The Role of the Neutral Child Specialist in Family Law - Don't They Only Do Collaborative Work?

We know that divorce is a complicated legal, financial, emotional and family matter. A facilitative neutral, like a Child Specialist, can be a valuable resource for the family matters at the heart of a divorce. Neutral Child Specialists are voluntary, alternative dispute resolution professionals with training in mediation and interest-based negotiation, and expertise in child development and family dynamics.　

Neutral Child Specialists offer a range of services before, during and after a divorce or separation. Some services, like creating a We Statement or discussing specific parent concerns about a child's adjustment, may involve a one-time child-focused consultation. Other services, like creating or updating a parenting plan, involve a longer problem solving process. Neutral Child Specialists can work in a child-inclusive way or with parents only. Transparent consultation with other divorce professionals involved on a case can also be part of the work. This program will provide more detail about the role of the Neutral Child Specialist, and hopefully answer any questions you might have about when and how it would be appropriate to add this resource to a divorce process.