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Guardian ad Litem
(GAL)
Parents sometimes are unable to agree on
these issues, even with the help of a mediator. When this happens, the
judge will appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to
assist the judge in making custody, placement, and support decisions.
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In investigating and developing input
for the court's consideration, the GAL must consider:
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the wishes of your child and both parents;
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whether a parent has engaged in a pattern or
serious incident of interspousal
battery;
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the safety and well-being of the child and
the safety of the parent who was the victim of the battery or
abuse;
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your child's interaction and relationship
with you and other family members;
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the amount and quality of time you have
spent with your child in the past;
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any necessary and reasonable custodial and
life-style changes you propose to make to spend time with your
child in the future;
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your child's adjustment to home, school,
religion, and community;
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your child's age and developmental and
educational needs at various ages;
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the mental or physical health of a parent,
the child, or other person living in the proposed custodial
household;
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the need for regularly occurring and
meaningful placement to provide predictability and stability for
your child;
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availability of child care services;
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the cooperation and communication between
parents and whether either one unreasonably refuses to cooperate
or communicate with the other;
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a parent's likelihood to interfere in the
other parent's continuing relationship with the child;
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any physical abuse or problems with alcohol
or drugs;
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the reports of appropriate professionals
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Parenting Coordination
It is not divorce that harms children - It is continued
conflict between parents that can cause children to become angry and
depressed, anxious and withdrawn.
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Parenting coordination is a relatively new
alternative dispute intervention that is used to manage high-conflict
custody and visitation cases. The frustration and expense of
repeated trips to court takes a toll on families. Parenting Coordinators
(PCs) can help resolve issues without litigation. PCs
are typically lawyers or therapists who have experience working with
families where there is conflict about child-related issues. A PC
can help the parents mediate, for example, when the children will spend
time with each parent during school holidays and vacations. PCs can
help parents communicate more effectively by serving as a buffer between
them. If parents are stuck in old communication dynamics, a PC can
serve as an objective third-party with whom both parents can speak freely,
thereby improving parental communication.
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Parenting
Coordinators are typically useful when co-parents who share legal
decision-making authority cannot resolve an upcoming major life decision
for the child(ren).
Examples include:
Visitation,
transition and
contact
Relocation issues
School placement
Special education enrollment
Summer activities, camps and travel
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Ginny Kelly, MSW, LICSW is a state approved GAL and
Parenting Coordinator. She has 12 years experience in family therapy and
7 years as the coordinator of a Child/Parent Mediation Program. She takes
on only one or two of these cases along with her regular counseling
practice. Her reports are thorough, timely, and represent the best
interest of the child to the best of her knowledge and ability. |
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OFFICE HOURS
Mon& Tues 10-7, Wed &Thurs 10-5, Fri 10-2 Otherwise by appointment
47 East Grove Street
Middleboro, Ma 02346
508-947-1683
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