Been There Got Out High-Conflict Divorce, Custody, and Co-Parenting Strategists
Been There Got Out

OVERWHELMED BY YOUR CRAZY DIVORCE OR CUSTODY BATTLE?

Divorcing a narcissist can be a nightmare.

The aftermath can be worse.

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High-Conflict Divorce, Custody, & Co-Parenting Strategists

If you have a crazy situation that nobody – including your lawyer – seems to understand, if your legal fight is dragging on forever, or if your former partner is undermining your relationships with your children…

This is different. It requires a different approach. We only deal with the worst cases. We’re very comfortable with chaos.

We’re Chris & Lisa. We’ve both been there ourselves in our own divorces. We both got out in one piece, but not without making costly mistakes. If we only knew then what we know now, we both could have saved who-knows-how-much time, money, and energy.

With “all the knowledge, wisdom, & experience we never wanted,” we have helped hundreds of clients & thousands in our broader community navigate these horrific situations.

Take a Deep Breath...

The Worst Part of Your Life
is Coming to a Close

Staying “for the kids”

Alex had always been resilient. Surely she could have endured the abuse until their children were out of the house. But she finally had to leave when she learned about the dangers facing kids who grow up in abusive homes, not the least of which is learning that “this is normal,” which sets them up for the same kind of relationships in their lives.

Staying “for the kids”

Alex had always been resilient. Surely she could have endured the abuse until their children were out of the house. But she finally had to leave when she learned about the dangers facing kids who grow up in abusive homes, not the least of which is learning that “this is normal,” which sets them up for the same kind of relationships in their lives.

“My lawyer will save me.”

Alex was terrified of family court. She had no idea how the process worked, and her ex was off the rails – not complying with discovery and making wild, false allegations that SHE was abusive! Her attorney had claimed to understand narcissism, but later told her, “This is the craziest case I’ve ever had!”

“My lawyer will save me.”

Alex was terrified of family court. She had no idea how the process worked, and her ex was off the rails – not complying with discovery and making wild, false allegations that SHE was abusive! Her attorney had claimed to understand narcissism, but later told her, “This is the craziest case I’ve ever had!”

“Nobody sees it!”

As the legal costs skyrocketed, so did Alex’s fear. The judge seemed to believe her ex and his bully attorney, no matter how absurd their claims, while Alex’s narrative about all the abuse she suffered was falling on deaf ears – even making things worse – as she just tried to protect her children from her ex.

“Nobody sees it!”

As the legal costs skyrocketed, so did Alex’s fear. The judge seemed to believe her ex and his bully attorney, no matter how absurd their claims, while Alex’s narrative about all the abuse she suffered was falling on deaf ears – even making things worse – as she just tried to protect her children from her ex.

“I’ll have my day in court.”

As the custody battle raged on, Alex lost hope that it would ever end. Her lawyer had told her that everyone calms down eventually, but her ex was angrier than ever, and Alex knew that would never change. She came to understand that he’d never be satisfied until she was homeless, penniless, and childless. A trial would cost a fortune, and it looked more and more like things wouldn’t go her way.

“I’ll have my day in court.”

As the custody battle raged on, Alex lost hope that it would ever end. Her lawyer had told her that everyone calms down eventually, but her ex was angrier than ever, and Alex knew that would never change. She came to understand that he’d never be satisfied until she was homeless, penniless, and childless. A trial would cost a fortune, and it looked more and more like things wouldn’t go her way.

Just make it stop!

Out of money and energy, her lawyer hardly even returning her calls, Alex finally took a settlement offer that she knew was unfair. Why did everyone – the mediator, the judge, even her own attorney – push her to make concessions, when the other side never gave an inch?!? Desperate at this point, at least Alex was out of the legal system… for now.

Just make it stop!

Out of money and energy, her lawyer hardly even returning her calls, Alex finally took a settlement offer that she knew was unfair. Why did everyone – the mediator, the judge, even her own attorney – push her to make concessions, when the other side never gave an inch?!? Desperate at this point, at least Alex was out of the legal system… for now.

Your own personal terrorist.

As unhappy as she was with the custody terms, it was even worse trying to co-parent with her ex. Their parenting plan was filled with vague language and her ex took full advantage in an effort to continue the same power dynamic from their marriage. It was impossible to cooperate on anything, and her ex made constant demands and threats. The fight was far from over.

Your own personal terrorist.

