Why mediate? Both research and common sense suggest that coming to mutually agreeable parenting decisions is best for both children and parents. If your starting point is the belief that “It’s best for my kids to have both a mom and a dad in their lives…” then the hard work of mediation is probably right for you.

How mediation works... Mediation provides the opportunity for parents to overcome habits of conflict that harm everyone involved and enables work on issues that are important to them and their children. The mediator's role is to help structure the conversation so that each person is clearly heard and to provide strategies and support in finding agreements in the child's best interest. In mediation the focus is on reducing and resolving conflict and not on the issues that created the conflict initially. Understanding the present and planning for the future are the primary goals of mediation. Procedures and Fees

Including Children in Mediation

Experience and research have consistently demonstrated that including children in mediation creates more positive outcomes for both children and their parents. Making sure that children’s thoughts and feelings are heard validates and respects what they’re going through and helps parents to reach agreements that are focused on the needs of their kids. Depending on the children’s age and situation, their inclusion can range from independent discussion with their parents to actual participation in mediation sessions. Often it can be helpful for school-age children to have an opportunity to meet separately with the mediator. Always, kids should get the messages that family changes are not their fault, that their opinions are valued but that it is parent’s job to make some of the big decisions; and that they will be safe and loved by both mom and dad.

What is a Parenting Plan? A Parenting Plan is a document that structures the rights and responsibilities of parenting and is used when you and the other parent of your child are not living in the same house. A Parenting Plan states when your child will be with each parent and how decisions affecting your children will be made. The terms of the parenting plan can be decided upon either through mediation or by court order. A mutually agreed upon plan is filed with the court after mediation.