Collaborative Divorce Child Specialist:
Child Specialist can be a specific role within a Collaborative Divorce Law practice group. However, many parents who are separating through mediation utilize a child specialist to better inform themselves in developing a parenting plan. As a child specialist, I conduct independent interviews with the children and teens to understand their perspectives and desires (especially with teens), and I bring the knowledge to the table.
Children Centered Parenting Plan:
I am an expert in interviewing children and well-trained and informed about children's developmental stages. The stages of human development is fascinating and each stage has different needs. It is very important for the parents to build a developmentally attuned parenting plan, instead of following a cookie cutter residential plan. It is also important for the parents to consider the special needs of their children, including temperament, personality and other specific needs they may have.
Facilitation of Conflict Resolution:
I can facilitate the parents' discussion on any issues that they cannot resolve on their own. My facilitation allows parents to discuss difficult issues within a structured, emotionally safe container I provide throughout the session. This process is different from mediation as I am actively engaged in the discussion, providing an expert's opinion as appropriate and needed.
Co-Parenting Coaching:
Co-parenting can be very challenging, especially at the beginning of separation. I am often retained to provide on-going parenting support while ensuring the children's safety and well-being as the center of my attention. While I typically coach each parent separately, I may call a joint meeting as needed to check in and resolve any issues that may come up. Through this model, I can be an on-going support to the children and the parents while being able to intervene with the entire family as needed.
Post-Resolution Parenting Coordination:
When the parents remain in a highly conflicted relationship after divorce, I can be retained as a case manager. My role would be similar to a Co-Parenting Coach as listed above. However, as a parenting coordinator, I typically have power to arbitrate when the parents cannot resolve the matters on their own or through facilitated discussions. When decisions need to be made quickly, I will use my best professional judgement to resolve the issue at hand.
**Any of the services above can be provided to parents who are not living in the same geographical area. I have had several clients who lived in different continents whether due to permanent residential change or temporarily relocated for work related reasons. We were able to complete each session seamlessly via Skype.
Services based on a retainer, typically 10-hour minimum