This is Susan Chesnutt of The Chesnutt Law Firm. This is my podcast From Foster Care to Family Law: A Child Welfare Focus. I was raised in the foster care system, I was a child abuse investigator for the Department of Children and Families, and now I am an attorney practicing family law where my passion is to focus on the best interests of the children involved. In my podcast, I will be meeting industry experts exploring the seemingly impossible scenarios that families often struggle to manage. Each episode will include insights and concepts from professionals that deal with these issues.
From Foster Care to Family Law - A Child Welfare Focus
Claim This Podcastby Susan Chesnutt
4.5(8 reviews)
56 episodes
Updated Bi-weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
58
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality38
Social100
YouTube76
Engagement71
Podcast Overview
This is Susan Chesnutt of The Chesnutt Law Firm. This is my podcast From Foster Care to Family Law: A Child Welfare Focus. I was raised in the foster care system, I was a child abuse investigator for the Department of Children and Families, and now I am an attorney practicing family law where my passion is to focus on the best interests of the children involved. In my podcast, I will be meeting industry experts exploring the seemingly impossible scenarios that families often struggle to manage. Each episode will include insights and concepts from professionals that deal with these issues.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/6/2020
Unlock The Full Podcast Authority Score Report
See how your podcast performs across key metrics
58
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality38
Social100
YouTube76
Engagement71
8
Excellent Areas
2
Good Performance
9
Growth Opportunities
excellent
Episode Length
1h 5m
Performing excellently!
good
Social Media Reach
Active on 2 platforms
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
poor
Publishing Consistency
Every 38 days
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
+16 More Metrics
Unlock comprehensive insights including:
- • YouTube presence analysis
- • Social media reach metrics
- • RSS compliance scoring
- • Podcast 2.0 features
- • Technical standards
What's Included in Your Full Report
Detailed Analytics
- Complete breakdown of all 19 authority metrics
- Personalized recommendations for each metric
- Industry benchmarks and comparisons
- Technical RSS feed analysis and compliance scoring
Growth Strategies
- Step-by-step action plans for improvement
- Quick wins to boost your score immediately
- Pro tips from successful podcasters
Get your free podcast insights report
See how your show performs across every key metric
Instant delivery
No spam
Attract Better Guests
High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.
Secure Sponsorships
Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.
Grow Your Audience
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.
1 verified contact email on file for From Foster Care to Family Law - A Child Welfare Focus
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
June 9, 2026
#56 Casey Zidek: What Nobody Tells You About Representing Yourself in Divorce
<p>What if handling your own divorce is possible, but nobody tells you how overwhelming the process can actually be?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Susan Chesnutt sits down with Casey Zidek to unpack the realities of navigating divorce pro se, from confusing court procedures and rejected filings to parenting plans, financial affidavits, and final hearings.</p><p><br></p><p>You will hear what it feels like to manage the process without full legal representation, why attention to detail matters at every step, and how limited legal guidance can still provide confidence and clarity. This conversation offers an honest look at self-representation and the emotional and practical challenges many families face inside the family court system.</p><p> </p><p><strong>In this episode, Susan and Casey Zidek discuss:</strong> </p><ul><li><p>Navigating the pro se divorce process in family court</p></li><li><p>Challenges of completing legal forms and court filings</p></li><li><p>Parenting plans and child-centered decision making</p></li><li><p>The role of limited legal guidance in self-representation</p></li><li><p>Common mistakes and misunderstandings in divorce proceedings</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>[0:03:44]</strong> <strong>Too Much Information Can Become Overwhelming</strong> - Trying to navigate family law forms through online searches alone can quickly become confusing, especially without understanding which documents actually apply to your situation.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:06:19]</strong> <strong>Financial Affidavits Require Extreme Attention to Detail</strong> - Even small inconsistencies between financial documents and child support calculations can delay hearings and force parties to redo filings.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:15:09] Flexible Co-Parenting Works Best When Children Remain the Priority</strong> - Casey and her former spouse were able to create a workable parenting plan because they focused on their child’s needs instead of rigid control or conflict.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:21:31]</strong> <strong>Court Approval Does Not Mean Everything Is Correct</strong> - Initial acceptance of filings only confirms that documents appear complete, not that the legal or financial details are accurate enough for final approval.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:30:30]</strong> <strong>Self Representation Is Possible With The Right Support And Preparation</strong> - Casey encourages people with cooperative divorces to consider handling the process themselves while still seeking legal guidance when needed for clarity and confidence.