Services

Child Custody Mediation & Evaluation

Comprehensive Parenting Plan Support for Attorneys and Clients

Counseling & Therapy
Child Custody Mediation & Evaluation
Child Custody Recommending Counseling
Child Custody Recommending Counseling (“CCRC”) is a hybrid mediation/evaluation process. The Child Custody Recommending Counselor (also known as a Mediator) is agreed to by the parents and/or appointed by the Court, to provide mediation and evaluation services. Recommendations are made to the Court by the CCRC (Mediator) as to what is in the Best Interests of the Child(ren) for any matters the parents are not able to resolve by mutual agreement during the mediation process.
Child Custody Evaluation
Child Custody Evaluations (FC §3110/3111) are conducted by court appointment. This is an evaluation process in which the evaluator studies and assesses your family. Recommendations are then submitted to the Court in the Best Interests of the Child(ren), based on the information gathered during the evaluation process.
Confidential Mediation
I provide private mediation services for family, divorce, and custody disputes, creating a safe and neutral setting for parties to work towards a resolution in the family’s best interest. The process is completely confidential, allowing open and honest discussions without legal consequences. As a trained mediator, I ensure everyone is heard and all concerns are respectfully addressed. With empathy and a commitment to finding common ground, I help families achieve positive and sustainable resolutions for various family and divorce matters without becoming entangled in the Family Court system.

Comprehensive Parenting Plan Support for Attorneys and Clients
Custody disputes are inherently complex and emotionally charged, making it challenging for parents to reach agreements. The most effective parenting plan evaluations not only provide the court with guidance on the child’s best interests but also support parents in finding resolution and reducing the need for further litigation. Over the past 20+ years, I have conducted more than 300 parenting plan evaluations, with fewer than 3% resulting in continued litigation.
As a seasoned professional in forensic family evaluations and a Confidential Child Custody Consultant, I offer confidential, non-disclosed consultative and educational support to attorneys and their clients, particularly those about to begin a child custody evaluation. Initially, the attorney outlines the case’s status, focus areas, and the client’s ability to participate in the evaluation process. My role is primarily educational, involving an initial interview where I explain the custody evaluation process (or CCRC, BFA) to the client, helping them become comfortable with it.
Services for Attorneys
- Reviewing Parenting Plan Evaluations and Reports: Gain a clear, thorough understanding of evaluation findings and their implications for your case.
- Explaining Reports to Clients: Ensure your clients fully comprehend the report’s recommendations to minimize confusion and conflict.
- Encouraging Settlement Over Litigation: Help your clients focus on solutions that prioritize their family’s well-being and avoid unnecessary court battles.
- Strategic Support: Assistance in crafting effective negotiation strategies that align with your client’s goals.
- Insightful Analysis: In-depth, unbiased guidance on the content and context of parenting plan reports.
Services for Attorneys' Clients
- Guidance and Education: I help clients navigate the complex processes of CCRC and CCE, ensuring they are informed, organized, and confident. Key aspects of my work include assisting clients in clarifying and articulating their goals and requests for the evaluation process, discussing age-appropriate and developmentally suitable time-share plans for children, and covering items typically included in a comprehensive parenting plan. I provide educational materials on creating developmentally appropriate parenting plans.
- Focus on Children’s Best Interests: I emphasize honesty, transparency, and child-focused communication, promoting effective participation.
- Supportive Preparation: Personalized support for clients to reduce anxiety and enhance their ability to present their case clearly and effectively. Importantly, my role is not psychotherapy or counseling, nor do I coach clients through the process with regular meetings. The frequency of our meetings is determined based on the evolving needs of the client’s process.
After the Custody Evaluation
I am available to review and consult on the final report with the attorney and client, helping to understand its findings and implications. While I do not typically serve as a disclosed expert in this capacity, I am qualified to do so if required. This would involve a separate agreement and formal disclosure to all parties, as mandated by court rules and ethical guidelines. Should this service be necessary, we can discuss the details and make the appropriate arrangements at that time.

Why Work With Me?
Whether you are an attorney seeking expert guidance or parent navigating a challenging custody dispute, I provide clarity, confidence, and solutions.

Extensive Experience
50 years of clinical experience and over two decades of conducting parenting plan evaluations gives me unique insight into the complexities of child custody matters.

Ethics and Confidentiality
All consultations are strictly confidential, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for addressing concerns.

Child-Centered Approach
My work prioritizes the safety and well-being of children, ensuring their best interests remain the focus.

Clear, Practical Support
I focus on reducing conflict, clarifying processes, and helping families create effective parenting plans.
Counseling & Therapy
I offer counseling and therapy services to help address a range of concerns, including relationship difficulties, stress management, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach is based on a combination of family systems, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic therapies, using evidence-based practices to create a personalized approach tailored to your unique needs and goals.
As a therapist, I have a special interest in working with men who are seeking support in their personal growth and emotional well-being. In some cases, I may also work with younger male clients under the age of 18.
Therapy is a collaborative process, where we work together to identify negative patterns of thought and behavior, develop new coping strategies, and achieve emotional stability and growth. My aim is to create a safe and supportive space where my clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or shame.
If you are ready to take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life, I invite you to contact me today to schedule an appointment. Together, we can work towards a brighter future.
