Interview Questions for Child Custody and Family Law

Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions concerning a child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to where the child lives and spends their time. You can think of it this way: legal custody is about decision-making power, while physical custody is about the child’s residence. It’s entirely possible for one parent to have sole legal custody while the other has primary physical custody, or for parents to share both legal and physical custody in various arrangements.

Example: Imagine parents Sarah and John. Sarah might have sole legal custody, meaning she makes all major decisions about their child’s upbringing. However, John could have primary physical custody, meaning their child lives with him most of the time. Alternatively, they could share both legal and physical custody, making decisions together and equally sharing parenting time.

Courts prioritize the ‘best interests of the child’ when determining custody arrangements. This is a broad concept encompassing numerous factors, and the weight given to each factor varies depending on the specific case. Some key factors include:

• The child’s wishes: Older children’s preferences are considered, though the court ultimately decides what’s best.
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment: This includes factors like housing, financial stability, and emotional support.
• The parent-child relationship: The bond between each parent and child is a significant consideration.
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community: Disrupting a child’s routine is generally avoided unless it is in their best interest.
• Evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect: A history of such behavior heavily influences custody decisions.
• The mental and physical health of each parent: Any issues that may impact their parenting abilities are assessed.
• Evidence of parental alienation: One parent attempting to turn the child against the other will negatively impact their custody arrangement.

Example: A court might favor a parent with a stable home and demonstrably strong bond with the child, even if the other parent has higher income. The court aims for the arrangement that optimizes the child’s well-being.

Custody orders are tailored to each family’s unique circumstances. Common types include:

• Sole Legal Custody: One parent has the sole right to make decisions.
• Joint Legal Custody: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities. This can be further divided into joint legal custody with one parent having primary physical custody or equal physical custody.
• Sole Physical Custody: The child primarily resides with one parent, though the other may have visitation rights.
• Joint Physical Custody: The child divides their time relatively equally between both parents.

Example: A family may have a joint legal custody arrangement where one parent has primary physical custody, meaning the child lives mainly with that parent but both parents make decisions regarding education and healthcare.

The ‘best interests of the child’ is the paramount consideration in all custody determinations. It’s not a rigid set of rules but a guiding principle, encompassing the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The court aims to create a custody plan that minimizes disruption, fosters a healthy parent-child relationship, and provides stability and security for the child. This includes considering the child’s developmental needs, their relationships with both parents, and the potential impact of any custody arrangement on their overall well-being.

Example: If a child thrives in a certain school and community, the court might favor a custody arrangement that allows the child to remain in that familiar environment, even if it means a slightly less convenient schedule for one parent.

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a set of laws adopted by all US states to address interstate custody disputes. It aims to prevent jurisdictional conflicts when parents live in different states. The UCCJEA establishes rules for determining which state has jurisdiction to hear a custody case and ensures that custody orders issued in one state are recognized and enforced in other states. This prevents parents from ‘forum shopping’ – attempting to obtain a favorable ruling by filing in a more advantageous jurisdiction.

In essence: The UCCJEA promotes consistency and efficiency in resolving custody disputes across state lines, protecting children from being caught in the middle of jurisdictional battles.

Custody orders are not set in stone. A modification may be granted if there’s a significant change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. These changes might include:

• A substantial change in the child’s needs: For example, the child developing a serious medical condition requiring specialized care.
• A relocation of one parent: A significant move may necessitate a reassessment of the custody arrangement.
• A change in the parent’s circumstances: This could include marriage, divorce, employment changes, or new relationships that significantly impact their parenting abilities.
• Evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse: New evidence of such behaviors can lead to modification.
• The child’s deteriorating adjustment to the current arrangement: For instance, the child struggling significantly in school or exhibiting emotional distress.

Example: If one parent gets a job offer in another state, they might request a modification to the custody order to accommodate the move, ensuring the child’s needs are still met.

Parental alienation is a serious issue in custody cases, referring to one parent’s attempts to turn a child against the other parent. This can involve badmouthing the other parent, interfering with visitation, or manipulating the child’s emotions. Parental alienation can severely harm a child’s emotional and psychological well-being, and courts take it very seriously. Evidence of parental alienation can significantly influence custody decisions, potentially leading to a change in the custody arrangement to protect the child from further harm.

