Page 23 - Phoenix Vol 11 No 4
P. 23

understands the impact a party’s mental health can have on case pro- gression. Clients or opposing parties with mental health issues, ones they refuse to acknowledge, are some of the hardest to deal with. At- torneys who  nd themselves dealing with mental health issues for the  rst time in a client or in the opposing party must do their homework. Proceed with caution and “be over prepared.”
Her understanding of the stresses and emotions in family law cases, child development, substance abuse, domestic violence, and related is- sues is extraordinarily useful. Ban eld’s unique skill set pairs naturally with mediation. What about mediation with domestic violence in the relationship or highly emotional custody case? She recommends ob- taining a mediator who is educated as to these issues and the impor- tance of implementing safeguards and detailed orders in the parenting plan.
Con dence in the mediator is essential. Both sides must be fully informed and educated before going into mediation, too, otherwise “you’re just spinning your wheels.” For example, if one party is un- informed and uneducated on the issue of spousal maintenance, then mediation will not be balanced.
PREPARING PARENTS FOR CHILD CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS
Unique challenges can arise in preparing parents for child custo- dy proceedings. Parents need to understand from the outset, “if they want custody, they really need to stay strong and stand up for their equal rights to their kids.”  is is where lawyer experience can have a substantial impact. “If a parent doesn’t jump at the chance for equal parenting time,” she says, “I don’t push them into pursuing it.” People need to know and respect their limitations, especially where children are concerned.
Looking to the child for parenting decisions is not appropriate ei- ther. According to Ban eld, “No child should be asked to choose between parents,” but that is not to say children should never have a voice. “If the child is old enough, mature enough, then listen to what the child thinks, sure.”  is can be especially important when there is a big discrepancy between what each parent is saying.
 ere Really Is Life A er Divorce
 ings can get very bad during divorce. Parents don’t always keep their emotions in check. Some spouses are convinced divorce means their lives are over. Ban eld is emphatic, “Not so! People are amazingly resilient, there really is a new life a er divorce.” She has seen it happen, again and again. Ban eld keeps reassuring her clients that things will get better despite how rough things are right now. “ at pep talk works on me, too,” she laughs. “I know that in the end their lives will be bet- ter.  eir children’s lives will be better.  at there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And it does shine brightly for most people no matter how challenging things appear to be at the outset of the divorce process.”
 e greatest reward for Ban eld is in helping the client who really needed representation.  e client who is in the right, but who could have been treated unfairly or been severely disadvantaged by the court system if unrepresented by counsel. And nothing leaves her with a greater sense of accomplishment than “my clients who come back to me when they need me, or refer others to me.  at is how you really know you did your job well.”
At a Glance
STEWART LAW GROUP
777 E  omas Rd. Suite 210 Phoenix AZ 85014
(602) 548-4600 www.ArizonaLawGroup.com
Practice Area
Family Law
Education
Juris Doctor, Arizona State University, 2010
Bachelor of Science, Arizona State University, 2003
Honors
10 Best Attorney, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
Lawyers of Distinction Client’s Choice Award, Avvo Lead Counsel Rated in Family Law, Lead Counsel
Professional Memberships
State Bar of Arizona – Family Law Section
Hobbies
Spending time with family Camping
Anything outdoors
Favorite Quote
“ e most wasted of days is one without laughter.” – e.e. cummings


































































































   21   22   23   24   25