Can You Mediate a Parenting Plan in Florida?
A parenting plan outlines how you and the other parent will raise your child together after divorce. However, creating a parenting plan is not always easy, especially when disagreements over timesharing or parental responsibilities arise. That is where mediation can be a powerful tool. In Florida, you can mediate a parenting plan, which is often encouraged or required by the court before going to trial. Read on to learn more.
What Does Mediating a Parenting Plan Entail?
Mediating a parenting plan involves parents working with a neutral third party who can help them discuss and agree on how they will co-parent their child. In Florida, mediating a parenting plan includes making decisions about, among other things, the following;
- Timesharing
- How the parents will divide and be responsible for the responsibilities associated with raising the child
- Education-related matters
- Healthcare-related matters
- Communication methods between the parents and children
In Florida, family courts frequently refer parents to mediation in an effort to reduce conflict and save time. However, parents themselves can also choose to try mediation. Mediating parenting plans can allow parents to remain in control of decisions, avoid courtroom stress, protect their children’s well-being, and develop practical, personalized solutions that reflect their family’s unique needs.
What Are the Benefits of Mediating a Parenting Plan?
Mediating a parenting plan offers several benefits, including the following;
- Saving Costs
Mediation is generally less expensive than litigation because it requires fewer formal proceedings and legal fees. For families trying to reduce financial strain during a divorce, mediation may be the best option.
- Faster Resolution
It can take several months or even years to resolve a case in court, especially in Florida, where family courts can get very busy. Mediation allows parents to resolve disagreements within a few weeks to a few months.
- Privacy
Court cases are usually public. On the other hand, mediation is private and confidential. This option lets you keep sensitive family matters from the public record. The privacy that mediation offers can encourage open and honest dialogue.
- Control Over the Outcome
Unlike with litigation, where judges usually follow strict legal standards when making decisions, mediation allows the parties to develop customized solutions based on their family needs. This collaborative approach enables parents to remain in control of the outcome and prioritize their children’s best interests.
- Less Stress for Parents and Children
Mediation reduces hostility and encourages parents to cooperate, making the process less stressful for everyone, including the children. When parents are able to cooperate and communicate openly, it impacts children positively. Children can get emotionally distressed when they see their parents engaging in constant disputes.
It is vital to note that even if parents agree to a parenting plan through mediation, the court must still review and approve it. The court must confirm that the parenting plan is in the child’s best interests as outlined in Florida Statutes 61.13. If parents cannot agree on everything in mediation, the court can still approve the partial agreements reached and decide on the unresolved matters.
Contact a Mediation Lawyer Today
Having legal guidance before or during the mediation process can be extremely helpful. An attorney can help you understand your rights, draft or review the parenting plan, and ensure the agreement meets legal standards. To schedule a consultation, contact our skilled mediation attorney Darla K. Snead, P.L. at 863-619-5291 or complete our online contact form.
