In Episode 59 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston welcome back one of the show’s most-requested guests—Michael Boatwright, CPA and founder of Boatwright CPA. Known for making taxes surprisingly engaging (and occasionally terrifying), Michael joins the conversation to break down what divorced or newly separated individuals need to know as they head into a new tax year.

Ep 59 - audio

Over a bold Hot Honey Peach Margarita, the group dives into filing status pitfalls, dependency disputes, and the financial reality shifts that often follow divorce.

Why December 31 Matters More Than You Think

Michael explains one of the most misunderstood tax rules: your filing status is determined by your marital status on December 31. If a divorce is finalized before the end of the year, a person may file as single (or head of household, if qualified) for the entire year. If not, they are still considered married—even if separated.

This rule alone explains why so many clients rush to finalize divorces before year-end. But Michael cautions that while filing jointly is often financially better overall, many divorcing couples choose filing status for non-tax reasons—usually emotional ones.

The Risk of Joint Returns After Divorce

Filing jointly requires both spouses to sign and accept joint and several liability, meaning either party can be held responsible for the full tax bill—even years later if the IRS audits the return. Michael stresses that this risk must be fully understood before signing, especially when trust between spouses has already broken down.

For CPAs, this creates ethical challenges. Once a couple is divorcing, advising one spouse over the other creates a conflict of interest, often requiring accountants to step back and work directly with attorneys instead.

Dependency Claims and IRS Disputes

One of the most common post-divorce tax conflicts involves claiming children as dependents. Michael explains that IRS rules rely on facts and circumstances, not just court orders. The parent with the most overnight stays during the year is typically considered the custodial parent for tax purposes—regardless of what the decree says.

When one parent improperly claims a child early in the year, the other parent may be forced to file on paper, submit Form 8332, and wait for the IRS to correct the issue. While the IRS will eventually award the credit to the correct parent, the delay can be stressful and financially disruptive.

New Reality, New Financial Strategy

Divorce often turns a two-income household into one, cuts retirement savings in half, and disrupts credit. Michael emphasizes the importance of updating W-4 withholding immediately after divorce. Employers will not adjust tax withholding unless instructed, which can lead to unpleasant surprises at filing time.

He also encourages clients to approach the new year with realism. Budgets change. Cash flow changes. And planning must adapt accordingly. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s avoiding avoidable mistakes.

The Takeaway

Episode 59 highlights a critical truth: divorce doesn’t end with the final decree. Taxes, finances, and planning decisions made in the months that follow can have long-lasting consequences. With clear guidance and early action, many post-divorce tax disasters can be avoided.

As Michael puts it plainly: “There’s always an option—but some options land you in jail.”

In Episode 58 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston are joined by producer Josh Sharon for a spirited—and unexpectedly viral—conversation that has nothing to do with divorce and everything to do with music, culture, and hot sports opinions. What began as an off-the-cuff comment in a prior episode exploded online, prompting Bryan to double down (and then triple down) on his stance: the 1990s were the apex of music as a whole, and hip-hop is the most influential genre in history.

Over a fresh Strawberry Paloma, the trio unpacks why this opinion struck such a nerve—and why Bryan refuses to walk it back.

Why the Comment Went Viral

The original clip—just over a minute long—generated 59 days of watch time, a statistic that stunned everyone involved. Janice jokes that Bryan didn’t realize what he’d unleashed because he doesn’t use social media. Josh, who was front-row for the chaos, heard comments ranging from thoughtful debate to outright threats of bodily harm over music preferences.

Despite the reaction, Bryan maintains the point wasn’t about dismissing other eras or genres, but about collective cultural impact. “Not the best individual artist,” he explains, “but the best moment where all genres peaked at the same time.”

The Case for the 90s

The discussion spans rock, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. Bryan argues that while other decades produced legendary artists, no other era matched the 1990s in cross-genre dominance. Rock was still powerful, R&B groups thrived, pop icons ruled the airwaves, and hip-hop went global.

Josh and Janice agree—with caveats. While acknowledging that the 1980s had unbeatable moments and the early 2000s produced strong individual artists, they struggle to name a genre that is stronger today than it was in the 90s.

Why Hip-Hop Changed Everything

Bryan’s strongest argument centers on hip-hop’s global reach. From clubs in Poland to tour buses in Morocco, he’s witnessed people who don’t speak English recite lyrics from 90s hip-hop classics. That level of cultural penetration, he argues, hasn’t been matched by any other genre.

