LEGAL SERVICES
Children can be the center of various forms of custody disputes such as: child in need of care, paternity, post-divorce custody, third party visitation, guardianship, and adoption proceedings. My Child Advocate provides child-focused legal representation to children, parents, caregivers, and others who are interested in keeping the focus on the child.
We are a child and family law center dedicated to helping stabilize families. The best interest of your children is paramount at My Child Advocate (MCA), and we think of your child as our own.
Child in Need of Care
A child in need of care (CINC) is an action filed with the court alleging a child’s physical, mental, or emotional needs are not being met. A CINC action may be filed by the state or a private individual. Within a CINC action, a child may be removed from the custody of the parent / custodian and placed in the temporary custody of another individual or agency.
The goal of a CINC action is to find permanency for the child, preferably in the home of the child’s parent(s) is possible. If a child is removed from his or her parent’s home and the parent(s) is unable to modify his or her conduct or condition to meet the needs of his or her child within a reasonable time frame, the court may look towards other permanency placement options for the child.
Paternity
Any party may file an action to determine a parent/ child relationship or to establish legal paternity, custody, parenting time, and child support.
Post-Divorce Custody
After the finalization of a divorce, changes in circumstances may arise resulting in the need for a final parenting plan or custody order to be modified so the best interests of the child are protected.
Third Party Visitation
In Kansas, a grandparent or stepparent may be granted visitation if they can prove:
- They have a substantial relationship with the child; and
- Visitation is in the child’s best interest.
The burden is on the individual requesting visitation to prove the above-mentioned components.
Guardianship
In the event a parent is unable to meet the needs of their minor child, they may seek the assistance of a friend or family member to care for their child. In this situation, it is usually in the best interest of the child that the arrangement be “legalized.”
The court can grant an individual legal guardianship of the child after proving consent of both parents (in specific situations, the consent of only one parent may be necessary), and after a hearing is held on the matter. Unless a parent is proven unfit, a motion may be filed to dissolve the guardianship at any time.
Adoption
Adoption is a legal vehicle for creating a legalized parent-child relationship where there otherwise would have not be one. There are various types of adoptions including:
Adult adoption: The adoption of an individual who has attained the age of maturity
Agency adoption: The adoption of a minor child where an agency has the authority to consent to the adoption
Independent adoption: The adoption of a minor child where the child’s parent or parents, legal guardian, or non-agency person (in loco parentis) has the authority to consent to the adoption, but does not include a stepparent adoption
Stepparent adoption: The adoption of a minor child by the spouse of a parent with the consent of that parent
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Case Management
Domestic case management is a service created by Kansas statute and designed to address issues in high conflict cases. In case management, a neutral third party assists the parties in resolving disputes relating to their minor child(ren) with the goal of reducing conflict and preventing litigation. In the event a case manager is unable to help the parties reach an agreement, the case manager files a formal recommendation with the court and the parties have an opportunity to file an objection. If no objection is lodged, the court will adopt the case manager’s recommendation. If a party objects, the judge will set the matter for hearing, hear the objection, and decide whether or not to adopt the case manager’s recommendations.
Your case may be a good fit for case management if:
- Mediation has been deemed inappropriate by the family
- Repetitive conflict exists in the family
- A parent exhibits a diminished capacity to parent
- Mediation has been attempted, but failed to resolve the dispute
Mediation
Mediation is a confidential process where a neutral third party assists the parties as they discuss and try to resolve their dispute(s). With the consent of both parents, financial issues may be discussed in the mediation process as well.
The mediation process usually consists of one individual session with each parent in which issues will be outlined as well as one or two joint sessions with both parties. Alternative arrangements can be made if necessary. At the conclusion of the mediation process, if an agreement is reached, the mediator will journalize that agreement and submit to the parties and counsel, if applicable, for approval. A mediated agreement does not become binding until signed by both parties and, most importantly, approved by the court.
Child-Focused & Child-Inclusive Mediation
Trina is especially excited to offer child-focused and child-inclusive mediation, approaches rooted in research and international best practices that aim to elevate the child’s experience within the dispute resolution process.
Child-Focused Mediation keeps the child’s best interests front and center throughout the process. While the child is not directly involved, Trina supports parents in developing agreements that safeguard the child’s emotional well-being, stability, and sense of security.
Child-Inclusive Mediation involves the child’s voice more directly. With the parents’ consent and when developmentally appropriate, Trina meets with the child separately and brings their views—delivered respectfully and neutrally—into the mediation process. This gives parents a deeper understanding of their child’s experience without putting the child in the middle.
These approaches are especially beneficial in high-conflict or long-term co-parenting situations, where understanding the child’s perspective can be a powerful catalyst for alignment. Trina’s training and lived experience as both a child advocate and mediator make her uniquely positioned to facilitate these conversations with compassion, insight, and care.
Parent Coordination
A parent coordinator is a neutral third party appointed by the Court to assist the parties in implementing the provisions of their parenting plan. The goal of parent coordination is to reduce conflict and the need for litigation by improving communication and cooperation between the parties.
Conciliation
Conciliation is similar to mediation in that a neutral third party will assist the parties as they discuss and try to resolve their dispute(s). However, conciliation is not confidential. The conciliator will write a brief report to the court outlining the dispute(s) and position of each party, whether or not any agreements were reached, and, if not, any recommendations they may have. A conciliator may reach out to third parties to gather information to be utilized in forthcoming recommendations.
Guardian ad Litem
In the state of Kansas, a Guardian ad Litem, also known as GAL, is an attorney appointed by the Court to represent and advocate for the best interests of the minor child(ren). A GAL conducts an independent investigation and makes recommendations to the parties and the Court. As a party to the case, a GAL may file pleadings and will also participate in all court hearings.