Example: If a parent consistently tells a child negative things about the other parent, creating an unfounded animosity, this constitutes parental alienation and can be a basis for modifying the custody arrangement to limit the alienating parent’s contact to better protect the child’s wellbeing.

High-conflict custody cases are emotionally charged and often involve significant distrust between parents. My approach centers on de-escalation and focusing on the child’s best interests. This involves:

• Promoting communication and cooperation: I encourage parents to attend mediation or parenting coordination to improve communication, even if it’s difficult. Sometimes, even just structured communication through email or a parenting app can help.
• Establishing clear boundaries and expectations: Rules of engagement are established upfront to ensure respectful communication. This might include limiting contact to specific times and channels, avoiding disparaging remarks about the other parent, and focusing on neutral topics related to the child’s well-being.
• Utilizing evidence-based techniques: Detailed records of communication, parenting plans, and any concerning behavior are crucial. This evidence becomes vital during court proceedings.
• Considering therapeutic intervention: Family therapy or individual counseling can be incredibly helpful in managing conflict and improving parenting skills. The goal is to help parents understand their roles and how their actions affect their child.
• Recommending a custody evaluator: In particularly contentious cases, a neutral expert can assess the parenting capabilities of each parent and make recommendations to the court. This provides the court with valuable, unbiased information.

For example, in a case involving frequent accusations and verbal attacks, I might implement a written communication protocol to minimize direct interaction and reduce the potential for conflict escalation. The focus remains on facilitating a safe and stable environment for the child, above all else.

Obtaining a restraining order in a custody case requires demonstrating to the court that there’s a credible threat of imminent harm. This typically involves:

• Filing a petition: The petition outlines the nature of the abuse (physical, emotional, or other) and provides specific examples of incidents.
• Providing supporting evidence: This might include police reports, medical records, photographs, witness statements, emails, or text messages detailing threatening behavior.
• Attending a hearing: The court will hear evidence from both sides. The petitioner must present a convincing case that a restraining order is necessary to protect them and their children. The respondent has the right to defend themselves against the allegations.
• Court order: If the court finds sufficient evidence, it will issue a restraining order, which specifies the prohibited behaviors and potential consequences of violating the order. These orders often mandate a certain distance from the petitioner’s home or workplace.

For instance, if a parent has documented incidents of physical violence or credible threats of harm against the other parent or child, they can seek a restraining order to prevent further abuse. The court will consider the severity and frequency of the alleged abuse when deciding whether to grant the order.

Child support calculations vary by state, but generally involve considering the income of both parents and the number of children. Common methods include:

• Income Shares Model: This model calculates support based on the combined parental income, determining each parent’s proportional contribution based on their income share. This model is favored as it is considered fair and aims to equalize the financial responsibility of raising children.
• Percentage of Income Model: This simpler model calculates support based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income. The percentage often varies based on the number of children.
• Melson Formula: Some states use a more complex formula, sometimes referred to as the Melson Formula, which may incorporate factors beyond income, such as extraordinary medical expenses or other factors influencing a child’s needs.

Many states use guidelines that consider the parents’ adjusted gross income, often taking into account other financial obligations like alimony. Online child support calculators can provide estimates, but consulting with a legal professional is crucial for accurate calculations and understanding state-specific guidelines.

Interstate custody disputes involve significant complexities due to jurisdictional differences. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) governs these situations, aiming to prevent jurisdictional conflicts and ensure that decisions are made in the child’s best interest. Key implications include:

• Determining the appropriate jurisdiction: The UCCJEA establishes guidelines for determining which state has jurisdiction. Generally, the state where the child has lived for a significant period, or where the child has significant connections, will be the primary jurisdiction.
• Enforcement of orders: States must cooperate in enforcing custody orders issued by other states. This means a custody order from one state is generally enforceable in another.
• Potential for lengthy and expensive litigation: Interstate cases are often more complicated and require more time and resources to resolve than intrastate cases due to jurisdictional considerations and the need for interstate cooperation.
• Need for experienced legal counsel: Navigating the intricacies of UCCJEA requires a lawyer with expertise in interstate custody disputes to ensure proper procedures are followed.

For example, if a parent moves to another state with a child without the other parent’s consent, the parent left behind can initiate legal action in the original state. The courts in both states might then collaborate under UCCJEA principles to determine the child’s residence and create an appropriate custody arrangement.

