Family Education Center

About 6.9 million of the 11.5 million parents who did not live with their children (non-custodial parents) had joint custody and/or visitation privileges to contact their children. It was more likely for the 5.3 million non-custodial parents who owed child support..to have made payments if they had one or both of these privileges than if they had neither (79 percent compared with 56 percent)...U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census

Child Focus Parenting Plan Workshops

Fees start at $45. This fee is based on Income. Payment plan options available.

No two divorces or separations are the same: Make your parenting plan in your children’s best interest. It can be very difficult when there is no parenting plan to follow, or to refer to, when disagreements arise. If you did not have guideline set during your preliminary hearing or final hearing, except visitation, it is not too late.

Make sure you have an active role in your children’s lives and be more than a “weekend” parent. Be an “active” parent! Children need two “active” parents; this is a two-home approach where children feel they belong in each family.

Our Parenting Plans are divided into three sections: Arrangements, Right/Responsibilities and Financial. The three sections are divided into several topics to make it easier to focus on one area at a time. These parenting plan topics are meant to give each parent a meaningful and active role in his/her children’s lives.

Some of the parenting plan topics have several samples to give you ideas on/for different parenting plan options. Each parenting plan guideline has spaces for the parents/attorneys to initial as agreements/arrangements are made.

Remember, it is best for your children if their parents can decide together on a parenting plan and guidelines. It is the intent of Family Education Centers to help parents make a parenting plan and guidelines that are in the best interest of their children, and to fit the needs of their family situation.

Mediation Services

Mediation is an informal, voluntary process in which a mediator, trained in facilitation and negotiation techniques, assists all parties to reach a mutually acceptable conclusion. What distinguishes mediation from other forms of dispute resolution, principally litigation in court and arbitration, is that the mediator does not impose a solution but rather assists the parties to create their own understanding. Mediated agreements, especially in situations involving families and divorce, often include unique solutions tailored to specific situations that are not available in arbitration or litigation through the court system.  We can help you know how to prepare for family mediation and what to discuss during family mediation.

Principles of Conflict Resolution

1. Think before Reacting

2. Listen Actively

3. Assure a fair process

4. Address the Problem

5. Accept Responsibility

6. Use direct communication

7. Look for interests

8. Focus on the Future

9. Create options that benefit all parties

Confidentiality

All discussions in the Mediation process is confidential, unless both parties decide otherwise. Other exception to confidentiality are evidence of child or elder abuse, threat of or actual violence etc.