Rising Phoenix
Wellness Center, LLC
Centered on the child. Grounded in family systems.
Compassionate Legal Services
Our Compassionate Legal Services are dedicated exclusively to representing children and amplifying their voices within the legal system. Guided by a trauma-informed and child-focused approach, we ensure that each child’s safety, well-being, and individual experiences remain at the center of every decision. We collaborate with families, professionals, and the court to advocate for outcomes that promote stability, healing, and long-term resilience—always with compassion, integrity, and respect for the child’s story
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* Services that require an attorney are performed by Annie only as noted below. *
Guardian Ad Litem​ (GAL)
The Duties and Responsibilities of a GAL are outlined in Iowa Code §598.12. A GAL is appointed by the court as an attorney representing the best interests of a child in family law disputes. This can be limited to individual issues within cases or for representation throughout the entire matter.
*Annie Only
A child's attorney is appointed by the court to represent a minor in any area of law. This can be limited to individual issues within cases or for representation throughout the entire matter. Annie represents children as attorneys in custody disputes and juvenile guardianship matters.
*Annie Only
Attorney for the Child
Court Visitor
A Court Visitor is appointed by the juvenile court in Iowa Guardianship matters. This work is completed in juvenile cases to provide an unbiased report to the court regarding issues of safety and the best interests of the children in these cases.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative Law is a specialized area focusing on dispute resolution and peacemaking without dragging the "fight" into the courtroom. In these cases RPWC most often fills the role of a child specialist, coach, or facilitator.
Child Specialist
A child specialist meets with parents and children and gathers information about the things that are important to each when developing parenting plans. A child's voice is often lost in the collaborative process as the parents are working together to avoid conflict, however, children's perspectives and input are valuable and should be included when possible. After gathering information the specialist will meet with both attorneys and share the information gathered and assist in developing a parenting plan that incorporates the information gathered in the sessions with parents and children.
Coach
A divorce coach assists one or both parties with the process of divorce. often times one party is farther along in the grief process and is ready to move forward faster with the dissolution while the other party is still processing the idea of separating their lives. A coach can assist the parties in processing while keeping the collaborative process moving forward. The coach can also provide valuable information to the attorneys as they advocate for their clients in this unique situation.
Facilitator
The facilitator helps keep everyone on task. The facilitator schedules the large meetings, meets individually with both parents, and will meet with attorneys to share information that will aid both clients in the large and individual meetings.