Surviving Divorce Legal Abuse: Red Flags and Self-Protection Strategies with Lisa Johnson & Chris Barry

Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast - A podcast by Karen McMahon

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High Conflict divorce is challenging enough, but when it escalates to legal abuse, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. In this episode, we unpack what legal abuse looks like in the context of high-conflict divorce, where one party may use the legal system to exhaust, intimidate, and financially drain the other. Whether it's endless filings, false accusations, or unreasonable demands, legal abuse can turn a difficult process into a battle of attrition. But understanding the warning signs can be your first line of defense against this form of manipulation. We dive into the red flags that often indicate legal abuse, from repeated court appearances to unreasonable custody demands. These signs, often orchestrated by individuals with narcissistic or controlling tendencies, are designed to exploit the legal system for personal gain. Our discussion provides insights into recognizing these tactics early, equipping you with knowledge that can help you avoid costly pitfalls and find ways to better protect yourself and your family. Our guests today are Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry, co-founders of Been There Got Out. With extensive experience supporting people through high-conflict divorces, Lisa and Chris offer practical, battle-tested guidance for those facing legal abuse. Lisa, a domestic violence advocate who has successfully represented herself in numerous court battles, helped pass Jennifer’s Law to expand Connecticut's definition of domestic violence to include coercive control. Together, they run a Legal Abuse Support Group and have published a book, "Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances," sharing critical insights to help others achieve the best outcomes. Connect with Lisa and Chris: Legal Abuse Tips Worksheet: https://beentheregotout.com/legal-abuse-tips/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/been_there_got_out/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeenThereGotOut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeenThereGotOut TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@been_there_got_out LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/been-there-got-out/ Podcast: https://beentheregotout.buzzsprout.com/   Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce A word from our sponsors: Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process. We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd ======= TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible.  We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd