13. When the Court Becomes the Abuser: Christine of Leto Advisors on DARVO, High Conflict Divorce, and Fighting for Your Children

"18 children were murdered in 20 months in one state. 15 of them were already in the system." This episode explores one of the most urgent and least understood realities facing abuse survivors: what happens when family court becomes another tool of control. Christine, owner and coach of Leto Advisors and Advocates, shares her journey navigating an international custody battle across two US states, being accused of Munchausen by proxy and parental alienation, and ultimately turning her case around to protect her children. The conversation breaks down DARVO, the manipulation tactic abusers use to flip the script and make survivors appear to be the problem, and explores why family court often mislabels one-sided abuse as a two-person conflict. It also covers Kayden's Law, what it means for survivors, why criminal and family courts don't communicate, the danger of reunification camps, and practical strategies for navigating a high-conflict divorce without losing yourself or your children. There is a gap between what your attorney handles and what your therapist handles. This episode explains exactly why that matters, and what fills that gap. Send us Fan Mail The personal experiences shared in this podcast are the opinions of the individuals sharing them and are not intended to serve as professional advice or constitute accusations about any other person, organization, or group. We encourage you to seek professional support and assistance. The topics discussed in this podcast may be distressing and triggering for some listeners and could impact your mental health. The content of this podcast is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. For more information and resources, please visit hanginthere.net.