Colorado Child Custody Evaluations with Barbara Shindell | Episode 31

Navigating Parental Responsibility Evaluations: Insights with Barbara ShindellIn this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Amy Goscha sits down with Barbara Shindell, an expert in parental responsibility evaluations (PRE), to discuss the role of a PRE in divorce cases. With extensive experience in mediation, early neutral assessments, and as a family therapist, Barbara explains the process of evaluating families in conflict and offering recommendations that prioritize the well-being of the children involved.Guest Information Barbara Shindell is a licensed therapist with decades of experience specializing in family dynamics, parental responsibility evaluations, and early neutral assessments. She works with divorcing families to foster healthy co-parenting relationships and create effective parenting plans.Episode OutlineIntroduction to Barbara's Background Barbara discusses her journey from general social work to specializing in family law and working with divorcing parents to improve outcomes for children.Early Neutral Assessment (ENA) Barbara explains the ENA process, where parents can work together with the help of a neutral evaluator to create a parenting plan without entering a lengthy court battle.Transitioning to Parental Responsibility Evaluations (PRE) Barbara provides an overview of the PRE process, which involves evaluating both parents, their relationships with the children, and making recommendations to the court. She outlines the roles of mental health professionals in this process.The Importance of Child-Focused Communication Barbara emphasizes the significance of putting the children’s needs first, ensuring that parents remain child-focused in their interactions during divorce and throughout the PRE process.How PREs Can Address High-Conflict Cases Barbara shares examples of situations where a PRE might be necessary, such as cases involving substance abuse, domestic violence, or parents who are unable to resolve disputes amicably.Working with Parents and Attorneys Barbara discusses her approach to collaborating with both parents and attorneys, including handling emotional dynamics and ensuring both parents feel heard throughout the process.Challenges in the PRE Process Barbara explains common challenges, such as when one parent is less engaged in the process, and offers strategies to overcome these obstacles.What is Divorce at Altitude? Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.