#9 Advocacy with Victims of Family Court Abuse by Abusers Quiz

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Date *

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1. Shelia contacts you about her child custody case. She is confused about how the court system works. You give her a brief overview of all the following players in the court.

1 point

Column 1

Judge

GAL

Custody Evaluator

All of the above

Clear selection

2. Shelia tells you she may have to represent herself because she is running out of money. You review the following with her:

1 point

Column 1

Paperwork Flow, Where to find forms

Court dockets

Self-representation resources, Self-help Centers

All of the above

Clear selection

3. Janet reaches out to you about getting a protection order. You let her know there are different types of protection orders. As you get deeper into her case, you determine she needs a civil protection order. Which types of protection orders do you explain to her?

1 point

Column 1

Temporary or Emergency

Permanent (only for adults)

Child custody/parenting time/Separation/Marriage Dissolution

All of the above

Clear selection

4. Janet asks you to explain the different services you offer. You tell her your role is to

1 point

Column 1

Listen and learn about the survivor’s request for support

Provide Safety Planning

Help with Court case strategies

All of the above

Clear selection

5. You explain to Janet that your role includes locate & review resources to recommend

1 point

Column 1

Attorneys, Mediators through reviews online

Custody Evaluators through reviews online

Therapists through reviews online

Support Programs through reviews online

All of the above

Clear selection

6. Shari asks you how to prepare for GAL/CFI, Mediation, Custody Evaluation, Therapists, etc. You provide her information in the following areas:

1 point

Column 1

Explaining the various players roles

Locating information on players

Recommending resources

All of the above

Clear selection

7. Kathleen asks how you can help her. You let her know you can help with

1 point

Column 1

Communication with abusers

Interpreting abuser behavior patterns

Describing coercive control tactics without using the word “abuse”

All of the above

Clear selection

8. Kathleen is asking help with problems in her case. You let her know you can help with

1 point

Column 1

How to talk with her children

Avoid leading questions with her children

Following court orders without compromising the her empowerment

All of the above

Clear selection

9. Coercive control in family court occurs in the following areas:

1 point

Column 1

Litigation Abuse

Court-appointed Professionals Abuse

Judicial Abuse

All of the above

Clear selection

10. Casandra is asking for your guidance to understand the roles of the various individuals assigned to her case. You explain how the following players interact to move her case forward in the courts.

1 point

Column 1

Legal Aid

Mediator, GAL/CFI

PRE/Custody Evaluator/Psychological Evaluation

Court Clerk & Self-help Center, where to find out about the Pro Se/Unbundling Resource Center

All of the above

Clear selection

11. You pass on to Julie the following Key Questions for Attorneys. You want her to understand how this helps her make good decisions about selecting the right attorney to represent her.

1 point

Column 1

Do you practice Collaborative Divorce?

Are you familiar with local Family Court judges and how they rule?

Do you believe it is better to mediate and negotiate than go to trial?

Do you have experience negotiating child support, spousal support, large financial settlements, or business valuation? Ask specific questions about issues you think will come up during your divorce.

All of the above plus more

Column 1

Do you practice Collaborative Divorce?

Are you familiar with local Family Court judges and how they rule?

Do you believe it is better to mediate and negotiate than go to trial?

Do you have experience negotiating child support, spousal support, large financial settlements, or business valuation? Ask specific questions about issues you think will come up during your divorce.

All of the above plus more

Clear selection

12. Additional Key Questions for Attorneys include

1 point

Column 1

How would I reach you in an emergency situation after hours/on weekends?

Do you have a heavy caseload? Will you have time to devote to my case?

Will I receive copies of documents filed with the court, all communication with my spouse’s attorney and any other documents related to my case?

Will you ask my opinion before planning strategy?

All of the above plus more

Clear selection

13. Additional Key Questions for Attorneys include

1 point

Column 1

Will you petition the court for my spouse to pay my attorney fees?

How much do you charge for letters and phone calls to my spouse’s attorney or me?

Will I be billed for communication via phone or email? If so what is your billing structure? Find out exactly how much the attorney charges and how he/she bills for his/her time.

