The Whitt Law FirmMonica R. Whitt, Attorney and Counselor at LawA boutique law practice providing services to those with disabilities and their families.PO Box 1292Springfield MO 65801-1292Toll Free Phone / Fax: 855-865-1292

Represented Children’s Division in abuse and neglect cases; filed petitions to terminate parental rights, motions to modify visitation or permanency plans, and responded to subpoenas, discovery, and other records requests; defended agency decisions in circuit court and administrative hearings; coordinated and negotiated with local Juvenile Offices, parents’ attorneys, and guardians ad litem to promote permanency for children; provided representation and legal advice to other divisions of the Department of Social Services as requested.

Represented victims of domestic violence in order of protection, dissolution of marriage, and paternity cases; drafted petitions, responsive pleadings, financial disclosure documents, and discovery requests; negotiated with opposing parties and attorneys; assisted co-workers with other cases as requested (Senior Citizen, Landlord/Tenant, Public Aid and Social Security).

Assisted pro se clients with order of protection, dissolution of marriage and paternity cases; drafted petitions, financial disclosure documents, default declarations, trial briefs and proposed final judgments; conducted initial interviews with clients, providing referrals and an overview of the Center’s services; analyzed cases for referral to pro bono attorneys.

Conducted informational clinics for victims of domestic violence and provided referrals for services; researched Santa Clara County public aid domestic violence protocols; interviewed clients; advocated for clients receiving Social Security Supplementary Income and welfare benefits; analyzed client medical charts and agency files.

Provided case management services for residents at a domestic violence shelter; provided crisis intervention and referrals to community resources for residents and callers on 24-hour crisis hotline. Shelter Volunteer, March 2000-August 2000

Responsible for daily operations of non-profit membership organization office; wrote newsletter and web site articles; compiled national survey data; maintained web site; served as liaison to federal agencies.