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a neutral party appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the child in custody cases. They are typically attorneys or social workers with experience working with children in legal proceedings. Their role involves:

• Investigating the situation: The GAL conducts interviews with the parents, child (if appropriate), other family members, teachers, therapists, and anyone else who can provide relevant information.
• Preparing a report: The GAL summarizes their findings and provides recommendations to the court regarding custody arrangements, parenting time, and other relevant issues.
• Representing the child’s interests: The GAL advocates for what they believe is best for the child, even if that means going against the wishes of one or both parents. The child’s voice is central to their advocacy, whenever age-appropriate.
• Monitoring compliance: In some cases, the GAL monitors the implemented custody order to ensure compliance and to identify any issues that may need the court’s attention.

Think of the GAL as the child’s advocate in court – someone who ensures the child’s voice is heard and their best interests are protected throughout the legal process.

Domestic violence significantly impacts custody proceedings. The court’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of the child. Addressing these issues involves:

• Thorough investigation: The court will meticulously examine evidence of domestic violence, including police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements. Credibility of witness testimonies is critical.
• Assessing the risk to the child: The court determines the extent to which the child has witnessed or been affected by the violence. Witnessing violence can be profoundly damaging to a child’s development.
• Prioritizing child safety: The court is likely to prioritize placing the child in a safe environment, often favoring the non-abusive parent.
• Potential for supervised visitation or no visitation: Depending on the severity of the violence, the abusive parent’s visitation may be supervised or completely restricted to protect the child.
• Mandatory participation in programs: The court may mandate the abusive parent to participate in anger management, domestic violence counseling, or other therapeutic interventions before regaining custody or visitation rights.

A history of domestic violence, particularly involving a child’s exposure to it, often results in significant limitations or restrictions on the abusive parent’s custody rights. The child’s safety is paramount.

Enforcing a custody order involves taking action when one parent violates the terms of the court’s order. Methods include:

• Contempt of court proceedings: If a parent consistently violates the order, the other parent can file a motion for contempt of court. This can result in fines, jail time, or other sanctions for the violating parent.
• Modification of the order: If circumstances have changed significantly, such as a move or change in the child’s needs, a parent can petition the court to modify the custody order. Modification requires demonstrating substantial change in circumstances.
• Enforcement through law enforcement: In cases involving the abduction or unlawful retention of a child, law enforcement agencies can be involved in locating the child and returning them to the custodial parent. International cooperation is often necessary in cross-border cases.
• Mediation or alternative dispute resolution: Before resorting to formal enforcement, mediation can sometimes be effective in resolving disputes and ensuring compliance with the order.

For example, if a parent consistently fails to adhere to the agreed upon visitation schedule, the other parent may seek legal action to enforce the order, potentially seeking sanctions for the non-compliant party. The goal is to ensure the child’s consistency within the agreed upon parenting plan.

Mediation in child custody cases plays a crucial role in helping separating or divorcing parents reach agreements outside of court. It’s a voluntary process where a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates communication and helps parents explore solutions that address their children’s best interests. The mediator doesn’t decide the outcome; instead, they guide the parents towards a mutually agreeable plan.

How it works: Mediation typically involves several sessions where the mediator helps parents identify their concerns, understand each other’s perspectives, and brainstorm options for custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, child support, and other related issues. The mediator helps parents negotiate and compromise, focusing on collaborative problem-solving rather than adversarial conflict. The process emphasizes cooperation and finding solutions that work for everyone involved.

Benefits of Mediation: Mediation offers several advantages over litigation, including reduced stress, lower costs, greater control over the outcome, and a more collaborative environment. It can also help preserve the family relationship, leading to a healthier co-parenting dynamic after separation. For example, parents might agree on a shared custody arrangement with a detailed parenting time schedule that accommodates both parents’ work schedules and the child’s needs.

Limitations: Mediation isn’t appropriate for all cases. If there is significant power imbalance, domestic violence, or one parent is unwilling to participate constructively, mediation may not be effective. In such situations, court intervention might be necessary.

Cases involving parental substance abuse require a careful and nuanced approach, prioritizing the child’s safety and well-being above all else. My handling of such cases involves a multi-pronged strategy.

