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From Foster Care to Family Law - A Child Welfare FocusAuthor: Susan Chesnutt
This is Susan Chesnutt of The Chesnutt Law Firm. This is my podcast From Foster Care to Family Law: A Child Welfare Focus. I was raised in the foster care system, I was a child abuse investigator for the Department of Children and Families, and now I am an attorney practicing family law where my passion is to focus on the best interests of the children involved. In my podcast, I will be meeting industry experts exploring the seemingly impossible scenarios that families often struggle to manage. Each episode will include insights and concepts from professionals that deal with these issues. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#52 Judge Anthony Miller: The Truth About Family Law From the Bench
Episode 52
Monday, 22 December, 2025
What really happens inside a family courtroom — and what does a judge wish every parent understood before stepping inside?In this episode, Susan Chesnutt sits down with Judge Anthony Miller for an honest and eye-opening conversation about the realities, pressures, and human side of judicial decision-making. You’ll hear how he approaches children’s safety, manages high-conflict cases, and balances the emotional weight of rulings that affect entire families. This conversation gives you a rare look at the court system through the eyes of someone who lives it every day, helping you better understand what truly matters when you enter family court. You won’t walk away from this episode seeing the system — or your role in it — the same way again. In this episode, Susan and Judge Anthony Miller discuss: The emotional and procedural challenges of navigating family courtHow children are impacted by litigation, testimony, and parental conflictThe differences and overlap between dependency and family law systemsThe role of judges, attorneys, and guardians ad litem in child-centered decision-makingImproving communication, preparation, and professionalism within the legal processKey Takeaways:Focusing on the Child’s Best Interest (59:28): Litigants often lose sight of their children during conflict, but shielding kids from adult disputes and avoiding emotional reactivity can prevent unnecessary harm and help families navigate the process more peacefully.How Judge Miller Handles Child Testimony and Trauma Sensitivity (29:25): Judge Miller explains how he uses neutral, safety-centered questions and private in-camera conversations to ensure children feel protected, understood, and not weaponized by either parent — a model that highlights what trauma-informed judicial practice should look like.Understanding the Emergency Motion Trap (16:16): Many parents misunderstand emergency motion denials, not realizing the motion itself still exists — learning how to properly follow through can prevent critical delays when children may be at risk.Why Professional Communication Matters in Court (1:07:45): Disorganization, lack of communication, and unnecessary drama from attorneys make hearings harder, urging legal professionals to prepare thoroughly, confer in advance, and maintain candor to support the overall administration of justice."People think they’re winners and losers… when they see it that way, they lose the big picture."- Judge Anthony Miller About Judge Anthony Miller: Judge Anthony Miller serves on the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, bringing years of experience across state government and the legal system. Before joining the circuit court, he served on the Leon County Court and previously worked as General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer for the Agency for State Technology, Deputy General Counsel for the Florida Lottery, and Commissioner for the Florida State Retirement Commission. He holds an undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University, a J.D. from Florida State University, and an Associate in General Insurance from The Institutes. Connect with Judge Anthony Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-miller-ains-10501ba/Connect with Susan: Website: https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/Podcast: https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/podcasts/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-chesnutt-27077bb9/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechesnuttlawfirm/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBwfp_IVpeX-YHKpxZ5L0gAvvo: https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/32960-fl-susan-chesnutt-3330241.html
