When It Applies

Not For

• Drafting a binding parenting plan, deciding best-interests outcomes, withholding contact, or dealing with urgent child-safety issues without immediate help.

Documents

• Birth certificate
• Existing order
• Parenting agreement
• School records
• Medical records
• Travel documents
• Messages
• Care schedule
• Expense records
• Question list

Timeline

• Before consultation: write the child routine and decision questions.
• Before review: collect child, parent, order, and communication records.
• During consultation: confirm forum, process, and what should remain unchanged.
• Afterwards: track contact factually and calendar next steps.

Tips

• Keep the checklist child-focused.
• Separate routine questions from conflict evidence.
• Do not edit message screenshots.
• Ask how urgent safety concerns should be handled before sending new demands.

Warning Signs

• There is violence, abduction risk, neglect, substance abuse, blocked contact, or urgent child-safety concern.
• A parent wants to relocate or travel without agreement.
• Existing orders are being ignored.
• The child is distressed or caught in adult communication.