Parent Coordinator
As a parenting coordinator, I can help in a variety of ways. First, I can assist by helping the parents improve their communication skills when discussing parenting issues. Poor communication is one of the hallmarks of a marriage that ends in divorce, a factor that is doubly present in high conflict custody cases. It is not possible for parents to co-parent effectively without first being able to communicate with one another. I can also teach the parents about particular developmental issues faced by their children as they proceed through the divorce. I can referee the conflicts between the parents in an attempt to help them reach mutual agreement. When necessary, a parenting coordinator will actually make the decisions if no agreement can be reached.
Guardian Ad Litem
A court often appoints a Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) to represent the children in divorce or custody cases. The GAL’s role is to represent the child in the court proceedings. Too often custody cases turn into personal struggles between the parents and sometimes the needs of the child can be ignored in parents’ attempts to get revenge on each other or “win”. A guardian ad litem can offer a fresh perspective.
Divorce
Facing divorce? You probably assume you’re in for a long and painful courtroom process. Divorce can devour your financial and emotional resources and leave your post-divorce life filled with confrontations and constant courtroom battles. It doesn’t have to be this way. You have alternatives to costly litigation and a lifetime of hostility. You and your spouse can choose a guided, proven and court-approved method for ending your marriage and settling parenting issues. Aside from lowering costs, a non-litigation approach is more likely to produce a more livable future for you and your separated family. You might be hurt and angry now. That’s human. Yet eventually you will want to get on with your life. If divorce is unavoidable, it makes sense to keep yours as constructive as possible.
Custody
Child custody cases are some of the most difficult cases I handle. There are so many facets to these cases that it is often difficult to determine who will eventually come out on top with custody until the final hearing. However, there are other cases where the choice is obvious. In certain cases the most appropriate arrangement is for the parties to truly share custody of the children. Regardless of the custody situation you choose or the custody situation that is forced upon you by the Court, your children will still have two parents, and in most situations, those two parents will continue to have ongoing contact with the children. In certain, extreme situations, one parent may have very limited or supervised contact with the children. It is important that both parties put their personal feelings aside and do what is best for their children. Children need two parents. Remember, your children did not choose this situation, they are just the ones most affected by it.
Child Support
I can help minimize the emotion and worry many parents have about child support agreements and orders. I can help clients understand the reasons behind the child support laws, and how courts try their best to be equitable. I know that child support levels affect both parties’ finances. I make sure your child’s best interests are the focus of child support determinations. If you are concerned about child support issues in your pending divorce, or if you need to modify your current support levels, contact my office. I understand that divorce often means financial concerns for both parties. I’ll help you through it, one step at a time, and every step of the way.