INTERACTION

CONSULTANTS

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Critiquing Custody and Access Assessments

Assessment Critique: Hired gun or dispassionate opinion

Parents Have Until the Gavel Comes Down

Why I use a Sliding Fee Scale

Mediation, Assessment or Court Coach 

You are headed for mediation or about to go through an assessment or you are going to court or a collaborative law process. How do you manage yourself? How do you put your best foot forward?

These are important processes through which your parenting plan may be determined. Learning strategies to negotiate and present yourself and your concerns can go a long way to resolving conflict and coming out with a plan that reflects your concerns or interests.

Meeting with a professional who has provided these services for years can give you valuable insights to better manage the process.

The first meeting for this service will be about three hours. This may be sufficient in terms of equipping you with strategies to better manage. Additional meetings can be scheduled if needed.

This service is closed meaning I will not attend or provide a report for court purposes. 

If you are worried that your former partner may present better than you and this gives rise to a disadvantage, then certainly, coaching can be helpful to your situation. 

Fees:

As a social worker, I am respectful of people's different income levels. As such, the fee is set on a fee-for-service basis using a sliding scale that ranges from $150 - $400 per hour. The actual fee then is determined by your income, or joint income if now cohabiting or may be determined by your assets. You will be charged from the beginning of the scheduled appointment time, even if you are late.  Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours (two business days) will be billed for one hour. Further, time will be taken at the beginning of the first meeting for me to present my qualifications, experience and approach to counselling so that service is provided on an informed basis. This is deemed part of the time provided and billed for.

Fee Schedule (based on income):

Third Party Payments (EAP and other Benefit Providers):

Pleased be advised that I do not accept payment by third party payers (benefit or EAP providers) whatsoever. People are directly responsible for payment of services as per the information above at the time of service. A receipt will be provided with which persons can seek reimbursement from their EAP or benefit provider. I take no responsibility for your reimbursement. Reimbursement remains a matter between you and your benefit or EAP provider. 

If you do seek reimbursement through your benefit or EAP provider and I am called to verify the charge, I will do so with your implied consent. My disclosure will be limited to advising of my credentials as well as verifying the billing information, service provided and persons served. Please note, mediation is a clinical-legal service and may not be covered.  No information regarding the nature or content of information discussed will be provided.

Other:

1. Service is provided on a private and discreet basis.
2. Service is provided only using ZOOM.
3. Appointments are available Monday through Wednesday. Evening appointments are available. I typically set my appointment times for 9:30 am, 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm. I do not offer weekend appointments. Summer hours may be restricted - please ask.
4. Persons may self-refer. Please call.
5. Persons are expected to attend sober for appointments.
6. There is no recording or posting of content or comments in any form or media by clients or their proxy although for quality assurance and in case of concern or complaint about service, all meetings will be recorded.
7. Violence of any fashion will not be condoned.

 Confidentiality:

All matters remain confidential with the following exceptions:

1. Any past or imminent harm or abuse to a child currently younger than 16 years of age will be reported to proper authorities.
2. Any imminent threat of harm to self or to another adult will be reported either to proper authorities and/or to other persons who may be required to intervene as necessary.
3. Information about yourself can be used to pursue payment in the event of non-payment, cancelled or bad cheques or misrepresentation of income.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

www.yoursocialworker.com

gary@yoursocialworker.com

(905) 628-4847

Gary Direnfeld is a child-behaviour expert, a social worker, and the author of Raising Kids Without Raising Cane. Gary not only helps people get along or feel better about themselves, but also enjoys an extensive career in public speaking. He provides insight on issues ranging from child behaviour management and development; to family life; to socially responsible business development. Courts in Ontario, Canada consider Gary an expert on matters pertaining to child development, custody and access, family/marital therapy and social work.

Buy the book:

For information on Direnfeld's book, Raising Kids Without Raising Cane, click here.

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