Momma Bear, I think that an advocate sounds like a PERFECT solution in your situation.

I'd also be asking that person to "Mentor" you in order to improve your own advocacy skills-- if this is the only game in town, so to speak, then you are going to need those skills yourself in the long run.

smile

Ask your advocate how s/he prepares for meetings-- how s/he addresses disagreements, etc.

I also think-- NO lawyers. Not yet, anyway.

Schrödinger's cat walks into a bar. And doesn't.