The group also discusses how music consumption has changed—from albums and music videos to singles, ringtones, and streaming—and how that shift has altered creativity. In the 90s, artists built full albums and visual worlds. Today, success is often driven by hooks and algorithms rather than storytelling.

Music Videos, MTV, and Cultural Moments

One controversial online take suggested music videos “ruined” music. Bryan rejects that outright, pointing to iconic visuals like Thriller, Smooth Criminal, and Wu-Tang Clan’s Triumph as proof that videos elevated music rather than diminished it. MTV, TRL, and shared cultural moments created a communal experience that simply doesn’t exist in the same way today.

The Takeaway

Episode 58 is a reminder that music is one of the few things that still sparks passionate, cross-cultural conversation. While the debate over decades may never be settled, Bryan’s larger point stands: music once demanded time, attention, and investment—and something has been lost in the convenience of modern consumption.

As Bryan puts it, “If we can’t debate music civilly, how do we expect to debate anything else?”

In Episode 57 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston kick off the new year with a practical, encouraging conversation about reflection, planning, and proactive decision-making after divorce. Over a light and celebratory Fresh Start Spritzer—made with prosecco, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and Topo Chico—they focus on how January can set the tone for a healthier, more organized year for parents and children alike.

Why January Matters After Divorce

The Egglestons explain that once the holidays end, many parents finally have the mental space to reflect. The chaos slows, kids return to school, and reality sets in. For parents who are newly divorced—or still navigating litigation—this quiet period is an ideal time to look back at what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change moving forward.

Rather than waiting until the next holiday season to address problems, Bryan encourages parents to start early. “If you didn’t like how the holidays went,” he explains, “don’t wait until November to try to fix it.” Courts move slowly, and proactive planning often makes the difference between meaningful change and frustration.

Custody Modifications: Start Early, Not Late

January is also a strategic time to consider whether existing custody orders still reflect a child’s best interests. Circumstances change—parents remarry, families relocate, kids’ needs evolve, and school or activity schedules shift.

Bryan and Janice emphasize that modifications don’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes small changes—like adjusting a weekday exchange or revising summer schedules—can significantly improve stability for children. And when parents can reach agreement, modifications can often be resolved without court battles.

Waiting until the last minute, however, can make parents appear reactive rather than thoughtful. Courts are more receptive when changes are requested well in advance and clearly tied to a child’s needs.

Financial and Legal Checkups

Beyond custody, the Egglestons remind listeners that the beginning of the year is a smart time to revisit finances. Divorce often changes tax filing status, income, and expenses, making early meetings with CPAs or financial advisors especially important.

They also highlight one commonly overlooked task: updating wills and estate plans. Many people forget to revise beneficiaries, guardianship designations, and trusts after divorce. January offers a clean slate to make sure everything aligns with current circumstances and protects children appropriately.

Small Steps Still Count

Janice acknowledges that tackling custody, finances, and estate planning all at once can feel overwhelming—especially for single parents. The key, she says, is not doing everything at once, but simply getting things moving. Scheduling appointments, setting reminders, and creating a loose plan can ease stress and prevent last-minute crises later in the year.

The Takeaway

Episode 57 is a reminder that a “fresh start” doesn’t require drastic resolutions. Thoughtful reflection, early planning, and small proactive steps can create stability for parents—and security for children—throughout the year ahead.

As Bryan sums it up: planning early isn’t about control, it’s about giving yourself and your kids the best chance to succeed.

In Episode 56 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston welcome the new year with reflection, humor, and a candid conversation about growth—both personally and professionally. Over a festive holiday cocktail fittingly named “Eggnog & Eggleston”—made with bourbon, eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg—the couple looks back on 2025. It discusses how small, intentional changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

Reflecting on a Year of Impact

As the conversation opens, Bryan reflects on one of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of 2025: hearing from people who said the podcast helped them—even if they were never clients of the firm. From parents navigating divorce to individuals feeling isolated in their struggles, listeners expressed gratitude simply for hearing stories that reminded them they weren’t alone.

Janice echoes that sentiment, noting how powerful it is when guests are willing to share personal experiences. “It gives people solace,” she explains. “Sometimes hearing someone else say it out loud is exactly what someone needs.”

For the Egglestons, this realization reinforced why the podcast matters—not just as an extension of their law practice, but as a way to support families beyond the courtroom.

