Ansell.Law is delighted to announce that Leigh T. Oliver has been named a Justice Daniel J. O’Hern Award recipient for her excellent pro bono work in a parental alienation case. The award will be presented to her on April 18, 2024, at the Breakers in Spring Lake. An associate at the Firm, Leigh concentrates her practice on matrimonial and family law.
About the Award
Justice Daniel J. O’Hern, a New Jersey Supreme Court Justice from 1981-2000, also served as Trustee of the Monmouth County Legal Aid Society. He dedicated much of his life to pro bono work and public service. The Monmouth County Legal Aid Society has honored his memory since 2009 by presenting an annual award in his name to “a lawyer or lawyers who made a significant contribution to the justice system through pro bono efforts on behalf of residents of Monmouth County and who demonstrated professional excellence through their altruistic service to the indigent and the community during their career.”
Reuniting a Father With His Child
The case that caught the attention of the MCLAS concerns a severe case of parental alienation. Leigh was retained in mid-2023 to represent a loving father who has been prevented from having meaningful time with his daughter since separating from his wife several years ago. Kept in the dark about where his daughter attended school, his attempts to speak with or see his daughter were met with silence, sometimes for months at a time. The father was denied alone time with his daughter and could see her only during sparse outings that included his estranged wife.
Unable to afford an attorney, Leigh’s client was afraid to navigate the legal system independently. Upon receiving the pro bono assignment, Leigh initially attempted to negotiate a settlement. The adversary refused to participate in settlement discussions so Leigh filed a complaint for custody and parenting time in New Jersey Superior Court. Two “consent” conferences were held at the court’s behest in September and November 2023. While a permanent resolution was still in progress, Leigh determined where her client’s daughter attended school and established a temporary parenting time agreement. Following recent negotiations, the parties have agreed on the case’s central issue: custody and parenting time.
Through Leigh’s thoughtful and thorough approach to crafting the order, her client had a very successful outcome. In family law, cases often require litigants to return to court multiple times before receiving the desired result. With this settlement, Leigh is hopeful that her client will not have to return to Court to have parenting time with his daughter. The Firm proudly congratulates Leigh for receiving this prestigious award and for providing legal services that helped members of our community.
