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Host and Southern California Attorney Mark Reel Jr. talks all things family law with top family law attorneys and fathers rights advocates, bringing a new perspective from a different state each week. - Navigating the world of family law court can be daunting for fathers. Decades of bias, archaic systems, and a lack of education leave men out to dry. Mark and his guests set out to change the narrative and educate men all over the United States with practical tips and knowledge to help anyone better navigate the family court system. - From Divorce to Child Custody to Domestic Violence, Mark and his guests discuss the uncomfortable topics that can help men succeed in both the short term and long term when navigating precarious situations when it comes to family law court. - You can learn more about Mark on his website: www.ReelFathersRights.com or on social media at The Fathers Rights Attorney.
Episodes
Mar 25, 2026
Mar 25, 2026
3 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com
About This Episode:
In this episode, family rights attorney Mark Ruel Jr. explains the five legal "filters" often used by the government to dismiss Section 1983 lawsuits, which are civil actions for rights violations by state actors. He breaks down the Qualified Immunity Trap, where officials can be protected if no identical prior case exists, and the Rooker-Feldman Doctrine, which prevents federal courts from overturning state court family law decisions. Ruel also discusses the Absolute Judicial Immunity of judges and prosecutors, the Monell Standard requiring proof of official policy rather than individual error, and the No Physical Seizure rule that often disqualifies harassment claims if children were not physically removed. The episode aims to educate viewers on the uphill battle of filing these cases and advocates for legal reform to hold government officials accountable.
Mar 13, 2026
Mar 13, 2026
6 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com
About This Episode:
This episode discusses a high-stakes legal battle between NBA superstar Luka Dončić and his ex-fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, who has filed for child support and attorney fees in California. The host explains that Goltes is likely seeking to leverage California’s lack of a hard cap on child support for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, which could result in monthly payments exceeding $100,000—significantly more than what she would likely receive in their home country of Slovenia. While California can enforce financial support due to Dončić’s employment with the Lakers, the host notes a jurisdictional catch: the California courts cannot decide custody because the children have not lived in the state for the required six months. The episode concludes by predicting a protracted international court battle or a quiet out-of-court settlement as Dončić’s legal team attempts to move the case back to Slovenia.
Mar 6, 2026
Mar 6, 2026
3 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com
About This Episode:
On this episode, Mark Reel Jr. breaks down the two-part constitutional shield of due process that stands between a family and state overreach. He explains that procedural due process acts as the court's "user manual," requiring the three pillars of official notice, a meaningful opportunity to be heard, and an impartial judge to ensure the legal process is fair. Mark then dives into substantive due process, which protects the fundamental liberty interest parents have in the care and control of their children. Because these rights are fundamental, the state must meet the "strict scrutiny" standard, proving they have a compelling reason—such as preventing immediate physical harm—before they can legally interfere with a family. Ultimately, he illustrates how procedural due process protects the trial itself, while substantive due process protects the very fabric of the family.
Feb 25, 2026
Feb 25, 2026
3 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com
About This Episode:
The Troxel v. Granville Supreme Court case established that fit parents have a fundamental 14th Amendment right to make decisions regarding the care and custody of their children. The ruling struck down an overly broad Washington state law that allowed any person to sue for visitation, asserting that the government cannot override a fit parent's choices just because a judge believes a different arrangement would be "better". While frequently cited by parental rights advocates to support autonomy and equal time, the case specifically addressed disputes between parents and third parties, such as grandparents, rather than conflicts between two fit parents.
Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
4 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com.
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com
About This Episode:
In early 2026, Jim Edmonds secured sole physical custody of his children after a legal battle with ex-wife Meghan King, triggered by allegations that she administered unprescribed Ritalin to their son. Following a CPS investigation initiated by a mandatory school reporter and a previous restraining order involving Jim’s current wife, Courtney, a December 2025 settlement resulted in the children moving to Tennessee to live with Jim full-time. This case mirrors California legal procedures, where the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigates similar reports via a Section 3027 report to determine if allegations are founded, which can lead to emergency custody shifts and restricted visitation.
Feb 11, 2026
Feb 11, 2026
6 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com.
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com.
About This Episode:
Family law attorney Mark Real Jr. explains the legal and logistical challenges of claiming children as dependents on tax returns after a divorce or separation. He notes that while court orders often specify how tax credits should be divided between parents, the IRS primarily determines eligibility based on the number of overnights each parent spends with the children. Real emphasizes that following the court order is crucial to avoid sanctions, especially since electronic filing conflicts—where one parent files first—can trigger reviews that delay both parents' tax returns.
Feb 4, 2026
Feb 4, 2026
8 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com.
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com.
About This Episode:
The legal battle between NBA star Anthony Edwards and influencer Aisha (Ayesha) Howard centers on a jurisdictional dispute over their daughter, Baby Aubrey, who was born in October 2024. A California judge ruled in early 2025 that the state lacked jurisdiction over child support, a major win for Edwards as it moved the financial proceedings to Georgia, where support caps are generally lower than in California. Despite being granted sole custody, Howard has allegedly delayed signing the final agreement due to new demands, including a public apology on all of Edwards' social media platforms and $500,000 in damages for reputational and financial harm. Edwards, who has not met his daughter and is not seeking visitation, has accused Howard of exploiting the litigation and their child for social media content. Howard has since appealed the jurisdictional ruling, accusing Edwards of misleading the court about his business ties to California.
Jan 28, 2026
Jan 28, 2026
3 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com.
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com.
About This Episode:
In July 2025, Haley Ah-Yone filed a petition in Los Angeles County to establish the parental relationship of her then-unborn child with Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. The legal battle involves requests for full physical custody and child support, and has been marked by social media conflict, including allegations from Ah-Yone that Nacua was a "narcissist". While the child, Kingston, was born in October 2025 with Nacua present, the legal case remains complex due to Nacua's formal request for a DNA test and recent controversial comments he made on a live stream advising against marriage.
Jan 21, 2026
Jan 21, 2026
3 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com.
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com.
About This Episode:
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Senator Angela Paxton initially succeeded in having their divorce case file sealed by a judge in Collin County, arguing it was a private family matter. However, a coalition of media outlets intervened, citing Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, which presumes court records are open to the public unless a "specific, serious, and substantial interest" outweighs the public's right to know. Faced with a high likelihood of losing in court due to the public interest in the Attorney General’s conduct and finances, the Paxtons preemptively agreed to unseal the records. The released documents revealed that Angela Paxton is seeking a disproportionate share of their estate, alleging adultery as grounds for the divorce.
Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026
4 min
Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!
Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o
Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv
Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL
San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X
Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc
Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com.
Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com.
About This Episode:
What happens when state law turns a hospital into a "biological incubator"? This episode explores the harrowing story of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old nurse who was declared brain-dead while nine weeks pregnant. Despite her family’s wishes, Georgia's "Life Act" led the hospital to keep her on mechanical life support for 116 days to ensure the delivery of her son, Baby Chance. The legal nightmare didn't end there; because Adriana and the father, Adrian Harden, were not married, he was forced to sue the state just to be recognized as a legal parent. We dive into the intersection of medical ethics, Georgia’s heartbeat laws, and the complex battle for father’s rights in the wake of tragedy.