Custody Consultant/Coach

Divorcing parents often depend on various professionals (attorneys, accountants, relators, therapists, appraisers, mediators) to navigate their painful and often complicated divorce. 

A custody consultant or a custody coach is another valuable resource that can support your legal team and more importantly you. 

Custody consultants bring value to a parent and his/her legal team with their years of experience and specialized training as child-advocates. They possess specialized knowledge of what neutral professionals such as the judges and evaluators consider in custody matters. They have seen what strengthens a case and what can destroy a case.

A custody consultant/coach works with one parent and his/her legal team in the following ways:

• Assist Legal Team

  • Craft a solid child-centered theory of the case. As long-time fact-finders and GALs, we have first-hand knowledge about what judges and GALs consider in making custody decisions/recommendations; 

• Objective expert opinion

  • Provide an objective assessment of the case that includes strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improving a parent’s success at trial. It is important that parents have a realistic understanding and expectations about their case; and

• Work with a parent to:

  • Articulate their custody goals, and effectively communicate and advocate their position to the BIFF, Custody Evaluator, GAL and/or the judge;

  • Prepare for a GAL or custody assessment and/or trial by showing a parent what an evaluator and Judge will likely consider in determining the best interests of their children, and why. 

  • Support parents in focusing on their children’s needs and minimizing conflict with the other parent; and

  • Make recommendations for therapy, classes or other support services to get the client through the difficulties involved in the litigation.