• Thorough Investigation: I begin by gathering comprehensive evidence of the substance abuse, which may include drug tests, medical records, witness statements, and police reports.
• Child’s Best Interests: The paramount consideration is always the child’s safety and development. I evaluate the extent of the substance abuse, its impact on the parent’s ability to care for the child, and the risk of harm to the child.
• Intervention and Treatment: I encourage and support parents to seek professional help, including drug rehabilitation programs and counseling. Court-ordered drug testing and treatment are often part of the plan.
• Custody Modifications: Depending on the severity of the abuse and the risk to the child, I may recommend supervised visitation, restricted parenting time, or even a change in custody arrangements to ensure the child’s safety.
• Collaboration with Other Professionals: I often work closely with social workers, therapists, and substance abuse professionals to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both the parent’s substance abuse and the child’s needs. For instance, I might involve a child psychologist to assess the impact of the parental substance abuse on the child.

The goal is to create a safe and stable environment for the child while supporting the parent’s recovery. The process is often long-term and requires consistent monitoring and adjustments.

Over my career, I’ve encountered many challenges in child custody cases. Some common ones include:

• High-conflict divorces: These cases are characterized by intense animosity between parents, making it difficult to reach agreements and focus on the child’s best interests. Often, extensive communication, strategic use of mediation, and careful crafting of orders are crucial for success.
• Allegations of domestic violence: Cases involving domestic violence require a thorough investigation and assessment to ensure the child’s safety. The priority is always protecting the child from harm, and this may involve protective orders, supervised visitation, or other measures.
• Parental alienation: This is a situation where one parent actively tries to turn the child against the other parent. Addressing this requires a careful evaluation of the parent-child relationship and implementing strategies to mitigate the negative effects of alienation.
• Relocation disputes: When one parent wants to move to a different state or country, it raises complex issues regarding the child’s stability and access to both parents. Careful consideration of the child’s needs and the practical implications of the move is essential.
• International custody disputes: These cases involve jurisdictional challenges and often require knowledge of international treaties and conventions like the Hague Convention.

Each challenge requires a tailored approach, focusing on thorough investigation, careful assessment of the child’s needs, and collaboration with other professionals where necessary.

Child custody evaluations are comprehensive assessments conducted by qualified professionals to provide the court with expert opinions on various aspects relevant to a child’s best interests. My experience involves collaborating with evaluators and reviewing their reports extensively.

The evaluation process typically includes interviews with parents and children, observations of parent-child interactions, review of relevant documents (such as school records and medical records), and psychological testing when appropriate. The evaluator then prepares a comprehensive report that summarizes their findings and provides recommendations to the court regarding custody and visitation.

My role in the process involves reviewing the evaluator’s report critically, identifying any potential biases or methodological flaws, and considering the report’s conclusions within the context of other evidence presented in the case. I ensure the evaluation considers the totality of circumstances and aligns with the best interests of the child. For example, I might challenge an evaluator’s conclusions if they don’t adequately account for mitigating factors in a parent’s behavior.

Importance of thorough evaluation: A well-conducted evaluation provides valuable insights for the court and helps ensure that custody decisions are informed by objective data and expert opinion, ultimately leading to a more just and child-centered outcome. It helps ensure the child’s voice is heard and their needs are considered appropriately.

I am very familiar with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (often referred to simply as the Hague Convention). It’s an international treaty designed to protect children from the harmful effects of wrongful removal or retention across international borders. The Convention aims to secure the prompt return of children who have been wrongfully removed or retained to their country of habitual residence.

Key aspects of the Convention: The Convention defines ‘wrongful removal’ and ‘wrongful retention’ and establishes a procedure for the prompt return of the child. It also addresses the issue of custody rights and visitation rights in international cases. Successful application of the convention hinges on demonstrating that the child’s habitual residence was in a specific country, and that their removal constitutes a breach of parental rights.

My experience with the Convention: In cases involving international child abduction, I navigate the complex jurisdictional issues, work closely with international legal professionals, and ensure the process aligns with the provisions of the Hague Convention. This might involve assisting with applications for the return of a child, or determining the appropriate jurisdiction for determining the child’s best interests, ensuring that the child’s welfare and the principles of the Convention are protected.

Parenting time, sometimes referred to as visitation, refers to the time a child spends with each parent following a separation or divorce. It’s a crucial element of child custody orders and plays a significant role in the child’s well-being and development. It’s not simply about scheduling time, but about ensuring meaningful and consistent interaction with both parents.