As unhappy as she was with the custody terms, it was even worse trying to co-parent with her ex. Their parenting plan was filled with vague language and her ex took full advantage in an effort to continue the same power dynamic from their marriage. It was impossible to cooperate on anything, and her ex made constant demands and threats. The fight was far from over.

What’s happening to my children?

Alex also felt her relationship with her kids changing… and not for the better. They were parroting what her ex would say, and becoming more and more difficult. She knew her ex was trying to turn the kids against her, and feared it was working.

What’s happening to my children?

Alex also felt her relationship with her kids changing… and not for the better. They were parroting what her ex would say, and becoming more and more difficult. She knew her ex was trying to turn the kids against her, and feared it was working.

Two Big Problems

If you’re like Alex, there are two main reasons you might suffer so much more than you have to:

You don't understand what's going on or how to deal with it.

You need to know what you're doing.

Family court and everything surrounding it can be a confounding, frustrating environment that makes no sense. When your ex has a high-conflict personality, it can be a maddening sinkhole of time, money, and emotional energy. You need to know how to take more of a leadership role, build your narrative, and communicate with your ex strategically to give yourself the best chance at getting the best possible outcome.

You don't have the right support and give up too soon.

You need to be ready for a marathon.

Divorcing a narcissist is never easy, and even when the dust settles from the legal fight, the conflict is not going to stop. High-conflict personality types are exhausting to deal with, and so often those closest to you just don't "get it." You need the support of people who will never say, "Why don't you just..."

You don't understand what's going on or how to deal with it.

[TAP FOR INFO]

You need to know what you're doing.

Family court and everything surrounding it can be a confounding, frustrating environment that makes no sense. When your ex has a high-conflict personality, it can be a maddening sinkhole of time, money, and emotional energy. You need to know how to take more of a leadership role, build your narrative, and communicate with your ex strategically to give yourself the best chance at getting the best possible outcome.

You don't have the right support and give up too soon.

[TAP FOR INFO]

You need to be ready for a marathon.

Divorcing a narcissist is never easy, and even when the dust settles from the legal fight, the conflict is not going to stop. High-conflict personality types are exhausting to deal with, and so often those closest to you just don't "get it." You need the support of people who will never say, "Why don't you just..."

We have been told we are the best in the world at what we do.

When you’re facing the overwhelming reality of a high-conflict divorce, a heated custody battle, or the relentless struggle of co-parenting with a narcissistic ex, it feels like an impossible climb. You’ve likely already discovered that this journey won’t be quick, inexpensive, or simple.

But here’s the powerful truth: you have far more control than you realize, and your children can absolutely emerge from this experience whole and resilient. Yes, it will demand significant effort, but if anyone’s up for the challenge, it’s you. You’ve already proven your strength.

Imagine cutting through the chaos, saving precious time, money, and emotional energy, and shielding yourself and your children from further harm. This isn’t just a hopeful thought; it’s a very real outcome when you’re equipped with expert guidance and the unwavering support you deserve. We’re here to show you exactly how to do it.

Expert Advice

How & When You Need it

The single best thing you can do to support your case…

There is usually no better evidence for a custody case than your direct communications with your ex. We spend more time with our clients on strategic communication than anything else, for good reason. Watch our free webinar packed with practical advice and give your own communication a makeover.

The single best thing you can do to support your case…

There is usually no better evidence for a custody case than your direct communications with your ex. We spend more time with our clients on strategic communication than anything else, for good reason. Watch our free webinar packed with practical advice and give your own communication a makeover.

Strategic Coaching

Our audience tends to be crisis-driven, just like we were years ago. If you need help right now and want to work directly with us, we still accept 1:1 (well, 2:1) coaching clients. To see if we might be able to help you, schedule a free discovery call with us.

Strategic Coaching

Our audience tends to be crisis-driven, just like we were years ago. If you need help right now and want to work directly with us, we still accept 1:1 (well, 2:1) coaching clients. To see if we might be able to help you, schedule a free discovery call with us.

Photo of a woman reading our book in a cafe

Get up to speed in a weekend

When leaving a relationship  with a narcissist, you can’t just walk away – especially with children in the picture. You need to be prepared.

Our book, “Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances,” is your unvarnished, comprehensive guide. It offers an insider’s perspective on what truly lies ahead, empowering you to anticipate challenges and protect yourself and your peace of mind.

Photo of a woman reading our book in a cafe
Get up to speed in a weekend

When leaving a relationship with a narcissist, you can’t just walk away – especially with children in the picture. You need to be prepared.

