Child custody

When children are involved in a divorce case, they immediately become the priority. The court considers several factors before awarding custody to either parent or making substantial changes to an existing agreement, including:

• The safety and well-being of the child
• The prior involvement of each parent in the child’s life (i.e. primary caregiver)
• The child’s wishes (depending on his or her age)
• The moral and academic environment of each home

Just as each family is unique, the best interests of each child is also unique. Each family developed differently and requires special attention. Cases often involved unmarried parents, step-parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or biological donors.

I get to know you and understand your circumstances before developing a strategy for your child custody or visitation case. We will explore all avenues for achieving what you believe is best for your child.

It is usually in the child’s best interest to resolve the issue through mediation or other alternative legal techniques, but if taking the case to court is necessary, I fight to protect your rights and the rights of your child.

Guardian ad litem

A guardian ad litem is a person appointed by the court to represent a minor in court proceedings pertaining to the minor. Divorce cases that involve child custody issues often result in a guardian ad litem appointment. The guardian ad litem investigates the households, interviews witnesses, and reports to the court their detailed findings.

As an experienced guardian ad litem myself, I am to help my clients work effectively with the guardian and be prepared to provide the information and access that he or she will need.