What you can expect
Depending on the court mandate, I speak with your child, with you and where necessary with other relevant people. I listen to different perspectives without becoming an advocate for either parent.
- Clear information about role and process
- Respectful and objective communication
- Questions about development, daily life, relationships, stress and protective factors
- No promise of a particular court outcome
- No sensitive documents through insecure channels
How you can reduce pressure on your child
Explain the situation simply and without blame. Do not rehearse answers or use the child as a messenger. A child is allowed to love both parents while also describing distressing experiences.
Boundaries
A child advocate does not provide legal advice to parents and does not replace parenting support or therapy. Guardianship and supplementary guardianship are governed by the powers transferred by the court.