Carol Coghlan Carter

For over 30 years, I have represented persons in matters in which the litigant(s) -- parent, grandparent, foster parent, the child, or others -- have become involved with AZ Child Protective Services (now known as Department of Child Safety). Whether I am privately-retained as legal counsel or court-appointed to serve as attorney, I advocate vigorously on behalf of ALL of my clients. I fight CPS (DCS). 

I represent natural and adoptive parents who are defending DCS involvement with their family.  I also represent some

foster parents seeking to become permanent placement for the children in their care, when DCS (CPS) 'policy' may not support maintaining the children with the foster family. I represent foster parents, grandparents, other relatives, other significant others who are seeking to intervene in proceedings. When the birth parents are unable to resume parenting responsibilities, there are often MANY people who wish to become the permanent custodian. In choosing between competing litigants, the Court considers the best interests of the child(ren) to be paramount. As your advocate, I present the best possible arguments, authority and evidence that YOU are the person who should be allowed to adopt or become legal guardian. 

I represent persons who wish to adopt their stepchild(ren). I represent parties in post-dissolution Family Court proceedings who are seeking modification of child custody orders. As a trained mediator, I will explore whether mediation with you and the other parent may be helpful. However, if negotiated settlement is not appropriate or possible, I am a strong advocate with superior litigation (courtroom) skills. 

I am an experienced adoption attorney -- in both domestic and international adoptions. I am an international adoptive parent myself. I have considerable expertise in immigration law issues relating to children.