 16:10 – 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.

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.

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.

00:00 – What makes a custody situation an “emergency” 01:30 – Common emergencies: abuse, neglect, or moving a child out of state 03:00 – How emergency custody works in Mecklenburg County 04:30 – 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 emergency 08:00 – What happens after the judge grants or denies emergency custody 09:30 – How long emergency orders last and when they become permanent 10:30 – The type of evidence courts look for in emergency cases 11:30 – Why hearsay isn’t enough and what dads should document instead 12:00 – Practical steps for fathers worried about their child’s safety

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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 division 02:30 – When filing first can help in custody disputes 04:00 – Why the court always focuses on the child’s best interest 05:00 – Deadlines to respond: 30 days, plus an optional 30-day extension 07:00 – How to properly respond with an “answer” and “counterclaim” 08:00 – Common misconception: filing first equals winning 09:00 – When dads should take action and file for custody 10:00 – The biggest mistake fathers make—waiting too long to assert rights

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.

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.

00:00 – How North Carolina courts view a child’s custody preference 02:00 – When a judge will speak directly with a child 04:00 – Why stability and safety matter more than preference 06:00 – Factors courts consider in deciding custody 08:00 – What dads should do if a child wants to live with them 10:00 – Using therapy to support children and parents through changes 12:00 – How mediation can help parents reach a new custody agreement 14:00 – What a “friendly lawsuit” looks like in family court 15:30 – Steps to take before filing a motion to modify custody

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.

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 introduction 01:05 – Why fathers often feel frustrated about how child support is spent 04:10 – What child support is legally supposed to cover in North Carolina 07:35 – Why custodial parents are not required to provide an itemized accounting 10:20 – Examples of spending that courts allow under current law 13:00 – What fathers can do if they believe children’s needs are not being met 16:15 – Filing for custody modification or initial custody to address neglect 20:05 – Evidence courts look for when determining best interests of the child 23:40 – Child support calculations: worksheets A vs. B explained 28:10 – How gross income, health insurance, and childcare expenses factor in 32:25 – Appealing child support determinations — when it’s possible 36:15 – 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.

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.