#sorelatable Podcast EP 25 – Co-Parenting with a Non-Cooperative Ex: Legal Limits, Emotional Survival, and Realistic Tools

In this eye-opening episode, Susan Regan, MFT, sits down with Robert Terris, JD, MFT—attorney, mediator, and therapist—to talk about one of the toughest post-divorce realities: parenting with someone who just won’t cooperate.

Together, they explore the emotional toll, legal roadblocks, and therapeutic options available to parents navigating the exhausting imbalance of being “the responsible one.” You’ll learn how to refocus your energy where it matters, empower your children, and set realistic expectations when the legal system comes up short.

Topics We Cover:

• What courts can (and can’t) do when a parent disengages

• Parenting Coordinators vs Custody Evaluators: Pros and Pitfalls

• When to use therapy or mediation instead of returning to court

• The emotional consequences of unresolved co-parenting dynamics

• Helping kids process grief and develop resilience

• Empowering children to use their voice—without parentification

• How to move through the stages of grief, including acceptance, rebuilding, and hope

Key Quote:
"You can't fix dysfunction through court orders—but you can empower your child, and focus on showing up as the parent you wish they had twice." – Robert Terris

Resources:
Guest: Robert Terris, JD, MFT
Host: Susan Regan, MFT