About Mindful Child Custody
Our Origins, Purpose, and Focus
Mindful Child Custody was founded in 1984 by a dedicated team of research and clinical experts working at the intersection of child psychology, early childhood education, forensic psychology, and family law. From the start, our mission was clear: to develop a new, evidence-based paradigm for private practices and family court systems across the United States that truly puts children first.
Through research conducted across multiple states, our team identified a deeply broken system that was causing serious harm to children and their parents. In many cases, we observed developmental damage to children that could be long-lasting and, in some situations, irreversible. These findings shaped our commitment to creating more thoughtful, science-based solutions for families facing custody disputes.
This work ultimately led to the publication of Mindful Child Custody by Herman Gill, Ph.D. The book was written to help divorced parents, family court professionals, and the general public better understand the custody problem in the United States and to introduce creative, evidence-informed solutions that support healthier outcomes for children and families.
Why We Exist
Our Purpose
The publication of Mindful Child Custody by Herman Gill, Ph.D. was a landmark step in our journey. The book was written to educate divorced parents, family court professionals, and the general public about the child custody challenges in the United States. Its goal is to offer creative, evidence-informed strategies that support healthier outcomes for children, promote cooperative parenting, and minimize the emotional toll of high-conflict divorce.
Through this work, we introduced a new paradigm designed to replace outdated approaches that often exacerbate family conflict and harm children. Our research-driven methods have helped countless families navigate custody arrangements while maintaining stability, emotional safety, and parental relationships.
A New Approach to Custody
Mindful Child Custody focuses on the concept of “future children” and “future clinics.” These ideas emphasize a proactive, forward-thinking approach to child custody.
- Future Children: This principle encourages parents, practitioners, and courts to consider the long-term impact of custody decisions on a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. It shifts focus from immediate conflict resolution to fostering environments where children can thrive over time.
- Future Clinics: These specialized, research-informed centers serve as hubs for parent guidance, mediation, and evidence-based evaluations. They provide structured support to reduce conflict, prevent parental alienation, and ensure custody decisions are grounded in science rather than assumption.
Our approach emphasizes positive interventions, structured communication, and professional guidance, fostering healthier parent-child relationships even in high-conflict situations.
This paradigm has influenced private practices, family court systems, and community programs nationwide, offering a proven, child-centered alternative to traditional custody methods.
Our Professional Memberships and Credentials
Mindful Child Custody maintains active membership in prestigious professional organizations, including:
- National Association of Conciliation Courts
- National Association of Forensic Counselors
Dr. Herman Gill has published influential articles, including:
- Forensic Science: Clinical Evidence in Child-Custody Determinations
- Self-Splitting Psychology and the Power of Purpose
With over forty years of experience teaching at colleges and universities across the United States, Dr. Gill continues to lecture on his book, provide private consultation in child custody cases, and coach parents navigating high-tension divorce and custody disputes.
Dr. Gill also trained at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has presented his research at the International Conference at Seattle University, cementing his role as a leading expert in child custody law and parental rights advocacy.
Our Mission
At Mindful Child Custody, we believe every family deserves:
- Informed guidance based on research and practical experience
- Compassionate support during emotionally charged custody disputes
- Effective strategies that protect parental rights and children’s wellbeing
Through publications, workshops, and private consultations, we continue to provide families and courts with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate custody challenges thoughtfully, safely, and successfully.
Meet Our Founder: Herman Gill, Ph.D.
Dr. Herman Gill is a nationally recognized expert in child custody law, forensic psychology, and parental rights advocacy. His book, Mindful Child Custody, remains a national guideline for family courts and private practitioners alike. With decades of teaching, research, and clinical experience, Dr. Gill is committed to helping parents navigate complex custody situations while keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront.