Family lawyers see it all the time:
Your client’s ex (or their ex’s family members) is scaring the crap out of them with bluff, bluster, and baseless threats.
- “I’m going to take full custody.”
- “You’ll never see a dime from me.”
- “I’ll ruin you in court.”
These threats rattle clients—especially those unfamiliar with litigation.
Their instinct is to engage. They defend. They try to reason with their ex. They may even ask you to reach out to opposing counsel.
Their anxiety is through the roof.
And before the real legal battle even begins, their mental energy and financial resources are already depleted.
But here’s the truth:
Most of these threats are just noise.
The strategic move isn’t to react—it’s to let these words fall to the ground.
- Don’t validate them.
- Don’t waste legal fees responding to nonsense.
- Don’t let fear dictate their next move.
Clients need to understand that this isn’t a villain—it’s a flailing human grasping for control.
What I Teach My Clients
Many recently separated men (and some women, too) say and do ridiculous things.
- They have close confidants to talk to.
- No yoga classes to attend.
- No chardonnay hour with their girl friends.
So they lash out.
They stir up drama.
But that doesn’t mean your client has to play along.
Don’t give these words credence. Don’t waste precious brain space—or their legal war chest—on this nonsense.
No need to flail in response to a flailing human.
How I Help
Inside The Lifeline Sorority, I help clients separate real threats from intimidation tactics—so they can conserve resources, stay composed, and present as the strong, stable parent in court.
If you have a client reacting to every threat, this work can make all the difference.
