In Episode 34 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston from Eggleston Law Firm are joined by Commander Dmitry Shvets of the U.S. Navy for a talk on custody battles. Speaking virtually from Washington, D.C., CDR Shvets shares his deeply personal experience with family law struggles and the broader challenges military families face when dealing with custody disputes and parental alienation.
In this episode, the hosts toast to a pineapple lime spritz crafted by their office bartender Fernanda, before shifting to an important conversation. CDR Shvets opens up about the tough realities service members face when family issues arise while deployed.
CDR Shvets, who has been in active duty since 2008, recalls the moment in 2018 when his now ex-wife moved their four children across state lines while he was deployed in Japan. Upon his return, he found his home empty—his wife had taken the children to Virginia. This triggered a complex and painful custody dispute that remains unresolved to this day.
Advocating for Fellow Service Members: Steps to Navigate Legal Issues
What makes CDR Shvets’ story particularly compelling is his senior military rank, which granted him some flexibility in handling his case, and his commitment to advocating for junior service members who may face similar battles. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes several important steps for service members dealing with legal issues at home:
- Contact Fleet and Family Services for resources and support
- Invoke protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
- Ensure they have a supportive chain of command to help with navigating legal battles
By sharing his own experience, CDR Shvets advocates for service members to take proactive steps to protect both their military careers and their family rights.
The Harsh Reality of Custody Battles and False Allegations
CDR Shvets describes the emotional and professional toll caused by false allegations of abuse and custody battles that can blindside deployed service members. These “silver bullet” tactics, where false claims are made to sever parental rights, are disturbingly common. He discusses how these strategies are often used to gain full custody or financial advantage, and how they have impacted both his military career and his relationship with his children.
One particularly sobering moment of the episode is when CDR Shvets recounts a custody hearing where a judge awarded custody to his ex-wife, despite CDR Shvets having logged over 30,000 miles to comply with court-ordered visitation. He also describes being accused of abuse with no evidence, only for the court to decline further investigation, leading to months of restricted visitation.
Staying Resilient: Fighting for Justice and Mentoring Fellow Service Members Through Custody Battles
Despite the overwhelming challenges, CDR Shvets has remained committed to pushing for legal reform and advocating for service members facing similar struggles. He has filed lawsuits against two judges involved in his case, seeking to challenge unconstitutional overreach. Additionally, he has become a mentor to other service members, offering guidance on navigating the legal system without jeopardizing their military careers.
CDR Shvets stresses that getting legal or counseling help is not a career killer—in fact, it can be a lifeline. “The worst thing you can do is not ask for help,” he says. “We would rather help you than lose you.”
This episode of Cases & Cocktails offers a powerful and emotional look at the intersection of military service, family law, and personal resilience. As always, Bryan and Janice Eggleston guide the conversation with empathy and insight, helping others navigate high-conflict family situations. Join us weekly at Cases & Cocktails on our Youtube channel for more important conversations like false allegations and custody battles, diverse hosts with fascinating experiences, and of course, delicious drinks.