All of the above plus more

Clear selection

14. Helen is getting ready for mediation. You let her know you have information to help her prepare if she is interested. Which of the following points do you cover?

1 point

Column 1

Review the Mediation Process

Initial Meeting; Identify and Organize the Issues

Discuss Solutions

Prepare and Sign the Custody Agreement

All of the above

Clear selection

15. Which of these questions do you provide Helen to go over with her attorney before mediation?

1 point

Column 1

Can you give me legal advice throughout the mediation process? Will you attend the mediation sessions?

What happens if we can't agree on anything during mediation?

How hard is it to make custody changes after we reach an agreement?

Should I be firm about getting what I feel is important in the initial custody arrangement?

All of the above

Clear selection

16. As an advocate, you assist Helen with preparing for mediation by covering the following steps

1 point

Column 1

Consider getting legal advice from an attorney: It's best to walk into mediation with a solid understanding of your custody rights and responsibilities.

Write out detailed daily schedules for you and your child.; Prepare your own custody and visitation proposal.

Gather all relevant records regarding your child, including important medical records, report cards, and any letters from your child's therapist.

When preparing your custody proposal, be sure to consider any special circumstances like holidays and birthdays. Also, remember to plan for exchange locations and transportation details, such as which parent will drop off or pick up the child for scheduled visits

All of the above

Column 1

Consider getting legal advice from an attorney: It's best to walk into mediation with a solid understanding of your custody rights and responsibilities.

Write out detailed daily schedules for you and your child.; Prepare your own custody and visitation proposal.

Gather all relevant records regarding your child, including important medical records, report cards, and any letters from your child's therapist.

When preparing your custody proposal, be sure to consider any special circumstances like holidays and birthdays. Also, remember to plan for exchange locations and transportation details, such as which parent will drop off or pick up the child for scheduled visits

All of the above

Clear selection

17. You provide Helen with the following key questions to ask the mediator

1 point

Column 1

Does the mediator have a law degree and family law practice experience, and is the mediator informed of divorce and parenting research?

Does the mediator have actual or real knowledge of the subject matter of your conflict, or the issues you need help with?

Does the mediator have multiple years of experience or experience with multiple cases?

All of the above

Clear selection

18. Additional key questions you provide Helen to ask the mediator are

1 point

Column 1

Does the mediator wear other professional hats, or limit his or her work to dispute resolution of divorce and family law matters?

How does the mediator address “parental responsibilities” and “parenting time” when domestic violence/abuse or child abuse occurred in the relationship?

What type of training does the mediator have in the area of child abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and physical and emotional neglect?

All of the above

Column 1

Does the mediator wear other professional hats, or limit his or her work to dispute resolution of divorce and family law matters?

How does the mediator address “parental responsibilities” and “parenting time” when domestic violence/abuse or child abuse occurred in the relationship?

What type of training does the mediator have in the area of child abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and physical and emotional neglect?

All of the above

Clear selection

19. Other key questions you provide Helen to determine the mediator’s knowledge of domestic violence include

1 point

Column 1

How many hours of training does the mediator have in Coercive Control Tactics in relationships?

How many hours of training does the mediator have in Dynamics of Domestic Violence in Relationships?

How many hours of training does the mediator have on the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children?

What is your understanding of the use of children as leverage by an abusive parent in high conflict/contested custody cases?

All of the above

Column 1

How many hours of training does the mediator have in Coercive Control Tactics in relationships?

How many hours of training does the mediator have in Dynamics of Domestic Violence in Relationships?

How many hours of training does the mediator have on the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children?

What is your understanding of the use of children as leverage by an abusive parent in high conflict/contested custody cases?

All of the above

Clear selection

20. Carolyn tells you her attorney suggested she ask for a GAL to be appointed for her children. She asks you to explain what the GAL does in the case. You explain

1 point

Column 1

A “guardian ad litem” (GAL) is a person the court appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the “best interests of a child.” Here, we are talking about a GAL in a divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case.

