High-conflict divorce services

Divorce or separation presents unique challenges for children. I offer services for divorcing parents to reduce conflict and resolve disputes.

It is often useful to be familiar with research findings about parent-child time sharing in making decisions about these issues. I have assembled some of the most useful information on this issue on Parenting After Divorce .

Mom Loses Custody for Alienating Dad is an article that shows how severe the consequences can be for being a vindictive co-parent.

Special Master Services

When divorced parents have a particular difficulty cooperating and co-parenting, they may have a special master appointed to resolve their parenting disputes. In general, a special master is appointed by the judge with an order that outlines the role and powers of the special master. Typically, the special master is empowered to resolve a limited set of parenting disputes. Once decided, the special master’s decision has the weight of a court order, unless or until reversed by the court. For more detail see the special master forms. For Special Master/Parenting Coordinator sample stipulation and order, see the FORMS Page.

For special master services I require a $1000 retainer (usually paid in equal parts by the parties, but this can be specified differently by the court). I require the parents to communicate with each other and the special master via email. I require the responsible parties to keep a valid credit card on file to bill if accounts are not paid in accordance with the contract provisions. For more information see Special Master Forms in PDF format for reviewing an printing at the FORMS page .

Parents who need a Special Master tend to have difficulty communicating appropriately with the other parent and the special master.
Since civil communication is key to progress, I have some guidelines for appropriate communication for special master clients.

Parenting coordinator services are for divorced parents who have mild to moderate difficulties co-parenting. Parenting coordinators are sometimes appointed by the court, and sometimes hired by the parties themselves. A parenting coordinator meets with parents in person and/or via email to address co-parenting issues that require knowledge of parenting and child development. A parenting coordinator has no powers to resolve disputes, but can provide advice and recommendations.

For parenting coordinator services, I require a $1000 retainer (usually paid in equal parts by the parties, but this can be specified differently by the court). I require the parents to communicate with each other and the parenting coordinator via email. I require the responsible parties to keep a valid credit card on file to bill if accounts are not paid in accordance with the contract provisions.

For more information about Parenting Coordinator Services, you can read and print the forms in PDF format at the FORMS page .