Podcast
Modern Arizona
Hosted by Attorney Billie Tarascio · ENGLISH
Brought to you by Arizona Divorce Attorney Billie Tarascio of Modern Law, and the Modern Divorce Navigator, our mission is to help all families navigate life and law in Arizona.
260episodes
Episodes
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Navigating Mental Health Crises in Arizona Family Court
2w ago00:25:35Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailArizona families navigating divorce or custody disputes often face an issue no one talks about: what happens when a spouse, parent, or loved one is in a mental health crisis and refusing treatment. Under Arizona Title 36, there is a legal process that allows family members to petition for a court-ordered mental health evaluation, and in some cases, court-ordered treatment. Knowing how this process works, when it applies, and how it intersects with family law can be critical for parents trying to protect their children.Modern Law attorney Emily Palomino brings a perspective most family law attorneys do not have. Before joining Modern Law, Emily served as a mental health defense attorney in Arizona, representing patients who had been detained under Title 36 petitions at facilities including Palo Verde and Banner South. She worked inside the court-ordered evaluation and treatment system every day, and she knows exactly how it works from both sides.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Meet Emily Palomino00:49 Emily's Path from Disney World to Law School03:43 What Is a Mental Health Defense Attorney in Arizona05:27 How to File a Title 36 Petition for a Loved One06:34 The Ex Parte Nature of the Evaluation Process08:19 Medical Privacy and What the Petitioner Gets Access To09:50 When Title 36 Gets Weaponized in Family Court11:07 The Right to Legal Representation in Mental Health Cases18:39 When Court-Ordered Treatment Actually Works19:51 Title 36 and Minors: What Age Does This Apply20:46 Recommended Arizona Treatment Centers21:36 Substance Abuse and the Mental Health System22:35 What Happens If You Violate Court-Ordered Treatment23:24 Emily Joins Modern Law: What She Is Looking Forward ToIf you or someone you love is facing a mental health crisis that is affecting a family law case in Arizona, the attorneys at Modern Law can help you understand your options. Call 480-649-2905 or visit mymodernlaw.com to schedule a consultation with our team.
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Adapt or Atrophy: Why Law Firms Have 12 Months to Master AI
4w ago00:33:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIf you are a solo or small firm attorney trying to figure out where AI fits in your practice, this episode of LawLabs (a special series from the Modern Arizona Podcast) is your starting point. Carolyn Elefant breaks down exactly how to begin with AI tools, why most lawyers are evaluating them in the wrong order, and what the real risks look like when AI gets citations wrong. She also shares an honest prediction of where the profession is headed and why firms that are not adopting now will find themselves in a very difficult position within the year.Carolyn Elefant is the founder of the Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant and the creator of MyShingle.com, the longest-running blog dedicated to solo and small firm practice. A Cornell grad who started her firm in 1993, she has spent over two decades consulting, writing, and advocating for independent lawyers and is currently traveling the country speaking to attorneys about AI and its real-world impact on their practices.Topics discussed:Where lawyers should actually start with AI tools and what to avoid firstWhy you need to learn general AI tools before legal-specific onesHow to protect yourself from hallucinated and mischaracterized case citationsWhat the legal profession looks like in one year and in fiveWhy firms that are not using AI are running out of time to catch upFind Carolyn: MyShingle.com
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Divorce Isn't Failure: Finding Miracles in the Midlife Storm
Apr 900:29:46Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, attorney Billie Tarascio sits down with Lisa Sander, nurse, life coach, and podcast host, to talk about what really happens when a marriage ends in midlife. Lisa shares her own story of leaving a 23-year marriage, how her faith carried her through, and why divorce doesn't have to mean failure. From gender dynamics and loneliness to downsizing and finding yourself again after 50, this conversation is honest, warm, and packed with hard-won perspective.Lisa Sander is a Registered Nurse of 26 years and the CEO of Our Healer, Our Protector LLC, where she coaches women between 40 and 55 who feel stuck and are ready to figure out what comes next. Alongside her partner Ryan, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, she co-hosts Our Healer, Our Protector, a Christian podcast on divorce and healthy relationships. Lisa is based in Minnesota and works with clients nationwide. What we cover in this episode:How faith and divorce can coexist and why God's forgiveness matters more than the stigmaThe midlife dip in happiness and why so many people reassess their marriages between 40 and 55What it really means when one partner grows and the other doesn'tWhy women are taking on the masculine role in relationships and burning out because of itThe loneliness epidemic and how to actually build community after divorceEnabling patterns in marriage and how to break them earlyWhy your five love languages probably change every few yearsHow downsizing your life can open up more freedom than you expectedFinding miracles in everyday moments and why that mindset shift changes everythingConnect with Lisa:You can book a free 30-minute session at LisaSander.com. and check out https://ourhealerourprotector.com/ for help today!
