We all know about lawyers being involved in the divorce process, but what about other professionals? Family professionals are often used in the collaborative practice process and may assist parties through their separation, both inside and outside of Court.
Parental Alienation is harmful to children. The negative impact of alienation may include depression, substance abuse, low self-esteem, self-hatred, guilt, poor interpersonal relationships, distorted view of reality, and self-doubt.
Most of my clients don’t realize how harmful it is to the child’s development to try to separate the child from the other parent during your access time. The child should not have to hide the fact that they may wish to speak to their mom during your access time or that having a picture of their mom by their bedside might help them fall asleep. It is not healthy for the child to simply erase the mom during their time at your home. Similarly, mom should not try to erase you from the child’s life. You should be invited to watch the child’s extra-curricular activities. Mom should let the child have a picture of you to look at when they are feeling lonely about not being with you. Mom should let the child speak freely to you on the phone at their own initiative. Mom should share all information with you about the child’s progress in school and about significant events, good or bad.
I’m surprised at the number of married clients who tell me they either haven’t been involved in the family finances, or they don’t know what their spouse owns. In many of these cases, their partner was secretive, or dismissive or evasive when faced with questions about the family, the business or their own finances.
Money problems are at the root of many separations I’ve seen. Even if it wasn’t the primary cause, conflict over money often plays an essential role in arguments and builds the level of distrust, leading a couple to decide to separate. So, it’s no surprise when money struggles plague the separation process.
The Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) is a government agency that represents children in custody and access proceedings. A judge cannot order that the OCL act for a child but simply can “request” that it do so. The government agency has the discretion to,
• decide whether to have a child’s lawyer appointed;
If you are in the process of separating, I know you have that friend. That already divorced friend – the one that is telling you it gets worse before it gets better. The one that says it’s a process.
Your friend is right. Don’t discount what they’re saying. There is lots of literature on
Do you want your child to be heard in your separation/divorce? Are you in mediation and want your child to have a say in the parenting plan? Are you in the midst of court proceedings and were turned down by the Office of the Children’s Lawyer? Has your lawyer recommended an assessment that you both
Do you want to represent yourself in your separation/divorce? Makes sense. You can save a lot of money. But you aren’t a lawyer. It can be a bit scary. We can support you in a variety of ways.
We can draft documents for you but you go to court on your own thus saving you
Here is a new tool for family law clients. It is an interesting flow chart that explains the various processes for resolution of family law issues.
Unfortunately, it gives very little space to Collaborative Practice and ignores the interdisciplinary nature of the process but it details the court process well.
I think you’ll enjoy it!
I published this blog a few years ago. Many people have commented positively about it. As a result, it is becoming a Christmas tradition. So, here it goes again!
Are you dreading Christmas? Will it be your first special holiday since your separation? Are you depressed about not having your children for New Year’s
Do you want your family law issues resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner? Who doesn’t? Everyone wants to get the door closed on their past and move forward with their new life. We get it.
At Galbraith Family Law, we are dedicated to the resolution of family law matters in a timely and cost