Welcome to
Summit
Divorce
Coaching
360-751-8661
(Texting is preferred)
I am here to help you!
If you are unsure what to file,
or where to go for help,
If you are representing yourself and are lost,
I can help you find your way.
I can help you navigate the forms, understand the language used in court, show you how to document evidence, and help you form a strategy to navigate this trying period.
Motion:
A motion is when you ask the court to do something.
Order:
An order, when signed by the court, is something you are required to follow, like a law made just for your case. If you do not follow it you can be held in contempt.
Notice of _:
A notice is just that, notifying someone of something. This could be a notice of a hearing, or a notice to appear. You need to give the other party notice of a court date.
Reach out to schedule a time to meet in person or online
15 min initial consultations are free of charge
Contact Me
Serving
Cowlitz County, Washington
(360) 751-8661
Melissa@SummitDivorceCoaching.com
Office Hours
Varies, please email for available times.
Other times are available by request.
Pricing
About Me
I am a mother, protector, caregiver, and teacher.
My focus in life has been to raise, protect, and care for children, be it as a foster parent, with my own children, or through employment. My goals in life have been all about the children. When my twins were 4 years old, I found myself in the middle of an awful divorce, struggling to understand what to do. I was flailing about being unable to get the family court system to work for me. I went through attorney after attorney. The first two just didn't seem to get it. The third one cost so much money that I couldn't keep up financially. By then, my legal fees totaled $45,000; I was feeling as if we were getting nowhere. I knew my children were not safe. I was frustrated that at the speed things were going. Discovery, the start of a case, had not happened, a trial had not been set, and I was already two years into this process working off of temporary orders. That is when I decided to go Pro Se and represent myself. It was a heart-wrenching decision and one of the best ones I made.
I read Tina Swithin's book Divorcing a Narcissist - One Mom's Battle. Then I read another story like hers and then another. With so many stories of people who were finally able to navigate this confusing system and find safety and peace for their children, I knew that with determination, I would also succeed at protecting my children. Divorce became my full-time job. Today, my children are safe, happy, and thriving, and I am ready to help others navigate this system.
I went on to take the course for High Conflict Divorce Coach through Ms. Swithin's company and learned valuable information to help guide others like me, and possibly like you.
What I am not, is an attorney, or a therapist. I can not fill either of those roles for you. I can offer you advice, and guidance, I can help you understand how the system works from my perspective. I can help you document your case, and show you ways to get your voice heard. I can not however speak for you in court.
If you wish to schedule a free consult with me, send me an email or a text message. I will ask that you fill out some paperwork so that I can learn a little about your case and we can make the most of our time.
My Strengths
Forms for New Clients
* 15 min initial consultations are free of charge *
Please fill out the form below and email it to me prior to scheduling an appointment.
Below is some of the short hand that may be helpful
ATTY Attorney
CAM Child Advocate Manager
CIV Civil
CHIP Children’s Health Insurance Program
CP Community Property
CP Custodial Parent
CPS Child Protective Services
CSE Child Support Enforcement
CSW Child Support Worksheet
DARVO Deny – Attack – Reverse Victim & Offender
DOB Date of Birth
DOM Date of marriage
DOS Date of Separation
DV Domestic Violence
DVPO Domestic Violence Protection Order
EFT Electronic Funds Transfer
EPO Emergency Protective Order
ER Rules of Evidence
EFT Electronic Funds Transfer
EPO Emergency Protective Order
ER Rules of Evidence
FIL Father In Law
FCS Family Court Services
FL Family Law
Fx Father
GAL Guardian Ad Litem
HCD High Conflict Divorce
HCDC High Conflict Divorce Coach
IPV Intimate Partner Violence
MIL Mother in Law
MSC Mandatory Settlement Conference
Mx Mother
OC Opposing Council (Atty for ex)
OCS Order of Child Support
OP Opposing Party (ex & attorney)
OTSC Order to Show Cause
PC Parenting Coordinator
PO Protection Order
PPP Proposed Parenting Plan
PP Parenting Plan
RCW Revised Code of Washington
RO Restraining Order
ROI Release of Information
SA Sexual Assault
SSN Social Security Number
TPO Temporary Protection Order
TPP Temporary Parenting Plan
TRO Temporary Restraining Order
VA Victims Advocate
WAC Washington Administrative Code