Importance of Parenting Time: Regular and meaningful parenting time with both parents is generally considered to be in a child’s best interests, unless there are safety concerns. It helps maintain the child’s relationship with each parent, promotes emotional security, and fosters a sense of belonging and identity. Consistent parenting time allows parents to continue their parental role and participate in the child’s life. For example, regular visits allow a parent to stay involved in school activities, extracurriculars, and medical appointments.

Factors considered in determining parenting time schedules: These schedules are tailored to each family’s unique circumstances, considering factors such as the child’s age, the parents’ work schedules, the distance between parents’ residences, and any special needs of the child. Agreements should aim to provide both parents with substantial parenting time unless there’s valid cause for restriction.

Importance of flexibility: Parenting time schedules are not always fixed and inflexible. They can be modified as the child’s needs change and the parents’ circumstances evolve. A flexible approach can better meet the evolving needs of both the child and the parents.

Balancing parental rights with the best interests of the child is a central tenet of child custody law. It’s not a simple equation; it’s a delicate balancing act that requires careful consideration of multiple factors.

Parental Rights: Parents generally have a fundamental right to raise their children. However, these rights are not absolute and can be limited when they conflict with the child’s best interests. For example, a parent’s right to make decisions about their child’s education might be restricted if it negatively affects the child’s well-being.

Best Interests of the Child: This is the paramount consideration in all custody decisions. It’s a broad concept encompassing various factors, including the child’s physical and emotional health, safety, educational needs, and relationships with both parents. Courts consider the child’s wishes, particularly as they mature, but recognize the child’s decision-making capacity is limited by their age and development.

Balancing Act: The court seeks to create a parenting plan that best protects the child’s physical and emotional well-being while respecting, as much as possible, the rights of each parent. This involves weighing different factors, such as the parents’ stability, their parenting skills, their ability to cooperate, and their potential to support the child’s emotional development. The goal is not to favor one parent over the other, but to develop a plan that creates a stable and nurturing environment for the child.

Examples: In a high-conflict case, the court might limit parenting time for one parent to protect the child from exposure to conflict, even if it means a restriction of the parent’s rights. Similarly, if a parent has demonstrated unsafe or harmful behavior, their visitation may be supervised or restricted to protect the child.

Resolving custody disputes effectively requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes the child’s best interests. My strategies center around:

• Mediation: I strongly advocate for mediation as the first step. It allows parents to collaboratively create a parenting plan in a less adversarial environment, fostering cooperation and reducing conflict. I guide parents through the process, helping them identify common ground and address concerns constructively. For example, I recently helped a couple agree on a shared holiday schedule that accommodated both parents’ work commitments.
• Negotiation: If mediation isn’t successful, I employ skilled negotiation tactics to reach a mutually agreeable solution. This often involves identifying each parent’s priorities and finding creative compromises. Sometimes, simply reframing the issue – perhaps focusing on shared decision-making rather than arguing over physical custody – can make all the difference.
• Litigation: As a last resort, I prepare and present compelling cases in court, ensuring all evidence is meticulously documented and presented in a clear and concise manner. This includes gathering evidence like medical records, school records, and witness statements, all while adhering to legal and ethical standards. I’ve successfully litigated cases involving complex issues such as parental alienation and relocation.

Ultimately, my goal is to achieve a resolution that is in the best interests of the child, while respecting the rights of both parents.

Working with clients during high-stress situations demands empathy, patience, and a calm demeanor. My approach involves:

• Active Listening: I create a safe space where clients feel heard and understood. I listen intently, not just to their words, but also to their unspoken emotions. This builds trust and rapport, allowing them to share their vulnerabilities.
• Emotional Validation: I acknowledge and validate their feelings without judgment. Divorce and custody battles are incredibly stressful; recognizing their emotions helps them feel understood and less alone.
• Clear Communication: I explain legal processes clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon. I regularly update clients on the progress of their case and answer their questions thoroughly, managing expectations realistically.
• Strategic Planning: We collaboratively develop a comprehensive plan, outlining realistic goals and potential challenges. This sense of control can be empowering during an otherwise tumultuous period.

