Husband and wife team, Mike and Elizabeth McNeese, share the
impetus behind their 2024 documentary film, “We The Parents,” and
address common problems and challenges for parents who are trying to
maintain their relationships with their children through a divorce and
separation. In this episode, the McNeeses will discuss currents laws
that dictate the way divorce and custody disputes are handled, why they
are damaging for families, and also lay out practical approaches to
reform.
Elizabeth and Mike McNeese are the husband and wife team
behind "We the Parents" film (2024). Together they co-own Echo
Productions, a video production company based in central Ohio. They
are a blended family of six children and have personal experience of the
pain endured by families churned up in the family law machine.
Mike is luckier than a lot of separated dads. He actually gets to see his
children. It's not the 50/50 arrangement he hopes for, but it's a start
compared to the 32 days of no contact with his children that kicked off
the destruction of his first marriage. That experience has fueled a
passion to fight for the millions of dads and children that have been
surgically separated by the American family court system.
On weekdays, Mike is an Emmy, Addy and Telly Award winning Director
and Cinematographer who prides himself on his ability to actively
collaborate with clients and creative directors to bring his brave and
progressive vision to the project. When not on set, Mike is usually
working on experimental film, fishing, or exploring outdoors.
Elizabeth is a mother of three children, two of whom are now young
adults. Her youngest child is 16 years old with special needs and she
currently shares a healthy 50/50 co-parenting relationship with his
father. Prior to divorce she was primarily a stay at home mother
exploring ways to monetize a hobby of photography into sustainable
income. Post-divorce she was able to grow her career and is now co-
owner and managing partner at Echo Productions.
About the film "We The Parents"
Ending a marriage is tough. Often, it's the most disruptive life event you
will ever face. With children involved, it can be devastating.
Even when you know your marriage is doomed, you can't possibly
fathom how dramatic, dark, stressful and expensive the next few
months, or years, will be.
In the middle of it, our children. Not only will they never have both of
their parents together ever again, many will never see one of their
parents ever again. More likely, they'll only get to see dad four days a
month. It's not because that's what's best. It's because of greed. An
antiquated family justice system that's motivated by the movement of
cash.
Science and data have proven that an equal shared parenting scenario
is best for children and parents. The only reason to resist it is greed.
Everyday, American family courts continue to destroy families, create
chaos and conflict, and put children at a major disadvantage.
This film aims to stop the family court machine.