Parenting & Mediation: Focus on the Children
How should you prepare for mediation when you are addressing parenting issues?
Engaging in mediation helps separated or divorced parents reach practical, sustainable agreements that support their children's development and well-being. Mediation sessions are guided by an impartial facilitator who helps clarify priorities, identify common ground, and develop individualized plans.
Common Mediation Topics:
- Parenting time and weekly schedules
- Transportation
- Holidays and travel
- Decision-making responsibilities
- Safety
- Communication protocols
How to Prepare:
- Schedule and ideally complete any court-ordered parenting classes (read your Case Management Order).
- Review values-based co-parenting resources and tools such as Love and Logic, HowToTalk (to kids) Workshops, books, and Apps, UpToParents.org, Talking Parents, Our Family Wizard, Civil Communicator, etc.
- Complete the Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111)
- Review and Bring your current Parenting Plan orders or a proposed Parenting Plan (JDF 1113) (Español JDF 113) Here’s a filled in sample JDF 1113.
- Collect and bring relevant documents such as school calendars, health insurance information, medical records, IEPs, report cards, etc.
