A parenting plan provides for visitation, scheduling, and responsibilities of each parent. In an ideal world, the parents will be able to agree on a parenting plan to avoid court hearings and get the court to sign-off on the plan. However, there are often areas of dispute, especially when the pain of the divorce or separation makes it difficult to deal with the other parent.
As an alternative to taking the case to court, parenting plan mediation involves meeting with a mediator to come to a mutually agreeable solution to parenting plan disputes. This can allow the parents to come up with their own unique solution that is best for both parents and the children involved.
Parenting Plan Mediation in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties
Generally, mediation services are required for parents who disagree about parenting plans and residential time. If the parents cannot develop their own agreed upon parenting plan, they can use a private mediator.
Parenting Plan Mediation Process
As a certified mediator, Alesha Struthers can help parents resolve parenting plan disputes. Common areas of concern in parenting plan mediation may include, but is not limited to:
- Which parent the child lives with,
- Amount of child support,
- Decision-making regarding the children,
- Medical coverage for the children,
- Amount of time one parent has with the children,
- Domestic violence,
- Drug or alcohol issues,
- Neglect issues, and
- Mental health.
During mediation, the mediator will try and help each party reach an agreement that is acceptable to both parties. The mediator will give each party a chance to be heard, express their wishes and concerns, and help develop a workable solution. Mediation is also confidential and the discussion in the mediation will generally not be made part of the court record.
Family Law Attorney and Mediator in Washington
At the Law Offices of Alesha Struthers, I am a Certified Mediator Practitioner from the Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish and Island Counties, since 2009. As a family law mediator, I have helped parents reach parenting plan agreements that are specific to their needs.
With offices in Tukwila, Mill Creek, and Tacoma, we can provide family law mediation services for individuals and families throughout the Puget Sound area in Washington. Contact the Law Offices of Alesha Struthers today for a free consultation.