08/22/2023
It was an honor to serve on a panel with such intelligent and insightful presenters at the 2023 Family Law Institute. Thank you Project Safeguard!
On August 11, PSG's Legal Director, Amy Pohl, was part of a panel on the Impact of Domestic Violence on Family Law Cases at the 2023 Family Law Institute in Vail, CO. Also on the panel were The Law Firm of Jennifer S. McDonald, LLC, the Honorable Karen Hubler (2nd JD), and Chessie Morgan, Esq. of Colorado Legal Services. More than 100 attorneys, child and family investigators, judges, and court personnel attended the panel presentation!
Family law cases involving domestic violence are some of the most complex, and dangerous, matters that come before the courts. PSG staff attorneys frequently support survivors whose abuser continues to weaponize the family law system long after a divorce or custody case has been finalized. Survivors may spend tens of thousands of dollars on legal representation to fight for their safety and the safety of their children in these cases.
PSG's Attorney Services Program provides free legal advice and representation to survivors to reduce the financial barriers associated with this kind of case, which require many more hours of research and preparation than the average family law case. A 2014 Report on Civil Legal Needs in Colorado states, “Legal assistance can help keep families together, preserve housing, ensure access to health care and other basic needs, and reduce domestic violence.”
We are grateful for our community and partners like these panelists for helping us continue create more equitable access to the civil legal system for survivors!