The purpose of a guardian ad litem is an objective, impartial person whom the court appoints to act as a representative for the minor children in a contested custody proceeding. In cases of alleged child abuse or neglect, the court will as a matter, of course, appoint a guardian ad litem

A guardian ad litem (“GAL”) is an attorney appointed by the court to investigate a case and report its findings and recommendations to the court. ... The GAL is a lawyer for the child and works in the best interests of the child. Every GAL has had education, training, and experience in regards to the needs of children.

All of the above

Column 1

A “guardian ad litem” (GAL) is a person the court appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the “best interests of a child.” Here, we are talking about a GAL in a divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case.

The purpose of a guardian ad litem is an objective, impartial person whom the court appoints to act as a representative for the minor children in a contested custody proceeding. In cases of alleged child abuse or neglect, the court will as a matter, of course, appoint a guardian ad litem

A guardian ad litem (“GAL”) is an attorney appointed by the court to investigate a case and report its findings and recommendations to the court. ... The GAL is a lawyer for the child and works in the best interests of the child. Every GAL has had education, training, and experience in regards to the needs of children.

All of the above

Clear selection

21. To help Carolyn understand how a GAL is appointed and what they do, you include the following in educating her

1 point

Column 1

A judge may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) when a court case involves custody or visitation rights. Any party to the case or the judge may ask for appointment of a GAL. ... You should ask the court to appoint a GAL if you or your children have been physically or sexually abused.

The length of time it takes for the guardian ad litem to make an investigation and ultimate recommendation to the court, is governed by the facts and issues in your case. As a general rule of thumb, it probably extends your case by 90-120 days to complete the investigation.

Guardians ad litem are attorneys, too, but they're trained to deal with kids. ... The judge doesn't always agree with the GAL, but the judge always recognizes the importance of the guardian ad litem in the proceedings. The GAL has a chance to give a report, question witnesses, and discuss his or her findings in court.

All of the above

Column 1

A judge may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) when a court case involves custody or visitation rights. Any party to the case or the judge may ask for appointment of a GAL. ... You should ask the court to appoint a GAL if you or your children have been physically or sexually abused.

The length of time it takes for the guardian ad litem to make an investigation and ultimate recommendation to the court, is governed by the facts and issues in your case. As a general rule of thumb, it probably extends your case by 90-120 days to complete the investigation.

Guardians ad litem are attorneys, too, but they're trained to deal with kids. ... The judge doesn't always agree with the GAL, but the judge always recognizes the importance of the guardian ad litem in the proceedings. The GAL has a chance to give a report, question witnesses, and discuss his or her findings in court.

All of the above

Clear selection

22. Carolyn asks you to explain custody options the GAL may recommend or the judge may decide to order. You explain which of the following

1 point

Column 1

Physical and Legal Custody

Joint Custody

Split Custody

All of the above

Clear selection

23. The Best Interests standards used by judges in custody decision-making are important for Carolyn to understand. You explain the following parts of the bests interests standards to her.

1 point

Column 1

Remember, courts don't just look at one factor, but instead take a more holistic approach. Their best interests determinations are generally made after considering a number of factors related to the child's circumstances and the parent or caregiver's circumstances and capacity to parent, with the child's ultimate safety and happiness being the paramount concern.

In the context of child custody cases, focusing on the child's "best interests" means that all custody and visitation discussions and decisions are made with the ultimate goal of fostering and encouraging the child's happiness, security, mental health, and emotional development into young adulthood.

In any custody conflict it's crucial that you not lose sight of the importance of making decisions in the best interests of your children.

All of the above

Column 1

Remember, courts don't just look at one factor, but instead take a more holistic approach. Their best interests determinations are generally made after considering a number of factors related to the child's circumstances and the parent or caregiver's circumstances and capacity to parent, with the child's ultimate safety and happiness being the paramount concern.

In the context of child custody cases, focusing on the child's "best interests" means that all custody and visitation discussions and decisions are made with the ultimate goal of fostering and encouraging the child's happiness, security, mental health, and emotional development into young adulthood.

In any custody conflict it's crucial that you not lose sight of the importance of making decisions in the best interests of your children.

