Mike brings more than 35 years of hands-on experience working inside the family court system — not just observing it from the outside. That experience spans litigation, mediation, collaborative law, and service as a Court-Appointed Best Interest Attorney, giving him a rare, multi-dimensional view of how custody disputes actually unfold.

What sets coaching apart from legal representation is the focus. Rather than preparing for a single court date, coaching is designed to help you resolve the day-to-day conflicts that wear families down — and to build a clear, practical strategy for protecting your relationship with your children over the long term.

Mike has seen these situations from every angle: as an advocate, as a neutral, and as someone who has personally navigated the emotional weight of custody conflict. That combination of professional depth and personal understanding shapes every coaching conversation.

No. There is no minimum commitment required. You are welcome to start with a single session and continue at whatever pace makes sense for your situation. Some participants find that one or two focused sessions give them the clarity they need. Others prefer ongoing support as their circumstances evolve. The choice is entirely yours.

Possibly — but only in specific counties in Maryland, only through a co-counsel relationship, and only in appropriate circumstances. Child custody coaching and legal representation are entirely separate services with different structures, terms, obligations, limitations, and safeguards.

If you are interested in exploring whether a co-counsel arrangement might be appropriate for your situation, you can learn more on the Co-Counsel Representation page at mikethelawyer.com.

Please note: coaching sessions do not create an attorney-client relationship, and nothing discussed in coaching should be treated as individualized legal advice.

Yes, absolutely. Having an attorney does not prevent you from participating in child custody coaching. Many participants find that coaching complements legal representation by helping them stay organized, emotionally grounded, and strategically focused between attorney meetings — especially during custody disputes, co-parenting conflicts, or parenting plan preparation.

It is important to understand that coaching is informational and supportive in nature — it is not a replacement for the attorney-client relationship you have with your lawyer. Coaching does not create legal representation, and nothing shared in coaching sessions constitutes individualized legal advice.

Yes. Information shared during child custody coaching sessions and any documents submitted are treated as confidential and will not be released to third parties.

However, it is important to understand that there is no attorney-client relationship formed through coaching, and attorney-client privilege does not apply. Coaching confidentiality is a professional and ethical commitment — not a substitute for legal privilege. If you need advice about privileged communications or state-specific legal protections, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Your information is not shared with outside parties. Only basic contact and intake information submitted through the coaching enrollment process is collected, and it is used solely for providing coaching services.

No personal information is sold, distributed, or used for marketing purposes. Coaching is educational and supportive in nature, and if you have concerns about privacy rights, confidential communications, or legal protections in your state, you should discuss those questions with a licensed attorney.

Yes. Child custody coaching is available to participants nationwide, regardless of which state you live in or where your custody matter is pending.

It is important to understand that coaching is not legal representation. State-specific laws and local court rules are not the primary focus of coaching sessions. The focus is on strategy, communication, emotional clarity, parenting-related decision-making, and preparation — principles that can be useful across jurisdictions.

If you need advice specific to your state's custody laws, court procedures, parenting plan rules, or divorce process, please consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

The terms of service for coaching are governed by applicable law.

Yes — Mike will be teaming up with psychologists, lawyers, mediators and other professionals.

Yes — a private participant community is also planned for the future. The goal is to create a supportive, moderated space where participants can connect, share experiences, and encourage one another through the process. More details will be shared as development progresses.