For instance, I had a client who was overwhelmed with anxiety during a particularly contentious hearing. By taking time to listen to her concerns and validating her feelings, I was able to help her calm down and focus on the proceedings, resulting in a more favorable outcome.

Managing my caseload effectively involves a combination of meticulous organization and efficient time management. I utilize:

• Case Management Software: This software helps me track deadlines, schedule appointments, and manage client communications effectively. It allows for centralized organization of all case-related documents.
• Prioritization Matrix: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Urgent and important tasks, such as court deadlines, are addressed immediately, while less urgent tasks are scheduled accordingly.
• Time Blocking: I allocate specific time blocks for various tasks, ensuring adequate time for research, client meetings, and court preparation. This prevents over scheduling and maximizes productivity.
• Delegation: When appropriate, I delegate tasks to my paralegals to streamline workflows and ensure that everything gets done efficiently.

This structured approach allows me to handle a significant caseload while maintaining a high level of quality in my work and providing timely service to my clients.

I have extensive experience with various custody arrangements, each tailored to the unique circumstances of each family. These include:

• Sole Custody: One parent is designated as the primary caregiver, making all major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. However, the other parent typically has visitation rights. This is often chosen when one parent is deemed unfit or when significant safety concerns exist.
• Joint Custody: Both parents share legal and/or physical custody. Legal custody involves shared decision-making responsibilities, while physical custody refers to the child’s living arrangements. Joint custody arrangements can be highly flexible, with variations depending on the parents’ agreement and the child’s needs.
• Split Custody: This is less common and involves each parent having custody of one or more children. It is generally only considered when the family has multiple children, and there is significant evidence that it is in their best interests.

The most suitable arrangement is determined through careful consideration of factors such as the parents’ relationship, their ability to co-parent, the child’s wishes (if appropriate), and the child’s best interests.

Ensuring clients are fully informed is paramount. My approach involves:

• Initial Consultations: Thorough initial consultations provide a platform to discuss their situation, answer their questions, and explain their legal rights and options in detail.
• Regular Updates: I provide regular updates on case developments, explaining legal jargon in simple terms. I encourage clients to ask questions and express concerns openly.
• Client Portal: I utilize a secure client portal for easy access to documents, updates, and communication. This ensures transparency and keeps clients informed on progress without continuous phone calls.
• Educational Materials: I provide clients with educational materials, such as brochures or links to relevant websites, to further enhance their understanding of the legal processes.

I believe that informed clients are empowered clients, and this proactive approach fosters trust and a strong attorney-client relationship.

If a parent is violating a custody order, my immediate steps are:

• Documentation: Thoroughly document the violation, including dates, times, and specific details. This may involve gathering evidence such as emails, text messages, photographs, or witness statements.
• Communication: I attempt to resolve the issue through communication with the offending parent, reminding them of the court order and the potential consequences of non-compliance. Often, a simple reminder is sufficient.
• Mediation: If communication fails, I may propose mediation to facilitate a resolution. This can help prevent escalation and preserve the existing relationship between the parents.
• Legal Action: If attempts at resolution fail, I initiate legal action, which may involve filing a motion for contempt of court or seeking modification of the custody order. This might include requesting sanctions for the non-compliant party, or seeking a change in custody arrangements to better protect the child.

The approach is always child-centered, prioritizing the child’s well-being and stability throughout the process. Depending on the severity of the violation, I might also involve child protective services.

My experience with appellate processes in child custody cases involves:

• Reviewing lower court decisions: This involves carefully examining the trial court record for errors of law or fact that might warrant an appeal. A thorough understanding of the trial record and case law is paramount.
• Preparing appellate briefs: Crafting compelling appellate briefs requires a strong understanding of appellate procedure and rules. This involves concisely stating the issues on appeal, presenting relevant legal arguments, and supporting those arguments with evidence from the record.
• Oral Arguments (when necessary): Presenting oral arguments before an appellate court requires a mastery of legal principles and the ability to articulate arguments clearly and persuasively. It demands strong advocacy skills and the ability to handle questioning from judges.
• Post-appeal procedures: Following a decision, it is important to handle post-appeal procedures, which might involve petitioning for rehearing or enforcement of the appellate court’s decision.

Successfully navigating appellate processes requires meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of case law, and strong advocacy skills. I am experienced in handling complex appellate issues relating to child custody and I know how to build a persuasive case to benefit my clients.