SPECIAL MASTER in Utah
You can have confidence that I have the knowledge and expertise needed to help you and your children at this challenging time.
Divorce is never easy, but high-conflict communication makes it feel impossible. I help parents move from frustration and tension to clarity and collaboration, so you can find peace and focus on what matters most—your children.
Special Master Services
Helping Utah families resolve conflict and move forward—faster, more affordably, and with less emotional strain.
Are you experiencing repeated co-parenting disputes or escalating conflict?
A court-appointed Special Master in Utah can help you and your co-parent make timely decisions without returning to court again and again.
As a mental health-informed Special Master, I help families reduce the stress and financial cost of prolonged litigation by guiding co-parents in high-conflict through difficult decisions and helping them follow court orders more effectively.
What is a Special Master?
In Utah, a Special Master is an attorney or other qualified professional appointed by the court to help co-parents resolve disputes that arise during or after a divorce. Under URCP Rule 53A (Utah Rule of Civil Procedures), the Special Master can be appointed only by agreement of the parties.
Unlike a mediator, as Special Master I can issue directives (within the authority granted by the court) when co-parents cannot agree. Though I act impartially—meaning free from bias or favoritism towards either parent—I am obligated to act in the best interests of the children. My goal is to help parents build the skills they need to improve communication, make effective decisions, and manage their differences more effectively. In most other U.S. states and internationally, this role is typically known as a Parenting Coordinator.
My work as a Special Master is informed by the principles and best practices of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). I’ve completed specialized training through the AFCC in this alternative dispute resolution process, which emphasizes child-centered decision-making and long-term stability. This framework guides my approach to helping co-parents resolve conflict more effectively.
How do Special Master Services Work?
As a Special Master serving families across Utah, I offer a structured, mental-health informed approach that emphasizes:
Timely conflict resolution through meetings, written recommendations, and court directives
Parent education grounded in child development and emotional resilience
Clarification and implementation of court orders relating to Utah family law, custody, and Utah parent time
Support to resolve high-conflict parenting dynamics, with a goal of reducing emotional harm to children
Communication strategies that reduce misunderstandings and help restore forward momentum
A special master can be appointed by the court after a parenting plan, temporary order, or final custody order is in place. This usually happens when both parents agree (or "stipulate") to the appointment. Once the parents agree, the court formally appoints the Special Master and outlines the scope of their authority.
Is a Special Master Right for Your Case?
Choosing a Special Master is often the best next step when traditional mediation fails or repeated court filings are wearing down everyone involved. If you're in conflict over day-to-day decisions—like medical care, education, scheduling, or custody exchanges—my Special Master services can be a practical and cost-effective solution.
My goal is to help you create a more stable, respectful co-parenting environment that prioritizes your children’s well-being. If you're unsure whether Special Master services are appropriate for your situation, talk to your attorney. They can help you make an informed decision based on your specific legal and family circumstances.
How do we get started?
If you're interested in working with me as a Special Master, you're welcome to contact me directly using the button below. You can also share my Special Master Rates & Retainer Information (found in the FAQs below) with your attorney.
The best way to begin is for me to meet briefly (15 minutes) with both attorneys via Zoom. This gives everyone a chance to ask questions, clarify expectations, and discuss the appointment order.
You need a seasoned professional, who understands the family courts,
and who can help you navigate this process.
How SPECIAL MASTER services work
Helping you resolve conflict. Quickly.
Every divorce brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to co-parenting. As your Special Master, my role is to support both parents in moving beyond unproductive patterns and toward decisions that prioritize your children’s well-being.
This process is not just about resolving disputes—it's about learning practical skills that foster cooperation and reduce conflict. I’ll guide you in developing tools like mindfulness, self-regulation, and flexible thinking so you can respond more effectively to difficult situations and make decisions that support a healthier co-parenting dynamic.
FAQs
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Special Master Services • billed in 15 min increments @ $60/15 min ($240/hr) with fees allocated as stipulated in the appointment order • Retainer: $1,200 per parent to be replenished in $900 increments when the parent’s retainer balance falls below $500
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Special Master work can only begin after I’ve been formally appointed by the court. Either the parents or their attorneys are welcome to reach out to inquire about my availability. I accept cases in which both parents are represented by attorneys at the time of the appointment.
Before the appointment order is entered, I recommend a brief (15-minute) Zoom meeting with both attorneys. This allows us to address any questions, clarify expectations, and ensure the appointment order accurately reflects the scope of services. My Special Master rates and retainer policy are available above and can be shared directly with attorneys.
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I’m currently meeting with all court-involved clients via Zoom or telehealth. Special Master services and Court-Involved therapy are available exclusively to clients in Utah and North Carolina.
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Special Master and Court-Involved therapy services are not covered by health insurance.
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The most comprehensive list of experienced Special Masters in the state can be found on the Utah Chapter of the AFCC website in the Member Directory. I am listed there, along with other AFCC-informed divorce professionals.
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Yes, I provide Special Master services in the Utah Fourth District, including Provo, American Fork, and surrounding areas. I am familiar with local court procedures and parenting order enforcement practices in that district.
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Cases involving ongoing disputes, high-conflict co-parenting, or chronic disagreements about schedules, decision-making, or parenting plan interpretation are strong candidates. This role is especially helpful for families navigating Utah state divorce laws and trying to reduce repeated litigation.
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No. A Special Master operates within limited judicial authority as defined by the appointment order. I do not replace a judge but work alongside the court to resolve disputes more efficiently and minimize the need for frequent hearings.
Find clarity, relief, and a path forward.