Yes. You already know that children are the most precious part of a parent's life. But you also know that they can cause a parent tremendous stress and emotional pain with problems in school or intra-family legal struggles.
We know that too. We have been through those struggles with many parents for over thirty years.
In custody cases, we help you clarify your objective on what exactly you want with regard to your child - legal custody, joing legal custody, physical or residential custody, joint physical custody, shared custody, visitation, payment or reduction of child support. Then we advise you on the court procedures, prepare correspondence and court documents for you, negotiate with the other parent, prepare you to be the best witness for you case, proceed to trial if necessary. The decision will be based on the "best interests" of the child. That determination of what is in a child's best interests is often left to the parties, if they can come to a settlement, or to the broad discretion of the trial court.
There is no instant test that provides a quick and easy answer to custody matters. Many factors are considered, such as: the fitness of the parents; character and reputation of the parents; desire of the parents, and prior agreements between the parents; potentiality of maintaining normal family relationships, preference of the child; material opportunities affecting the future life of the child; health, and gender of the child, residences of parents and opportunity for visitation; and many more factors. We will help you wade through these issues and advocate your position in negotiation and on to trial if necessary.
Our office can help with school issues and problems regarding your child. Our experienced staff can advocate for you on matters of school discipline, 504 plans, special education and more.
Special education matters usually involve struggles over services and school placements. We have a strong background in handling these matters because Mr. Shrybman has served as an impartial hearing officer for three state level school systems as well as a number of local school systems. He is also the author of an authoritative text on the subject - DUE PROCESS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION.
We can help you advocate for the services and placement necessary for your child to receive an appropriate education. We can advise you on modifying and fine tuning IEPs. We can help you with your working relationship and realistic approach with the local school system.
We know how frustrated and angry you may be by actions of school people in the areas of special education or school suspension, and other school system decisions. Sometimes the intervention of an attorney on your behalf helps school people sit up and listen to your concerns rather than ignoring them or patronizing you. We know the game, the process, and the law. We can advise you, represent you, or do both as you see fit.
