The Reality of Family Law with Bartos and Company
The Reality of Family Law with Bartos and Company is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the complexities of family law. Hosted by Sean O'Connor and featuring insights from David Bartos, an experienced family law attorney, the show offers practical advice and expert perspectives on navigating divorce, custody, and child support issues. Designed for individuals facing family law challenges, the podcast aims to provide clarity and guidance through detailed discussions and real-life examples. Whether you're considering legal action or simply seeking to understand your rights, this series equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Episodes

Aug 27, 2026
Aug 27, 2026
18 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Reality of Family Law with Bartos and Company, host Shameika Rhymes and Managing Attorney David S. Bartos delve into the intricacies of contested and uncontested divorces in Ohio. David explains the fundamental differences between these two types of divorces, highlighting scenarios such as mutual agreements and instances where one party fails to respond. The discussion covers common factors that escalate a divorce into a contested situation, including child custody disputes, financial disagreements, and communication breakdowns. David provides insights into how communication, or the lack thereof, can significantly impact the cost and direction of a divorce case. He also discusses the role of technology and apps in facilitating better communication between divorcing parties. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the divorce process in Ohio and practical advice on handling complex family law issues.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction00:24 – Understanding Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce01:55 – What Makes a Divorce Contested02:46 – Common Triggers for Contested Divorce04:10 – Communication Challenges in Divorce06:13 – Impact of New Relationships on Divorce Proceedings08:29 – Communication's Role in Divorce Costs09:24 – Tools for Improving Communication10:41 – Realistic Expectations for Uncontested Divorce11:08 – Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse in Divorce12:34 – Parental Intentions and Children's Best Interests13:34 – Financial Disputes and Small Business Concerns15:54 – Legal Costs and Divorce Timeline17:09 – Importance of Default Agreements
About the Show: The Reality of Family Law with Bartos and Company is a podcast dedicated to demystifying the complexities of family law for listeners in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Hosted by experienced legal professionals, the show covers a wide range of topics including divorce, custody, and child support, offering practical advice and insights. With a focus on clarity and understanding, each episode aims to empower listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate challenging family law situations. Whether you're facing a legal issue or simply want to learn more about family law, this podcast provides valuable information and guidance.
For more information, visit our website:https://www.bartoscompany.com/

Jul 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
20 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Reality of Family Law with Bartos and Company, host Sean O'Connor is joined by David S. Bartos, the managing attorney at Bartos and Company LPA. They delve into the complexities of child custody decisions in Ohio, discussing how courts prefer parents to reach agreements independently and the factors judges consider when making custody determinations. David shares insights into the role of guardians ad litem, the importance of parental involvement, and the impact of communication between parents. He also touches on the use of AI in legal practices and the potential pitfalls attorneys face when relying on technology. This episode is essential for anyone navigating the intricacies of family law, providing practical advice on how to approach custody disputes with civility and strategic communication.
Key Timestamps:00:02 – Introduction00:54 – Understanding Custody Decisions in Ohio02:14 – Case Example: Custody Across State Lines03:38 – Factors Judges Consider in Custody Cases05:21 – The Role of AI in Family Law07:06 – Tools Courts Use to Facilitate Agreements08:43 – Documenting Parental Involvement10:04 – Mistakes to Avoid in Custody Disputes12:26 – Children's Preferences in Custody Decisions14:00 – Case Example: Child's Career Aspirations and Custody15:24 – Importance of Early Legal Consultation16:00 – Communication Strategies for Custody Agreements18:13 – Picking Battles in Custody Negotiations
About the Show: The Reality of Family Law with Bartos and Company is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners navigate the often complex world of family law. Hosted by Sean O'Connor, the show features insights from experienced attorneys like David S. Bartos, who provide practical advice on issues such as divorce, custody, and child support. With a focus on clarity and real-world application, the series aims to demystify legal processes and empower listeners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Whether you're facing a family law challenge or simply want to understand the legal landscape, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and guidance.

Jul 2, 2026
Jul 2, 2026
19 min
Episode Summary:
In this inaugural episode of The Reality of Family Law with Bartos and Company, host Sean O'Connor sits down with David Bartos, the managing attorney at Bartos and Company, LPA. They delve into the complexities of filing for divorce in Ohio, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of what to expect during the process. David shares his journey into law, highlighting the importance of understanding the legal landscape and the common pitfalls individuals face when initiating a divorce. The discussion covers key topics such as the timeline for divorce proceedings, the impact of delaying legal action, and the critical issues surrounding child custody and financial disputes. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the practical steps involved in protecting assets and ensuring a fair outcome. This episode is essential for anyone considering divorce or seeking to understand the intricacies of family law in Ohio.
Key Timestamps:
00:02 – Introduction
00:55 – David Bartos' Path to Law
02:57 – Early Career as a Prosecutor
04:30 – Filing for Divorce in Ohio
05:44 – Timeline and Court Guidelines
07:43 – Serving Divorce Papers
09:08 – Importance of Early Legal Consultation
10:29 – Consequences of Delaying Divorce
12:25 – Common Divorce Disputes
13:37 – Impact of Behavior on Divorce Outcomes
15:24 – Real-Life Divorce Scenarios
16:49 – Misconceptions About Divorce Settlements
18:33 – Final Thoughts and Advice
About the Show:
The Reality of Family Law with Bartos and Company is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the complexities of family law. Hosted by Sean O'Connor and featuring insights from David Bartos, an experienced family law attorney, the show offers practical advice and expert perspectives on navigating divorce, custody, and child support issues. Designed for individuals facing family law challenges, the podcast aims to provide clarity and guidance through detailed discussions and real-life examples. Whether you're considering legal action or simply seeking to understand your rights, this series equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.








