COURT APPOINTED MASTERS,
CONCILIATORS, and GUARDIAN AD LITEMS
Courts often appoint attorneys to serve as “masters” for discovery matters, to sell real estate, divide personal property in a divorce as well as many other reasons. Courts also appoint “Guardian Ad Litems” in a number of family law matters involving the care and custody of children. Some Courts also refer cases to Court appointed conciliators to see if the case can be resolved by an experienced family law attorney without the need of utilizing valuable trial time.

Many of the attorneys at Atwood & Cherny, P.C. have been trained and certified by the courts to serve in these capacities and are also often selected by other attorneys by agreement to function in these roles.

David E. Cherny has served as a master in a number of complex family law matters, both by appointment of the Court and selection by family law attorneys. David also serves as a Court appointed conciliator. He is available for case reviews.

Mark T. Smith has served as a master and court appointed conciliator in a number of family law matters.

Erin M. Shapiro is trained to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem. Her trial experience in child custody matters compliments her ability investigate and analyze complicated and sensitive child-related matters.

Mary Beth Sweeney has served as a Guardian ad Litem by appointment and Stipulation in family law cases involving children.

Thomas Ritter is trained to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem. He previously conducted work in this capacity in connection with his work for the Rhode Island Supreme Court.