At Lincolnton Family Law, we often encounter clients facing difficult custody and co-parenting situations. It’s common for people to be unsure about the difference between a “family law attorney” and a “parenting coordinator.” Because we offer both services, we want to clarify these roles and explain how they can help you, as the specific service you are assigned is relative to the help received.
Our Role as Family Law Attorneys
As your family law attorneys, we at Lincolnton Family Law represent your legal interests in court and during negotiations. Our primary focus is to establish and protect your legal rights. We help you navigate the legal system, ensuring that your voice is heard and your interests are advocated for effectively.
As your attorneys, we handle:
- Filing for custody or visitation: We prepare and submit all necessary legal documents to the court, clearly outlining your desired custody arrangements and the reasons behind them.
- Drafting agreements: We draft comprehensive custody agreements, visitation schedules, and other legal documents that formalize the terms of co-parenting.
- Representing you in hearings or trials: If your custody dispute goes to court, our experienced attorneys will represent you, present your case, argue on your behalf, and examine witnesses. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure the best possible legal outcome.
Our Role as Parenting Coordinators
In addition to legal representation, we also provide parenting coordination services. As your parenting coordinators, our role is to help high-conflict parents implement and follow an existing custody order. We act as a neutral third party, focusing on minimizing conflict and promoting effective communication for the benefit of your children.
As your parenting coordinators, we help with:
- Coordinating visitation and exchanges: We assist with scheduling changes, resolving disputes about drop-off and pick-up locations, and ensuring smooth transitions for the children.
- Managing communication: We facilitate communication between parents, helping to filter out negativity and focus on essential information. We can also establish communication protocols or utilize communication apps to ensure clarity and efficiency.
- Reducing court involvement in day-to-day parenting issues: By addressing minor disputes and helping parents reach agreements, we can minimize the need for repeated court appearances and reduce legal costs. Our goal is to help you develop long-term strategies for successful co-parenting.
You Might Need Both Our Attorney and Parenting Coordinator Services
In high-conflict custody cases, the court may assign a parenting coordinator in addition to your attorney. This combination allows us to provide comprehensive support. As your attorneys, we ensure your legal rights are protected. As your parenting coordinators, we work to reduce friction and facilitate cooperation after the court order is in place.
This dual approach is particularly effective when parents struggle to communicate or cooperate. We address both the legal and practical aspects of co-parenting, ensuring that your family receives the support needed for a stable and healthy environment. It’s vital to understand which role we are fulfilling for you at any given time, as the type of assistance you receive is directly tied to the assigned role.
Why Choose Lincolnton Family Law?
Choosing the right attorney is essential. Jennifer Hames and the team at Lincolnton Family Law bring a compassionate, understanding approach combined with a wealth of experience in family law. We focus on minimizing conflict and resolving issues efficiently to protect your future.
We understand the emotional and financial stresses involved in dealing with the law and court and are committed to making this process as smooth as possible for you and your children. Our local presence in Lincolnton allows us to be accessible when you need us, providing timely and effective legal solutions.
Navigating court doesn’t have to be a journey you take alone. Contact Lincolnton Family Law today, and let us help you ensure the best for you.