</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>“Child support has nothing to do for the parent; that's the child's right to be taken care of.” - Casey Zidek</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>About Casey Zidek: </strong>Casey Zidek is a determined self‑represented litigant who successfully navigated her own divorce in Florida, managing complex family‑law forms, court e‑filings, and the final hearing while prioritizing her child’s best interests. She supplemented her pro se efforts with targeted attorney consultations to review paperwork and clarify parenting plan and financial details, demonstrating a pragmatic, detail‑oriented approach despite challenges from ADHD. Casey values cooperation and clear structure, advocating for practical solutions that create a stable home base for her child.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Susan:</strong> </p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/</a></p><p>Podcast: <a href="https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/podcasts/</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-chesnutt-27077bb9/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-chesnutt-27077bb9/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thechesnuttlawfirm/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/thechesnuttlawfirm/</a></p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBwfp_IVpeX-YHKpxZ5L0g" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBwfp_IVpeX-YHKpxZ5L0g</a></p><p>Avvo: <a href="https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/32960-fl-susan-chesnutt-3330241.html" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/32960-fl-susan-chesnutt-3330241.html</a><br></p>
May 12, 2026
#55 Steven Bryant: Making Divorce Decisions With Confidence and Clarity
<p>What if the biggest financial mistakes in divorce aren’t just about money but about missing information?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Susan Chesnutt sits down with Steven Bryant to unpack how financial blind spots, poor planning, and a lack of analysis can cost families years of stress and thousands in unnecessary legal fees. </p><p><br></p><p>You’ll hear why divorce decisions are often made using incomplete or inaccurate numbers, how proper financial planning before settlement can change everything, and what it takes to move forward with clarity and confidence. This conversation challenges the way divorce is typically handled and offers a smarter path toward long-term financial security.</p><p> </p><p><strong>In this episode, Susan and Steven Bryant discuss:</strong> </p><ul><li><p>Financial planning and analysis in divorce decision-making</p></li><li><p>The role of financial professionals in family law cases</p></li><li><p>Long-term financial impact of settlement agreements</p></li><li><p>Common inefficiencies and gaps in the divorce process</p></li><li><p>The cost of litigation versus settlement-focused approaches</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>[0:02:17] Lack of Financial Clarity Can Prolong and Intensify Divorce</strong> - Even financially knowledgeable couples can spend years and significant legal fees when they rely on the system instead of fully understanding and resolving their finances.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:09:47] Financial Planning Provides Peace of Mind Before Settlement</strong> - Long-term financial projections help individuals determine if they will be secure in the future, reducing uncertainty and supporting confident settlement decisions.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:26:51] Accurate Numbers Must Come Before Any Negotiation</strong> - Negotiating without verified values, such as appraisals or complete financial data, leads to wasted time, conflict, and decisions based on guesswork.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:43:52]</strong> <strong>You Cannot Make Sound Decisions Without Complete Financial Information</strong> - Resolving a case without full financial data is like solving a puzzle without all the pieces, making informed outcomes nearly impossible.</p></li><li><p><strong>[1:12:10] Settling Outside of Court Preserves Control and Reduces Risk</strong> - Mediation allows individuals to retain control, while litigation increases costs, stress, and uncertainty by shifting decisions to the court.</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>“The sooner that you can show the spouses that they’re going to be financially secure, the sooner they will settle, which saves them the most time, money, and, most importantly, stress throughout this whole process.”</strong></p><p><strong>- Steven Bryant</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>About Steven Bryant: </strong>Steven F. Bryant is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and founder of Synergy Divorce Solutions, where he specializes in divorce planning, financial mediation, and settlement analysis. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he was inspired by his own family’s experience with divorce to help others navigate the process with greater clarity and less stress. Steven uses a collaborative, team-based approach and clear financial projections to guide clients toward informed, equitable decisions. His work focuses on helping individuals protect their long-term financial security and reach fair settlements outside of court.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Steven Bryant:</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://synergydivorcesolutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://synergydivorcesolutions.com/</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-f-bryant-1a935912a/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-f-bryant-1a935912a/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Susan:</strong> </p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/</a></p><p>Podcast: <a href="https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/podcasts/</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-chesnutt-27077bb9/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-chesnutt-27077bb9/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thechesnuttlawfirm/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/thechesnuttlawfirm/</a></p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBwfp_IVpeX-YHKpxZ5L0g" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBwfp_IVpeX-YHKpxZ5L0g</a></p><p>Avvo: <a href="https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/32960-fl-susan-chesnutt-3330241.html" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/32960-fl-susan-chesnutt-3330241.html</a><br></p>