Why Big Resolutions Often Fail

Instead of traditional New Year’s resolutions, Bryan and Janice discuss the idea of incremental improvement. Both agree that setting drastic goals—especially during stressful life transitions like divorce or custody disputes—often leads to burnout and disappointment.

“Trying to be radically different on January 1 sets people up for failure,” Bryan explains. “It’s the small changes that stick.”

They relate this philosophy directly to family law clients. Parents emerging from divorce are often overwhelmed, adjusting to new routines, new emotions, and new responsibilities. Expecting perfection—whether as a parent, co-parent, or individual—is unrealistic. What matters, they say, is doing a little better today than yesterday.

Grace, Growth, and Parenting Through Change

Janice emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace, especially when life feels chaotic. “Sometimes it’s just about getting through the day,” she says. “Tomorrow can be a little better.”

The couple explains that this mindset benefits not only parents, but children as well. When parents focus on steady improvement rather than perfection, kids experience more stability and less pressure during already difficult transitions.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the episode wraps up, the Egglestons talk about goals for the year ahead—continuing the podcast, growing its reach, and staying grounded in why they do this work. Bryan shares a personal goal of focusing on different areas of life each week: being a better husband, father, friend, and lawyer—without trying to fix everything at once.

The episode closes with laughter, lighthearted banter, and optimism for the year ahead.

The Takeaway

Episode 56 is a reminder that progress doesn’t require perfection. Whether you’re navigating divorce, parenting challenges, or personal change, being 1% better every day is enough. Reflection, grace, and small steps forward can add up to meaningful growth over time.

Need Guidance During a Time of Change?
The Eggleston Law Firm in Spicewood, Texas, helps families navigate divorce, custody, and co-parenting challenges with clarity, strategy, and compassion.

📞 Learn more at www.lonestarlawfirm.com

In Episode 55 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston step away from legal topics and lean fully into the spirit of the season—gratitude, generosity, and community. Over a festive Peppermint White Chocolate Cocktail, the couple reflects on holiday traditions, parenting memories, and the incredible impact of a Central Texas initiative that quietly changes lives every year.

Ep 55 - Audio

The Holidays Beyond Gifts

As Bryan and Janice joke about Christmas movies, candy canes, and last-minute shopping stress, the conversation quickly turns more meaningful. They share that, as a family, they’ve never focused on exchanging gifts with each other. Instead, the holidays have always been about the kids—and about giving back.

That mindset leads directly into a heartfelt spotlight on the Stop & Live, Stop & Give Christmas Drive, a community-driven toy and essentials program founded and organized by their producer, Josh, alongside Janice. Now in its 11th year, the drive partners with Communities In Schools and Central Texas school districts to identify children who need help the most.

What the Kids Ask For Might Surprise You

Rather than extravagant wish lists, many children ask for the basics:

• Socks
• Jackets
• Toothbrushes
• Winter clothing

Of course, toys are included—but the real focus is dignity, warmth, and stability. School counselors work directly with students to complete lists in a way that protects their privacy and self-esteem, while sponsors step in to cover the cost.

This year alone, the drive is sponsoring 108 children, with each child averaging $100–$150 in support. As the episode unfolds, Bryan commits to sponsoring 10 additional children on the spot, bringing the total even higher.

Why It Matters

Josh explains that collecting donations is only half the challenge—distribution is the hard part. Coordinating between 15–20 campuses, organizing gifts, and ensuring every child receives exactly what they need requires months of planning and trusted community partnerships.

Janice quietly oversees the final checks, redistributing items as needed to ensure no child falls through the cracks. The gifts arrive at the office, fill every corner, and are eventually delivered back through the schools—often without the organizers ever seeing the final moment.

And that’s intentional.

“I don’t need to see it,” Janice explains. “It’s a lot of feeling. What matters is that it gets done.”

A Different Kind of Holiday Tradition

For Bryan, the toy drive has become one of the few things that makes the holidays meaningful. While obligatory gift-buying stresses him out, giving with purpose doesn’t. Helping kids who would otherwise go without has become a tradition that grounds the season in something real.

The episode closes with humor, movie debates, and holiday well-wishes—but the message is clear: community impact doesn’t require fanfare, only consistency and care.

The Takeaway

Episode 55 is a reminder that the holidays are about far more than presents. Through small acts repeated year after year, real lives are changed—and kids are reminded they matter.