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Arizona vs. Washington Divorce Laws: What You Need to Know Before You File
Mar 3100:33:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIf you or someone you know is facing divorce and has ties to both Arizona and Washington, this episode could be one of the most important conversations you watch. Our host Billie Tarascio and Seattle-based family law attorney Michelle Dellino sit down to break down the critical legal differences between divorcing in Arizona versus Washington, including how property is divided, how spousal maintenance is calculated, how custody is handled, and why the state you choose to file in could dramatically change your financial future.Michelle Dellino is the founder and owner of Dellino Family Law Group, a 16-attorney firm based in Seattle, Washington. Since starting her practice in 2013 as a solo attorney, Michelle has grown one of the most respected family law firms in the Pacific Northwest, serving clients across all of Washington State. Known for her approachable and strategic style, Michelle handles everything from high-conflict litigation to complex financial divorces involving tech industry compensation, restricted stock units, and long-term marriages.In this episode, we cover:➡ Why "community property" means something very different in Arizona vs. Washington➡ How business ownership is treated in divorce in both states➡ Spousal maintenance: Washington's flexible approach vs. Arizona's new calculator➡ How the date of separation can make or break your case in Washington➡ Child support table changes in Washington and what it means for high earners➡ Custody trends is 50/50 the default in both states?➡ How children's voices are (and aren't) heard in custody decisions➡ Guardian ad litems, parenting evaluators, and custody evaluation differences➡ How hard it is to modify a parenting plan in each state➡ The growing "anti-family court corruption" movement and what attorneys really thinkLearn more about Michelle Dellino and Dellino Family Law Group:https://dellinolaw.com/
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Inside an Immigration Law Firm on the Frontlines of Chaos
Mar 1700:32:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailImmigration attorney and law firm founder Hillary Walsh joins Billie Tarascio for a candid conversation about what it's really like to run an immigration law firm in today's turbulent legal and political climate. From filing habeas petitions to protect unlawfully detained clients, to navigating due process violations and a surge in demand for legal services, Hillary shares how her practice has evolved, and how she's adapting to protect both her clients and her team.They also dig into the business side of running a growing firm: the hard decisions around hiring and letting people go, bringing on a CFO, building custom software from scratch, and finding an operations leader who can handle 1,000+ filings a month. Plus, Hillary opens up about supporting remote employees in Mexico during a crisis, dealing with racist online harassment, and why she's investing in a life coach after years of business-only coaching.Whether you're an immigration attorney, a law firm owner, or just someone trying to understand what's happening at the intersection of law and politics right now, this episode is for you.Topics Covered:Immigration law strategy under the current administrationHabeas petitions and unlawful detention casesHiring, firing, and leveling up your teamBuilding law firm operations and custom softwareSupporting a remote team during a crisisBusiness coaches that actually helped and how to choose oneConnect with Hillary:Website: https://newfrontier.us/Phone: 623-742-5400Email: hillary@newfrontier.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfrontierimmigrationlaw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newfrontierimmigrationlawTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newfrontier_immigration
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The End of the Billable Hour? Scaling a Modern Law Firm with Jessica Travis
Mar 300:32:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Law Labs, Billie Tarascio sits down with Jessica Travis, Co-Owner and Managing Partner of Fighter Law in Orlando, Florida. They talk about how modern law firms can move beyond billable hours, use AI tools the right way, and build strong internal systems that support real growth.Law Labs is a podcast for law firm owners and legal professionals who want to build smarter firms. Each episode focuses on systems, technology, billing models, marketing, and practical strategies that help firms grow in a sustainable way.Jessica Travis is the Managing Partner and Co-Owner of Fighter Law, based in Florida. She leads a growing firm that practices Family Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Estate Planning. Jessica is passionate about building strong SOPs, improving client service, and integrating technology into daily operations. From experimenting with flat fee billing in family law to implementing an AI receptionist and improving data tracking through Clio, she focuses on practical innovation that supports both clients and her team.In this episode, you will learn:👉 How to design a flexible flat fee model for family law👉 Why the billable hour model is becoming harder to justify👉 How AI receptionists can improve intake and reduce missed opportunities👉 How to track leads, consultations, and revenue weekly👉 How to train and supervise young attorneys using systems👉 How to approach AI without chasing every new toolConnect with Jessica Travis:Fighter Law: https://fighterlaw.com
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Leading Through Tension: National Growth and Civil Rights with Bob Simon
