Parenting Education and Mediation Services

CO-PARENTING EDUCATION

Parenting education seminars are offered for parents in conflict regarding custody and/or visitation.  Parents are administratively ordered to complete a six-hour seminar. The seminar is online and is self-paced, allowing parents to complete as time allows in their busy schedules. The cost for the seminar is $25.00; however, if a parent feels they cannot afford the fee, they may submit a fee waiver requesting that the fee is waived. 

MEDIATION

Mediation is an attempt to spare families and children from the hostility that can often result from litigation.  When families can craft decisions themselves, they are more likely to live with the results and less likely to return to court.

Mediation may be ordered if custody and/or visitation is at issue and there are no allegations of child abuse or domestic violence.  If mediation is ordered, a copy of the order will be sent to all parties and counsel, if applicable.

The case is assigned to a team of two mediators.  The mediators will contact the parties and work directly with them to set up dates for at least two mediation sessions.  Mediations are held via Zoom. There is currently no charge to the parties for the mediation sessions.

If there is an agreement at mediation, the mediators will prepare an agreement.  Parties will each be given an original signed copy.  Please note: the mediators DO NOT forward a copy of the agreement to the court.  If parties wish to have a signed agreement incorporated into a court order, they are required to provide a copy of the agreement with original signatures to the court.  Parties may file a copy with the Clerk’s Office in Room 109, OR if an agreement is reached close to the hearing date, they may bring a signed copy to the hearing.