• Appointment of Counsel for Minors: The court may appoint counsel for minors, upon consideration of the best interests of children in contested issues, and at the request of either party. Parties are to pay a deposit fee retainer into the appointed attorney’s trust account as outlined in the court order. Attorneys appointed may serve in the following capacities:
  
  
  • Best Interest Attorney is a court-appointed lawyer who provides independent legal services for the purpose of protecting a child’s best interests, without being bound by the child’s directives or objectives.
    
    
  • Child(ren)’s Privilege Attorney is a lawyer appointed in accordance with Nagle v. Hooks, 296 Md.123 (1983), to decide whether to assert or waive any statutory privilege on behalf of a minor child in a custody action.
    
    
  • Child Advocate Attorney is a court-appointed lawyer who provides independent legal counsel for a child and who owes the same duties of undivided loyalty, confidentiality, and competent representation as are due an adult client.
    
    
• Supervised Visitation: The court may order supervised access when the court determines a need for guided contact with one or both parents, or it is necessary to establish or reestablish a parent/child relationship. The monitor will have the discretion and authorization to terminate any scheduled access and/or contact law enforcement authorities. Parties are responsible for the cost of supervised access, as instructed in the court order.
  
  
• Home Studies: The court may order a home study of one or both parties. The investigator will conduct a full investigation and have full access to all outlined documents named in the court order. The investigator will prepare a written report of findings, including recommendations, to the court. Criminal background check is required for all adult residents of the home. The court may also require verbal testimony. These investigations are utilized by the court for custody and adoption cases. Parties are responsible for the cost of a home study, as instructed in the court order and/or by the investigator. 
  
  
• Custody Evaluations: An evaluation may be ordered to assess the family with the intention of assisting the court with information obtained through the evaluation which provides narrative of the family history and recommendations to the court as to what is in the best interest of the children. The evaluations are performed by licensed clinical social workers and/or forensic psychologists.
  
  
• Intensive Individualized Co-Parenting Coaching Program: This program provides a series of four coaching sessions for the family. The sessions focus on key Co-Parenting concepts and are tailored to the individual family’s needs and areas of concern.
  
  
• Phycological Evaluation: The court may order one or both parties to submit to a mental health evaluation by a court appointed evaluator. The evaluation may include, but not be limited to the following: psychological testing, interviews, other diagnostic tools, review of prior mental health treatment records, and other health-related records. Parties are responsible for the cost of a Psychological Evaluation, as instructed in the court order and/or by the evaluator. A final report is filed and sealed by the court.
  
  
• Family Recovery Court (FRC): The Charles County Family Recovery Court (FRC) builds strong and healthy families by offering timely, intensive treatment and support for parents with substance abuse problems that prevent them from providing safe and appropriate care for their children.  The FRC uses a holistic approach to support parents and families, with consistent monitoring, intensive treatment, referrals to ancillary services, and the collaborative efforts of a Drug Court Team.
  
  
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): The court may order parties to complete mediation when there is a dispute regarding child access and/or marital property.  Visit the Alternative Dispute Resolution page for additional information. 

• Co-Parenting Education Seminar:  If you have been court ordered to attend the 6-hour Co-Parenting Education Seminar there are two choices available:

ONLINE PARENTING PROGRAM
This is an interactive class that allows you to progress at your own pace to either complete the program in one session, or over the course of multiple sessions. The online program costs $69.99 per individual, plus an additional $5.00 processing fee.  Visit Online Parent Education Class Charles County (MD) to register and complete the program.

IN PERSON CLASS
In person class is offered at the Center for Children and the cost of is $100.00.  Center for Children is located at 6100 Radio Station Road, La Plata, Maryland 20646. Call the Center for Children at 301-609-9887 for more information.