Feb 2400:29:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, Law Labs Edition, Billie Tarascio sits down with Bob Simon. They talk about what it means to run a national law firm, build legal tech companies, and step into civil rights advocacy during a time of major legal and political tension.Bob Simon is an entrepreneur, trial lawyer, and co-founder of multiple companies, including a national personal injury firm and the legal tech platform Attorney Share. He is also actively involved in civil rights litigation, including cases involving ICE detentions, unlawful stops, and police misconduct. His firm handles personal injury and civil rights matters across the country, and he has been involved in litigation related to wildfire recovery and large-scale corporate accountability. Bob is also a father of three and speaks openly about balancing family, trauma-heavy legal work, and public advocacy.In this episode, you will learn:👉 How lawyers can organize and support civil rights cases even if they do not practice immigration law👉 What illegal detentions look like inside the courtroom👉 How referral networks can help solo and small firms take action👉 How Attorney Share connects 5,500+ lawyers nationwide👉 How technology and AI can automate intake and case routing👉 Why some civil rights cases may never pay but still matter👉 How large corporations fight liability and what trial lawyers can do about itTo learn more about Bob and his team, you can visit the sites below. https://community.justicehq.com/ thesimonlawgroup.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesimonlawgroup/ #culture #law #lawfirm #lawyers #billietarascio #modernlaw #businessoflaw #lawfirmlife #entrepreneur #ai #optimisticdisruptor #billietarascio #bobsimon #justiceteam
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College Costs, Divorce, and Financial Aid: What Parents Need to Know Before It’s Too Late
Jan 1300:38:25Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCollege costs continue to rise, and for families dealing with divorce, remarriage, or complex finances, planning can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, Billie Tarascio sits down with a college funding expert to break down how financial aid really works and what parents need to understand before costly mistakes are made.Brad Baldridge is a College Funding Specialist and the founder of Taming the High Cost of College. With nearly 20 years of experience, Brad has helped thousands of families plan and pay for college without derailing their finances or retirement. As a financial expert, consultant, and podcast host, he teaches parents how to choose the right school, maximize financial aid and scholarships, and reduce reliance on student loans through smart, proven strategies.Topics discussed in this episode include:✔️ How divorce affects FAFSA and college financial aid eligibility✔️ The difference between FAFSA and the CSS Profile✔️ How income, assets, and remarriage impact aid calculations✔️ When families qualify for need-based aid and Pell Grants✔️ College planning strategies for divorced and blended families✔️ Why early planning matters more than most parents realizeLearn more and connect with Brad Baldridge:Website: https://www.tamingthehighcostofcollege.comIf you found this episode helpful, like, subscribe, and share it with someone planning for college.
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E-bikes, scooters & teen ride-outs — what’s really going on in Arizona neighborhoods?
Jan 700:33:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this Modern Arizona Podcast episode, attorney Billie Tarascio sits down with Melissa Leon to unpack the rising safety concerns surrounding e-bikes, scooters, and youth street behavior in master-planned Arizona communities. They explore why accidents are increasing, how misinformation fuels risky habits, and what families, drivers, and neighborhoods can realistically do to protect kids while still giving them freedom and independence.Melissa Leon is a small business CFO, the owner of Two Sense Consulting, a published author of Efficiency Bitch, an Arizona native, a mother of three, and the founder of Eastmark Safe Streets, a fast-growing community initiative focused on youth street safety. She brings firsthand experience, real data, and practical insight from working with Mesa law enforcement, transportation boards, and thousands of local residents.Key topics covered in this episode:✔ E-bike safety laws in Arizona and what parents must know✔ The rise of teen “ride-outs” and social-media-driven bike groups✔ Why Mesa is seeing a spike in e-bike and pedestrian accidents✔ How Eastmark Safe Streets was built and why community groups matter✔ Legal consequences for parents when minors ride e-bikes illegally✔ The role of city infrastructure, enforcement, and community behavior✔ Retailer responsibility and gaps in e-bike education✔ How to prepare kids for emergencies, collisions, and high-risk situations✔ How parents can balance independence, safety, and real-world learning✔ Practical steps to start safety conversations in your own neighborhoodTo learn more about Melissa, connect with her work, or reach out directlyVisit: https://twosenseconsulting.com
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22 Years in Family Law: Sandy Bauer on Becoming an LP and Transforming Client Care
Dec 900:19:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, attorney Billie Tarascio sits down with Legal Paraprofessional Sandy Bauer of Modern Law to explore her journey, her work, and the heart behind family law practice.Sandy has spent more than 22 years in the legal field, including over a decade as a senior paralegal before earning her LP license in 2024. Today, she helps clients through divorces, parenting time issues, child support matters, and major family transitions with a calm, empathetic, and highly experienced approach. Outside of work, Sandy enjoys gardening, bird-watching, travel, audiobooks, and her family’s own book club.Topics discussed in this episode include:• Sandy’s transition from paralegal to licensed practitioner• Why LPs are important for access to justice in Arizona• Lessons learned from 20+ years of family law experience• Navigating court, mediation, and modern family law changes• Real-world cases involving parenting time, paternity, and complex family dynamicsWhere to find Sandy:Email: sandy.bauer@mymodernlaw.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-bauer-/Modern Law: https://mymodernlaw.com/our-team/sandra-l-bauer/
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