
Episode 4
Your Client's Fear Is Running the Case | Maria Natapov
October 21, 2026 · 00:29:06
Family law attorneys handle the legal strategy. But between hearings, fear is often what's really running the case. In this episode of Retained, Scott Bishop talks with Maria Natapov, founder of Synergistic Stepparenting. Maria coaches parents and stepparents through blended family and high-conflict situations, and she works right alongside family law attorneys while cases are open. She shares why this work is personal for her, how fear hijacks a client's ability to think clearly, what clients really want from their attorney, and the group co-parenting hours some law firms now retain her to run for their clients. She also explains how attorneys can bring up a coach so it doesn't sound like just another bill. 0:00 Welcome to Retained 1:29 Why this work is personal 5:19 From healthcare to coaching 6:05 What attorneys miss: fear runs the case 11:38 A family that turned around 14:45 What clients really want 17:48 How attorneys can work with Maria 19:50 Co-parenting group hours for firm clients 24:39 How to pitch a coach to clients 27:13 How to reach Maria Connect with Maria: https://synergisticstepparenting.com FOR FAMILY LAW FIRM OWNERS Want to know how your firm shows up when people ask AI for a lawyer? Get your free AI Visibility Report: https://upandsocial.com/visibility Talk with Scott: https://scott.upandsocial.com