April 28, 2026
#54 Olivia St. Clair Long: Why Winning in Court Can Mean Losing Your Child
<p>What happens when parents fight so hard to win that they lose sight of what their children actually need?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Susan Chesnutt sits down with Olivia St. Clair Long to unpack high-conflict custody, coercive control, and how the family law system can unintentionally shift focus away from children’s well-being. </p><p><br></p><p>You’ll hear how these dynamics play out in real cases, why many parents lose sight of what truly matters, and what healthier co-parenting can look like. This conversation challenges how “best interest” is defined and pushes you to rethink what it really means to show up for your child during conflict.</p><p> </p><p><strong>In this episode, Susan and Olivia St. Clair Long discuss:</strong> </p><ul><li><p>High-conflict litigation and its impact on children and families</p></li><li><p>Understanding coercive control in custody and parenting dynamics</p></li><li><p>Limitations within family court systems when addressing emotional conflict</p></li><li><p>Parenting structures like guardians ad litem and coordinators in decision-making</p></li><li><p>Redefining what it means to act in a child’s best interest</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>[0:06:41] Knowing Your Child Requires Active Involvement</strong> - If a parent cannot answer basic questions about their child’s daily life—like doctors, routines, or relationships—it reveals a disconnect that undermines true involvement and weakens claims of shared parenting responsibility.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:15:01] Coercive Control Is Often Misunderstood in Court</strong> - Even well-established concepts like coercive control are still poorly recognized in legal settings, making it difficult for victims to effectively communicate and prove their experiences.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:20:26] Litigation Often Means the Focus Has Shifted Away from the Child</strong> - By the time parents reach trial-level conflict, one or both have typically lost sight of what benefits the child, unless the situation involves genuine safety concerns like abuse or violence.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:44:05] Unresolved Conflict Teaches Children the Wrong Lessons</strong> - When parents fail to provide stability and consistency, children are forced to adapt on their own, often becoming overly independent in unhealthy ways due to a lack of reliable adult guidance.</p></li><li><p><strong>[0:48:29] Healthy Co-Parenting Requires Reducing Conflict, Not Winning Arguments</strong> - Acting in a child’s best interest means prioritizing productive and cooperative conflict resolution with a co-parent instead of focusing on control or “winning” disputes.</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>"By the time the parents are litigating… one or both has completely lost sight of what would be good for their kids."</strong></p><p><strong>- Olivia St. Clair Long</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>About Olivia St. Clair Long: </strong>Olivia St. Clair Long is the founder and principal attorney of O. Long Law, LLC, where she helps families navigate divorce, custody, and complex family law matters with clarity and confidence. A University of Chicago Law School graduate and former Big Law litigator, she is known for her direct approach, strategic advocacy, and commitment to empowering clients with the information they need to make strong decisions. Olivia also mentors attorneys and supports law firm owners through her Litigator Launchpad program.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Olivia St. Clair Long:</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://olonglaw.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://olonglaw.com/</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviastclairlong/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviastclairlong/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Susan:</strong> </p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/</a></p><p>Podcast: <a href="https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/podcasts/</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-chesnutt-27077bb9/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-chesnutt-27077bb9/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thechesnuttlawfirm/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/thechesnuttlawfirm/</a></p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBwfp_IVpeX-YHKpxZ5L0g" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBwfp_IVpeX-YHKpxZ5L0g</a></p><p>Avvo: <a href="https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/32960-fl-susan-chesnutt-3330241.html" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/32960-fl-susan-chesnutt-3330241.html</a><br></p>
56 total episodes available
Recent guests on From Foster Care to Family Law - A Child Welfare Focus
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Todd Mohink
Guest
Beth Proudfoot
Guest
James Dutton
Guest
Noel Thompson
Guest
Sandra Fava Esq
Guest
Benjamin Andreozzi
Guest
Taylor Hoskins
Guest
Jordan Lulich
Guest
Joan Ulsher
Guest
Janell Jones
Guest
Matthew Brickman
Guest
Daniel Nixon Taylor
Guest
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Deep-dive analytics for From Foster Care to Family Law - A Child Welfare Focus
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is From Foster Care to Family Law - A Child Welfare Focus?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.