Want to Support the Stop & Live, Stop & Give Christmas Drive?
Community sponsorships make this work possible. If you’re interested in helping future drives reach even more children, involvement is always welcome.

Need Legal Guidance During the Holidays?
The Eggleston Law Firm in Spicewood, Texas, helps families navigate custody, co-parenting, and high-conflict family law issues with compassion and clarity.

In Episode 54 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston share a festive, honest conversation about co-parenting during the holidays, navigating shifting traditions, and helping families find peace and joy after a difficult year. Over a sparkling Holiday Peach Punch—made with Tito’s vodka, peach nectar, lemon juice, and bubbly mineral water—they reflect on Christmas schedules, emotional challenges, and the surprising magic that comes with creating something new.

The Holiday Season After Separation

The Egglestons acknowledge what many parents feel but rarely say aloud: sharing holidays for the first time is hard. Christmas morning, once a familiar moment, suddenly looks different. Parents fear missing memories. Children sense the shift. And the anxiety around the Standard Possession Order only adds to the pressure.

Bryan breaks down how Christmas possession works in Texas—alternating halves of the holiday break, switching at noon on December 28—but reminds listeners that the order is simply a framework. Families can agree on any arrangement that works for them. “Not everyone celebrates Christmas,” Janice adds. “And not every family wants the same traditions.”

Letting Go of the “Day” and Embracing the Moments

Many parents struggle with the idea that holidays or birthdays must be celebrated on the exact date. Bryan explains how freeing it can be to detach from the calendar:
“Kids remember the experience, not the date on the clock.”

From Christmas celebrations on New Year’s Eve to weekend birthday parties, the Egglestons encourage parents to focus on quality over quantity. And when both households embrace flexibility, children often benefit from twice the joy—not half of it.

Co-Parenting Tip: Helping Kids Give Gifts

One of the biggest steps toward healthy co-parenting, they explain, is helping children pick out gifts for the other parent. It may feel emotionally challenging during litigation, but it communicates security, permission, and emotional safety to the child.

“It normalizes love across households,” Bryan says. “Kids can’t shop alone—they need us to help them show they care about both parents.”

This small gesture, they note, can dramatically reduce tension and strengthen the child’s sense of stability.

New Traditions, New Joy

The Egglestons share personal stories about how their own extended families adapted holiday traditions over the years—celebrating on different days, traveling instead of staying home, and choosing experiences over presents.

Janice reflects on a recent client meeting where a mother, once fearful of losing time with her children, now beams as she describes new holiday rituals and improving co-parenting dynamics. “Seeing that transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of this work,” she says.

A Lighthearted Look at Holiday Chaos

As always, the episode includes humor—assembling toys late at night, trampoline disasters in the living room, Elf on the Shelf antics, and even the great debate over whether the 1990s were the greatest era of music. (Bryan insists they were.)

Beneath the laughter is an important truth: holidays after divorce don’t have to be painful—they can be reimagined. Families heal, joy returns, and children thrive when parents lead with flexibility and love.

The Takeaway

Episode 54 offers encouragement to any parent navigating their first (or fifth) holiday season after separation. Traditions may change, schedules may shift, but meaningful memories come from connection—not perfection.

As Bryan concludes, “Enjoy the holidays—however you enjoy them. Make them yours.”

In Episode 53 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston sit down with Dr. Steven Lindenberg, founder and president of the Professional Alliance for Child-Centered Safety (PACCS), for a wide-ranging discussion on parental alienation, the failures of modern family courts, and the urgent need for better education among professionals who serve children.

Sipping on spiked hot chocolate—complete with Irish cream and cinnamon whiskey—the couple welcomes Dr. Lindenberg from his home in Pennsylvania, where he jokes that extra “insulation” keeps him warm in 34-degree weather.

A Career Devoted to Families and Children

Dr. Lindenberg has been a mental health professional for 49 years, following his service in the Air Force, where he ran a 22-chair dental clinic’s X-ray unit. During long nights developing film, young service members confided in him—sparking his lifelong commitment to counseling.

Across decades of private practice, he completed grief and bereavement research, worked with terminal cancer patients, and performed hundreds of custody evaluations. Over time, he witnessed a common theme: children were being emotionally damaged by high-conflict custody battles, especially in cases involving parental alienation.

This realization led him to study under leading experts, including Dr. William Burnett, and ultimately to form PACCS.

Ep 53 - audio

What Is PACCS?

