It’s more common than you might think for an estate to sit unresolved for months or even longer after someone dies. Sometimes probate has not been opened at all. Other times it was opened but stalled because no one felt comfortable taking the next step. This delay is rarely about neglect. More often, families are unsure whether probate is required, who has authority to act, or whether moving forward will trigger a dispute. When there is uncertainty, doing nothing can feel sa

Courts care about consistency in a child’s routine, a parent’s ability to support the other parent’s relationship with the child, and whether parents comply with court orders and show up when it matters. Real, supported safety concerns matter. Ongoing conflict and over-litigation usually do not help. Understanding how courts actually evaluate custody can save time, money, and emotional energy — and lead to better outcomes for families.

Family law is unpredictable. Flat fees help create clarity by setting scope and expectations at the start, even when the process itself is uncertain.

Learn what a Guardian ad Litem is, and the role they have in custody cases.