Custody cases are interesting, because they can stand alone, or be part of a divorce. Even after you’ve gotten everything all sorted out, you can get pulled back into court again and again (based on a material change in circumstances) until the day your youngest turns 18. Because custody cases can happen in so many different ways, can take place at both the juvenile and the circuit court level, and can be continually modified, they raise a lot of questions. For women going through a custody case (or worrying that they may be going through a custody case in the near-ish future), all these differences can be terrifying.
Separating from your child’s father is scary enough, whether you were married or not. But, at least, during the time that you were together, you were able to work together for the sake of the child. There was no such thing as “custody,” or “visitation,” or “parenting time.” You just worked it out. When you had another commitment, he picked up the slack, and vice versa.
Now that you’re no longer together, though, things are changing. It’s disconcerting to have your child’s father have time with your child when you aren’t welcome or encouraged to be present. It’s different to go from “family time,” to “your time” and “my time.” Instead of feeling like a collaborative effort, it feels like a free for all—and, terrified of losing that connection with the child, everyone begins to scramble for whatever time they can manage to get. Sometimes, even grandparents get in on the action. Instead of working together, everyone begins to work separately—and, for many moms, it feels like things begin to spiral out of control.
Whether you’re hired an attorney to represent you in your custody case or you’d like to pursue it on your own without hiring an attorney (yes, it’s possible!), you would definitely benefit from attending Custody Bootcamp for Moms.
Custody Bootcamp for Moms is an intense, all day seminar designed to help Virginia moms learn what they need to know to prepare for their own custody cases. We cover pretty much everything, including the ten absolutely critical custody factors you must know (and the judge must follow), what to wear, when to sit and stand, how to prepare a comprehensive and well-organized trial notebook, how to give a killer opening and closing argument, the best way to question and cross examine witnesses, how to survive questioning and cross examination yourself, how to get your good evidence in (and keep his out), how to work with guardians ad litem and custody evaluators, and tons more.
Each seminar is taught by Kristen Hofheimer, and gives you the opportunity to meet and talk with her, and ask your specific questions. (Of course, because it’s not a confidential forum, we do ask that you don’t get too specific!) Kristen will stay until the last woman’s last question is answered, so it’s hard to say exactly how long it will last. It begins at 8:30 am, and lasts until—well, you know. We also provide lunch and workbooks, full of other valuable information that will help you prepare for your upcoming case.
Whether you intend to represent yourself or whether you’re just interested in becoming more knowledgeable about custody cases (so that you can check up on your attorney), Custody Bootcamp for Moms is the only seminar of its kind. It’s designed to help Virginia moms only (and there’s no such seminar available for men facing custody cases), and was taught and prepared by a licensed, experienced, Virginia custody attorney. Kristen has handled countless custody cases covering a wide range of issues—physical, emotional and sexual abuse, home schooling, same sex parents, special needs children, relocation, military custody cases, breastfeeding, and tons more—so she’s a really great resource for any local lady with an upcoming custody case.
We offer our Custody Bootcamp for Moms seminars quarterly—in January, April, July, and October. The cost to attend is $197—which is less than the cost of one hour with a moderately priced local attorney (and you get 6+ hours with Kristen).
Can’t afford to attend? We know that finances are tricky for many people facing custody cases. We work closely with local mental health professionals and victim advocates, and are willing to offer one scholarship per seminar with a referral from your counselor or advocate. To be considered as a recipient for the scholarship, just have them give us a call on your behalf, and provide some basic details about you and your case. The selection committee will review the applicants a week or so before the seminar, and will notify the accepted scholarship applicant by email. Unfortunately, at this time, we can’t take scholarship requests without a referral. We do, however, get requests from therapists in private practice, counselors at the Fleet and Family Support Centers, Legal Aid, family advocacy groups, domestic violence shelters (like the Samaritan House and the YWCA) and others. If your counselor or advocate hasn’t worked with us before, they can still give us a call—we’re happy to talk to them and take the referral.
For more information about Custody Bootcamp for Moms, or to register for an upcoming seminar, give us a call at (757) 785-9761, or check out our website at CustodySeminar.com.