Founded in 2024, PACCS is an international alliance dedicated to promoting child safety, evidence-based practices, and professional collaboration in cases involving parental alienation and high-conflict family dynamics.

Membership now includes professionals and parents from the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and beyond. The organization offers:

• A growing evidence-based research library
• Monthly educational workshops
• Private forums for professionals
• Support spaces for targeted parents
• A soon-to-launch judges-only confidential Q&A room

Their mission: “Heal families one child at a time.”

Why Education Is the Key to Change

Dr. Lindenberg highlights a critical issue—many judges assigned to family law have no training in psychology, family systems, or the dynamics of alienation. He points to Canada’s model, where judicial education is mandatory before taking the family bench, as an example the U.S. should follow.

The Reality of Alienation Cases

Despite social media’s influence, true severe alienation cases appear in only about 1% of all custody disputes, but early-stage alienating behaviors are common. Most families, he explains, stabilize early in the process. But parents with entrenched personality traits or a desire to punish often escalate conflict, harming their children in the process.

PACCS aims to guide professionals, courts, and parents toward recognizing these patterns early—and intervening before the damage becomes irreversible.

Open Membership with Purpose

PACCS welcomes parents, professionals, and advocates—but only those who acknowledge parental alienation as real and harmful. The alliance screens for individuals seeking to undermine or discredit the field. “We protect our members,” Dr. Lindenberg says. “We protect our mission.”

The Takeaway

Episode 53 shines a light on the systemic gaps in family courts and the need for a unified, evidence-based approach to protecting children. Through PAACCS, Dr. Lindenberg is building a global network dedicated to education, integrity, and child-first principles—one that Bryan and Janice proudly join by the episode’s end.

In the Season One finale of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston celebrate an incredible milestone: 52 straight weeks of conversations about family law, parental struggles, personal stories, and life beyond divorce. Over a festive Watermelon Margarita—made with Cascades tequila, fresh watermelon juice, lime, and agave—the duo reflects on the first full year of the podcast and the community that has grown around it.

A Year of Stories That Mattered

Episode 52 is a lighthearted, candid look back at the most memorable moments from the past year. From in-studio guests bravely sharing personal experiences to complex legal discussions and heartfelt insight from parents who survived high-conflict litigation, the Egglestons agree that the guest episodes were some of the most meaningful.

Bryan highlights powerful stories from guests like Rod McCall, Robert Garza, and Jason Witt—individuals who opened up about trauma, survival, and hope. Janice notes how impactful it was to see men share emotional and deeply personal experiences publicly, something many viewers shared appreciation for.

Finding Gratitude After Divorce

While this episode is playful, it also carries an important message: you can be thankful for divorce. The Egglestons explain that for many families, ending a marriage is the first step toward healthier co-parenting, emotional stability, and a better environment for children.

In their practice, they see clients begin in crisis—overwhelmed, anxious, and fearful of the unknown. But months later, once temporary orders are in place and the chaos settles, families often develop new routines, new hobbies, and a renewed sense of self. “There’s a life on the other side of this,” Bryan reminds listeners. “And often, it’s a better life.”

Janice shares how rewarding it is to watch clients evolve from panic to confidence as they settle into their “new normal.” Children, too, benefit from calmer homes, healthier parents, and cooperative co-parenting once conflict subsides.

Looking Ahead: Another Year, New Ideas

The Egglestons share plenty of laughs as they discuss what they’d change or add in Year Two—remote podcast locations, new themed episodes, and even a possible “Plead the Fifth” challenge involving increasingly spicy salsas. Their producer Josh, as always, is both amused and mildly terrified.

Despite the jokes, the commitment remains the same: continue bringing straightforward, honest, and accessible conversations about family law to the people who need it.

The Takeaway

Episode 52 is both a celebration and a thank-you. After a full year of weekly discussions on divorce, custody, co-parenting, and personal transformation, Bryan and Janice reaffirm their mission: to educate, support, and uplift families navigating some of the hardest chapters of their lives.

“It’s been fun,” Janice says. “It’s been real. And we’re just getting started.”

Need Help Navigating Divorce or Custody?
The Eggleston Law Firm in Spicewood, Texas, provides skilled representation in divorce, custody, and high-conflict family law matters.

📞 Learn more or schedule a consultation at www.lonestarlawfirm.com

If you'd like, I can also create a social media teaser for this season finale episode.