All of the above

Clear selection

24. Julia asks you why the judge cannot just consider the coercive control and domestic abuse for giving her sole custody with her soon to be ex having supervised visits. You explain there are several factors the judge has to consider. Which of these factors do you explain to her?

1 point

Column 1

The wishes of the child (if old enough to capably express a reasonable preference);

The mental and physical health of the parents; Any special needs a child may have and how each parent takes care of those needs;

Religious and/or cultural considerations; The need for continuation of stable home environment;

Other children whose custody is relevant to this child's custody arrangement;

All of the above

Column 1

The wishes of the child (if old enough to capably express a reasonable preference);

The mental and physical health of the parents; Any special needs a child may have and how each parent takes care of those needs;

Religious and/or cultural considerations; The need for continuation of stable home environment;

Other children whose custody is relevant to this child's custody arrangement;

All of the above

Clear selection

25. Which of these factors judges consider do you explain as well to Julia?

1 point

Column 1

Support and opportunity for interaction with members of the extended family of either parent (such as grandparents);

Interactions and interrelationships with other members of household;

Adjustments to school and community; The age and sex of the child;

Whether there is a pattern of domestic violence in the home;

Parental use of excessive discipline or emotional abuse; and Evidence of parental drug, alcohol or child/sex abuse.

All of the above

Column 1

Support and opportunity for interaction with members of the extended family of either parent (such as grandparents);

Interactions and interrelationships with other members of household;

Adjustments to school and community; The age and sex of the child;

Whether there is a pattern of domestic violence in the home;

Parental use of excessive discipline or emotional abuse; and Evidence of parental drug, alcohol or child/sex abuse.

All of the above

Clear selection

26. Connie is getting ready for a custody evaluation. She asks you to help her prepare. Which of these do you review with her?

1 point

Column 1

Keep focused on the children

Parenting time schedules; Educational choices

Religious preferences; Extracurricular activities

Medical/Therapy choices

All of the above

Clear selection

27. As you help Connie prepare for the custody evaluation, you remind her

1 point

Column 1

Everything Is Evidence

Log Expenses

Parenting communication apps and emails

All of the above

Clear selection

28. You let Connie know evaluators

1 point

Column 1

Will conduct multiple interviews with each co-parent separately and with the child involved in the case.

Will observe each co-parent as they interact with the child, either at the office or in the home setting.

May conduct interviews with others involved with the family such as teachers, health care providers, and so on.

May choose to perform psychological testing on anyone in the family.

Will also review previous court and legal activity regarding the divorce and custody case.

All of the above

Column 1

Will conduct multiple interviews with each co-parent separately and with the child involved in the case.

Will observe each co-parent as they interact with the child, either at the office or in the home setting.

May conduct interviews with others involved with the family such as teachers, health care providers, and so on.

May choose to perform psychological testing on anyone in the family.

Will also review previous court and legal activity regarding the divorce and custody case.

All of the above

Clear selection

29. Janice is getting ready to go to court. She asks you to help her get her prepared. You review the following with her

1 point

Column 1

Breathing; Where to focus attention while testifying

Court watchers; Court decorum

How to communicate with your attorney during court hearings and trials

Sequestered witnesses; Strategize during court recesses

Appeals process

All of the above

Clear selection

30. Rachel is excited to finish up her case in family court. She is looking forward to no longer being involved with the court system. In order to be honest with her, you inform her of the following facts

1 point

Column 1

Modifications; Multiple return motions

Show Cause; Contempt

Status conferences; Parenting time modifications

Child support modifications; Relocation

It is over when the youngest child ages out of the court system

All of the above

Clear selection

31. What are the three (3) most important takeaways you have from this course? *

1 point

32. How helpful was this course to you in learning the basics about family court with one being unhelpful and 5 being very helpful? *

1 point

Unhelpful

1

2

3

4

5

Very helpful

33. How helpful were the additional handouts to you in walking alongside a survivor going through family court with one being unhelpful and 5 being very helpful? *

1 point

Unhelpful

1

2

3

4

5

Very helpful