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Consulting with Local Counsel

We receive calls from all over the United States and Europe and from as far away as India asking for help in dealing with, among other things, Borderline Personality Disorder cases. These inquiries typically fall into one of four categories. First, many callers want to know if we know an attorney in their area who specializes in Borderline Personality Disorder. Unfortunately, with the notable exception of one attorney in San Diego, California, I do not.

Second, because I am a Los Angeles divorce attorney, some callers ask me to talk with their local attorney because she or he “just doesn’t understand what is going on.” I am happy to accede to these requests and I have never refused an invitation to coach local counsel on what Borderline Personality Disorder is, the typical shenanigans Borderlines engage in, and how a Borderline Personality Disorder case differs from all other family law cases.

Third, some callers want me to associate into their case and appear locally with their local

counsel. This I have done on a limited basis with great success and with no small amount of satisfaction.

Fourth, a few callers have asked me to testify as an expert witness. I have not yet testified as an expert, but that day is soon approaching. To be qualified as an expert, one must satisfy certain requirements, for example, publish several articles on a particular subject. In addition, one must carefully define the scope of one’s expertise. I am not a psychiatrist (i.e., an M.D.) or psychologist (i.e., a Ph.D.) so I cannot diagnose anyone.

Nevertheless, once a person has been properly diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, I can certainly help a court construct appropriate custody plans, restraining orders, “contingency” orders and similar provisions.

In broadest terms, I can “translate” the psycho-babble contained in the psychological/custody evaluation into the legal terms and concepts with which the court is familiar. This includes explaining, for example, why standard custody provision simply do not work in Borderline cases, what protections need to be put in place to protect the children, what the psychological/custody evaluation means in practical terms, and how spouses and children experience Borderlines.

If I can help you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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