The Rising Beyond Podcast
Are you ready to thrive as you are coming out of a toxic or abusive relationship? Join Sybil Cummin, a licensed professional counselor who has specialized in working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse for over a decade and runs a membership community for women on their healing journey. On this podcast you will finally feel understood and your experience will be validated as you learn tangible strategies to handle family court, coparent with your abuser, improve your connection with your children, and heal from the trauma of narcissistic abuse and domestic violence.
The Rising Beyond Podcast
Ep 173: Staying Steady in Family Court: Handling Provocation and Curveball Questions
Walking into family court is intimidating enough — and then your ex smirks, rolls their eyes, or drops a lie designed to rattle you. On top of that, opposing counsel may throw you questions that feel like traps or come out of nowhere.
In this episode, Sybil breaks down how to keep your composure in court when your ex tries to provoke you, and how to handle curveball questions during cross-examination.
You’ll learn:
- Why abusers use provocation in court and how judges often notice your reaction more than the provocation itself.
- Simple emotional defense strategies — like the “poker face,” grounding tools, and focusing only on the judge.
- The most common types of curveball questions attorneys ask (from vague to rapid-fire) and how to respond without being trapped.
- Practical scripts for redirecting with calm and keeping the focus on your child’s needs.
These strategies don’t make court easy — but they can help you feel steady, credible, and prepared in a system that often feels stacked against you.
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