Our book, “Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances,” is your unvarnished, comprehensive guide. It offers an insider’s perspective on what truly lies ahead, empowering you to anticipate challenges and protect yourself and your peace of mind.

Go deeper… for free

We have interviewed hundreds of experts from lawyers to therapists to custody evaluators (lots of lawyers). Save yourself the time and effort of searching through them all – answer a couple of quick questions, and we’ll set you up with a customized playlist of the interviews that will help you right now.

a book floating magically in a library

Our Clients Say...

"We settled! We saved thousands doing so. We used a longer term parenting plan like you suggested which keeps us out of court for a longer time!... I'm happy we got out hopefully for awhile now. Phew! Thank you thank you thank you for helping us and for you email this morning. It gave me an extre courage boost!"

"20 months later, we won in court today. The allocation remains 80/20 as it has been, the children have a say if they want to go, AND his child support went up. There are some lingering details, but the battle for my kids was won today. We will never have to go through this again. THANK YOU for all of the guidance and support you have both provided! You are truly helping to save childhoods! XOXOXO

"It was a total loss for her. She picked this fight, spent both our $$ on evaluations, high conflict classes, countless court therapy sessions... everything. She refused to back down, compromise, or even accept an order to reduced child support. She refused everything. And it was all for nothing. She screwed herself and her life with her own ego. I wouldn't believe this outcome if you had told me in advance. This outcome was simply not possible. Yet here we are. We are finally free. She's had us in her grips for 10 YEARS, the last two being the worst. We are finally free! Thank you thank you thank you!"

"Thank you for the support you both provide! Our 1:1 sessions, the Sunday group, and IG lives have provided so much clarity, direction, and sense of community in and of themselves. You helped me get my ex to agree to child support - a huge deal. I did this without lawyers, saving myself so much money. I hadn't stopped to realize what a feat I had accomplished. It really gave me more motivation and self- confidence to keep going. It's beyond words the impact you are having on those of us still in the trenches."

We wish we could show the real names of our wonderful clients who have had success working with us, but the nature of our work makes anonymity critical. We’ve changed the names and some details that could be personally identifiable out of caution. You have our word that these are otherwise direct quotes, and that we’ll always keep your own details completely private if we work together.

Critical Areas of Focus

Navigating a high-conflict divorce or custody battle requires a precise, strategic approach. We zero in on the most crucial aspects of your case, empowering you to protect yourself and your children, achieve favorable outcomes, and reclaim your peace of mind. Here’s where we can make the biggest difference:

Take Strategic Oversight of Your Case

[TAP FOR INFO]

Most Lawyers Don't "Get it"

These cases are different and require a different approach. You need to take more of a leadership role and get out in front of all the chaos.
Get Help Now

Communicate Strategically with Your Ex/Co-Parent

[TAP FOR INFO]

The Most Important Thing for Your Case... And Your Sanity

ChatGPT won't cure your PTSD! Support your case, shift the power dynamic, and maybe solve a problem or two by communicating properly with your ex. This is too important for AI.
Learn More

Align Your Documentation with What the Judge Cares About

[TAP FOR INFO]

Don't Waste Your Precious Airtime

Too many people waste their opportunity to present their case by focusing on things the court doesn't care about (like your ex's abusive behavior towards you).
Get Help

Present Yourself in the Best Possible Light in Court & to Professionals

[TAP FOR INFO]

Polish Your Image

Mediators, custody evaluators, GALs, and of course judges will have a huge say in the next phase of your life. You need them to like - and believe - you.
Get an Image Makeover

Draft an Airtight Parenting Plan with Crystal Clear Language

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Your Parenting Plan Will Be Your Constitution

And your ex will try everything to weaponize it. Lawyers' template plans are almost always filled with problems. We can close the loopholes and make sure your plan is airtight.
Talk with the Experts

Counter Your Ex's Efforts to Turn Your Children Against You

[TAP FOR INFO]

Preserve Your Relationships with Your Kids

The most tragic situations we see are when narcissistic exes alienate kids from loving parents. No matter how bad it is, there's a LOT you can do.
Take Action Now

Friends & Colleagues

Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute
Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute
Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute
Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute
Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute
Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute
Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute
Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute
Lisa and Chris do such important work and are amazing at everything. They practically poop out successful outcomes.
Bill Eddy
Founder, High-Conflict Institute