Abuse doesn't always end when a relationship does. For some survivors, the courtroom becomes the next battleground. In situations where one party repeatedly weaponizes the court system against the other, often referred to as litigation abuse, lawyers find themselves on the frontlines. “I can see where an attorney could be utilized to perpetuate the discovery and the invasive maneuvers to get evidence of conduct that we've been told exists – whether it does or not,” says host Leigh Sellers.

Recognizing that the concept may be new to judges, lawyers, and parties, Leigh focuses this episode on educating people about litigation abuse with help from Dr. Whitney Danso, a licensed psychologist with expertise in trauma and domestic violence. Dr. Danso explains how the legal system can become a tool for continued coercive control. They outline the difference between aggressive advocacy and true litigation abuse, describing how the same controlling tactics used within a relationship - isolation, false allegations, and engineered helplessness - can carry into the family court arena, and offer insights about how lawyers can recognize the warning signs of litigation abuse.

Email Dr. Danso to learn more about her and her practice.

The insights and views presented in “Welcome to Splitsville” are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Nor does tuning in to this podcast constitute an attorney-client relationship of any kind. If you’re ready for compassionate and reliable legal guidance on your journey through divorce, contact the team at www.TouchstoneFamilyLaw.com

When Abusers Weaponize Divorce Courts, with Dr. Whitney Danso