legal Representation

To stay focused on our mission of helping people structure their lives and families themselves, we no longer handle litigation cases except in the following limited areas.

Adoption, guardianship, and 3rd party child custody

If you’re trying to keep a relative’s child out of state’s custody and the child is clearly at risk of serious harm, we can’t turn cases like that away. Just be aware that the hurdles are very high—the case can’t be a judgement call because the courts defer to parental judgement unless it’s very clearly putting the child at risk of harm.

If you want to do a step-parent adoption and the other parent is completely uninvolved, but still won’t sign a consent (or can’t be found), we can help. We may be able to help with adoption appeals if the court has made a fundamental error.

State Child Protection Cases

We no longer represent parents in these cases, except in rare circumstances where OCS has made a clear mistake. Be aware that these matters are time consuming and very expensive. If your relative’s child has been taken into state’s custody, and you’re willing to be the placement, but OCS isn’t working with you, we can help.

Divorce, Dissolution, Other Family Law Matters, and Appeals

Although we don’t handle litigation cases, we can give advice and assist with forms and other paperwork. This is also covered on our “Legal Advice” page.