The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only.

It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.

Divorce, custody battles, domestic violence.

These cases unfold every day in family courts.

But the stories don't end in the courtroom.

The courtroom is just the beginning. I'm Michelle Locke, and this is Love Lust Law.

The series, it dives deep into the legal battles fueled by love, lust, power, money, betrayal, and survival.

But before we crack open the first season of cases, we need a proper

introduction in family law. Think of this as Family Law 101, the basics. It's the first class you take

in law school. It's the nuts, the bolts, the foundational episode to get you ready for what's to come.

Joining me today is my friend, colleague, and executive producer of Love Lost Law, Jake Debtula. You have heard his voice for many years as the host of Lovelace Fear and co-host of Strictly Stocking. Unfortunately for Jake, he's going to have to embark on his first cross-examination. And y'all, he's going to put me in the hot seat. Jake, thanks for being

here. Let's get to it. Michelle, I want to know what led you to practice family law, and how did

that path evolve into becoming a judge? I've always wanted to be a lawyer. My youngest age, I remember

is being eight years old, and my father, and my parents went

their ugly divorce.

I was second grade, Vista was elementary, and my dad told me that he would disown me if I became

a lawyer.

Important to note that my dad was a surgeon.

At that time, medical malpractice lawsuits were running ramp in Texas.

It was before tort reform.

And so he really hated lawyers.

Plus, unbeknownst to me at eight years old, my dad had already been divorced twice on his third wife.

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