Supporting Service Members Through Custody Battles: A Conversation with CDR Dmitry Shvets - Ep 34

In Episode 34 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston are joined by a very special guest—Commander Dmitry Shvets of the U.S. Navy. Appearing virtually while on assignment in Washington, D.C., CDR Shvets shares a deeply personal account of his ongoing family law battle and the broader issues facing military families navigating custody disputes and parental alienation.

The conversation begins with a lighthearted toast to a pineapple-lime spritz crafted by their office bartender, Fernanda. Still, the tone quickly shifts as CDR Shvets dives into the harsh realities that service members face when family issues arise while deployed.

CDR Shvets, who has been in active duty service since 2008, recounts the moment in 2018 when his now ex-wife moved their four children across state lines while he was deployed in the Japan region. Upon returning home, he found his house empty—his wife had taken the children to Virginia, triggering a complex and painful custody dispute that remains unresolved to this day.

What makes CDR Shvets' experience so compelling is not only his senior military rank, which afforded him some flexibility, but also his willingness to become an advocate for junior service members facing similar struggles. He emphasizes the critical importance of a supportive chain of command. He outlines the steps military personnel should take when confronting legal issues back home, including contacting Fleet and Family Services and invoking protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

Throughout the episode, Bryan and Janice highlight the troubling frequency with which custody battles and false allegations of abuse blindside deployed service members. CDR Shvets explains how these “silver bullet” tactics—false claims designed to sever parental rights—are unfortunately common, and how they are used strategically to gain full custody or financial advantage. He describes the toll this has taken on both his military career and his relationship with his children.

One especially sobering part of the conversation is CDR Shvets’ recounting of a hearing where a judge awarded custody to his ex-wife despite Shvets having logged over 30,000 miles to comply with court-ordered visitation. He also details being accused of abuse without evidence, only for the court to decline to investigate further. As a result, he endured months of restricted visitation, often spending eight-hour stretches in the car with his children due to court-imposed limitations.

Despite it all, CDR Shvets has remained committed to advocating for change. He has filed lawsuits against two judges involved in his case, challenging unconstitutional overreach and the failure to uphold justice. He also actively mentors and supports other service members, offering guidance on how to navigate the legal system without jeopardizing their military careers.

Importantly, he stresses that getting counseling or legal help is not a career killer—it’s a lifeline. “The worst thing you can do is not ask for help,” he says. “We would rather help you than lose you.”

For service members facing similar issues, CDR Shvets encourages them to start with their chain of command, reach out to support networks, and not be afraid to advocate for themselves. His story is a powerful reminder that even those who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms can face immense challenges at home, and they deserve support, respect, and justice.

This episode of Cases & Cocktails offers a compelling look at the intersection of military service, family law, and personal resilience. As always, Bryan and Janice Eggleston lead the conversation with empathy, insight, and a commitment to helping others navigate high-conflict family situations.