Judges and attorneys may want to have a series of books available for parents and children. The books for parents describe the legal process of divorce, issues facing parents and children and coping strategies to assist children. The books for children provide an understanding of family transitions, how to cope with change, maintain loving family relationships and have a sense of hope.

These books will assist attorneys and judges with their work because parents will be better informed about the best interests of their children and legal process of divorce.

Attorneys Representing Children

This publication presents a basic framework for interviewing and assessing the child client and provides the attorney / guardian ad litem with an invaluable resource that enables the children's attorney to advocate on behalf of the best interest of the child during a custody proceeding. While this book is geared to divorce, many child welfare advocates state that the model is one that applies to any professional working with children and families. The publication presents for the first time a comprehensive framework for interviewing children and parents based on an understanding of child development and the specific parenting needed to meet children's needs.

Guidelines for Child Focused Decision Making

While written for judges, this book can be effectively used by parents, attorneys, mediators and mental health professionals. The book offers a standardized process to help decision makers define and address the developmental needs of children, how divorce may affect each child and how each parent can responsibly and lovingly assist their children to grow and thrive. Specific co-parent relationship behaviors are also identified to help parents communicate about their children. While the process of reviewing these factors is standardized, the approach here is customized based on the unique needs of each family and each child within the family.