It's wrong of your parents to put you in-between their problems. You don't need an excuse to get off the phone. Say, "Dad, I'm not going to be involved in this." Then hang up. If he calls back and you pick up (you don't have to), hang up again. If you're with him in person, walk away, ignore him. Be firm, stand your ground. Make BOTH your parents understand, you simply will not be involved in their squabbles. This is their problem. If your father threatens or attempts to hurt you or your mom, call the police. I know you might feel guilty, but it's false guilt. They have no right to involve you in their problems. If your father owes your mom money, he needs to grow up and take responsibility. If he paid her like he should have, then he wouldn't be going to court, or at least the court would find in his favor. He caused his owns problems. Let him deal with them. If he persists in bothering you, don't say a word to him. Let him yell and b****, and you just go on about your business.