Co-Parenting

New CFI Presumptive Cap updated: 2016

As of January 1, 2016 the CFI presumptive statutory cap on fees for investigation and report writing is $2,750.  The presumptive statutory cap on fees related to CFI work performed in preparation for testifying in court remains at $500.  Any CFI may request excess fees as necessary.  Gabriela Sandoval works to identify with parents, counsel […]

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Help build a healthy brain for your child!

CLICK THIS LINK FOR A SHORT VIDEO ON PARENTING, COMMUNICATION AND YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN!

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Happy National Breastfeeding Month!

August is America’s National Breastfeeding Month — the Proclamation is below: Whereas, the mission of the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is to improve the Nation’s health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding; and Whereas, USBC envisions breastfeeding as the norm for infant and young child feeding throughout the United States; and […]

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Parenting Coordinator (PC) or Decision Maker (DM)

Gabriela Sandoval has recently added Parenting Coordination (“PC”) and Decision Making (“DM”) to her practice. Once an order as to parental responsibilities is in effect, a neutral party may be appointed by the Court (or agreed upon by parties) to assist in resolving disputes that arise between parents about carrying out the parenting plan.  This […]

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Rants and Raves

RANTS: People walking around staring at their cell phones, completely unaware of the live people and action around them (myself included as I sit here blogging in the airport). Fast Food. Unnecessary C-Sections and medicated births. Formula. “Educational” Television Programming for kids. RAVES: Parents who limit their own “screen time” in front of their children.  […]

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Balancing Act: Working Parents

A good work/life balance is important for you and your children.  Sometimes that is easier said than done!  It is important to model responsibility, living within your family budget, making compromises when necessary and demonstrating a healthy work ethic.  You want your children to demonstrate appropriate behaviors (safe/healthy limit testing/rebellion is natural), develop motivation to […]

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

The number of kids diagnosed with Autism has been on the rise at a very high rate.  If you are a parent going through a divorce or separation AND you have a child on the spectrum, I would guess your stress level is at an all time high.  Know this: There is a light at […]

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‘Tis The Season

The holidays are supposed to be a time with family and friends, for reflection and cheer.  It’s a great opportunity to create new traditions or re-live your favorite ones.  Don’t put your kids in the middle of your battle over where they are going to spend the holidays — it will likely leave an unintended […]

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Nanny vs. Daycare

So many working parents ask themselves, “Which is better – a nanny or daycare?”  The right answer will depend on your particular family and the financial resources available to you.  It will also depend on whether you have more than one child and the age of your children.  For example, infants and young toddlers will […]

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Nursing and Divorce or Separation

Many questions and fears may arise when a nursing mother is facing divorce or separation.  She may ask – how can I nurse my baby if the father has parenting time?  Is it dangerous for my baby to stop nursing?  What do I do if I’m getting divorced and my baby is still breastfeeding?  First, […]

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How can a CFI help me?

Do you really want someone appointed by the judge in your divorce case to stick their nose in your family business?  Your first response is most likely, “No”.  However, a Child & Family Investigator (CFI) will put the focus back on your kids.  And focusing on them is what is most important in the long […]

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Television & Other Media: Resist the Urge

Infants and toddlers need to physically explore their environments through play, direct contact and interaction.  This critical stage sets the foundation for timely and proper cognitive development which will later lead to important milestones including proper motor skills, language development and the ability to problem-solve.  Although TV, media and electronic devices abound, they are not […]

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High Conflict Divorce

The negative impact of high conflict divorce on children is real.  It can be scary, stressful, confusing, frustrating and exhausting.  It can lead to disruptions in comfort and routine, problems at school and create behavior changes and/or aggression and withdrawal.  Such changes may lead to unstructured and unhealthy risk-taking behaviors.  Children may likely suffer a […]

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Baby Mama

When you have kids but never married your ex, you still need to consider having an official court order as to parenting time and decision-making responsibility.  The parenting plan and court orders will help to ensure clarity and consistency.  Hopefully you and your ex can figure out a way to co-parent easily but the plan […]

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Quality Time

As you already know, playing with and spending quality time with your kids is essential to the relationship you create with them.  It is also essential for their cognitive and emotional development in many ways.  This will mean different things depending on their ages but children and youth of all ages need this time with […]

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Parenting and Mental Illness

A mental health diagnosis does not necessarily preclude a parent from being designated the primary residential caretaker, having parenting time or being allocated decision-making responsibility.  The issue isn’t the illness itself but how the illness impacts that parent’s ability to identify and meet the needs of his or her children on a consistent basis.  If […]

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Divorce & Children with Disabilities

When parents who have a special needs child divorce, it is imperative that the new routine and environment meets the unique special needs of the child.  For example, frequent changes or transitions between homes may be especially detrimental for a child who has a difficult time dealing with disruptions to her regular routine.  A well thought out […]

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Co-parenting from afar

When one parent lives a significant distance from the other, it can seem difficult for the child and non-residential parent to stay connected, present and involved in each others’ lives.  The good news is that nowadays, there are so many ways to help mitigate the reality that after separation or divorce, one parent moves away.  […]

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Parenting Plans

In order to draft the best parenting plan for your children, many factors need to be taken into consideration.  Some relevant information including age, development, routine, relationships, proximity of co-parent and expressed wishes are all important to consider.  Other factors determined by law are analyzed as well.  It is critical to keep in mind the […]

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How do I get a CFI appointed?

The CFI needs to be appointed by the judge assigned to your case.  If you have an attorney, discuss this option with her.  If you are representing yourself, you can ask the judge to appoint a CFI.  You can ask the judge during a hearing or you can file paperwork to request a CFI.  Check […]

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What is a CFI anyway?

A CFI (Child & Family Investigator) is appointed by a judge to investigate and make recommendations about contested issues in a family court case.  The CFI’s role is as an investigative arm of the court and is specifically investigating the best interests of the child or children involved.  Although the CFI performs the investigation and […]

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Child Welfare

Child Welfare includes a variety of issues and case types (Domestic Relations, Dependency & Neglect/PRNP, Juvenile Delinquency, Adoption).  In Gabriela’s current practice, she focuses on domestic relations cases where she serves as a Child and Family Investigator (CFI).  Divorce, separation and disputes regarding allocation of parental responsibilities are stressful events.  In addition to coping with […]

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