How Mediators Help Parents Create Parenting Plans in Florida
Regardless of whether a couple built their family through natural conception, adoption, surrogacy, or other means, when they go through a separation or divorce, a crucial aspect that must be addressed is creating a parenting plan. In Florida, the law mandates a parenting plan in all cases involving minor children. For many parents, mediation is an effective way to develop this plan. In this article, we look at how mediators help parents create parenting plans in Florida.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows you to collaborate with a neutral third party, called a mediator, to come up with a decision. As parents, instead of leaving the decision up to a judge, working with a mediator will give you more control over what your parenting plan looks like. Apart from providing the involved parties more control over the outcome, mediation offers many other benefits, including saving time and money and reducing conflict.
What Is a Parenting Plan in Florida?
A parenting plan outlines how parents who are no longer together will share time, responsibilities, and communication with their minor children. According to Florida Statutes section 61.13, the following are the details that a parenting plan should include;
- A timesharing schedule detailing the time a child will spend with each parent.
- A description of how the parents will share and be responsible for the upbringing of the child.
- Methods of communicating with the child.
- Details about who will be responsible for decisions about education, healthcare, and other major matters.
- Details about where the exchange of the child will be happening.
However, since every family is unique, there isn’t a standardized parenting plan. What works for one family might not necessarily work for another. That is why mediation can be particularly beneficial.
How Mediators Help Parents Create Parenting Plans
Mediators help parents to focus on the needs of their children and find mutually agreeable solutions. Here are some of the specific ways mediators help parents create parenting plans in Florida;
- Information Gathering
One of the most vital steps mediators take is gathering information from both parents about their desired timesharing arrangements, work schedules, and other relevant factors that can affect the parenting plan.
- Identifying Concerns and Priorities
A mediator will help you and your child’s other parent voice your concerns and priorities. They will help you understand possible areas of conflict, paving the way for productive negotiation and practical solutions focused on your child’s best interest.
- Guiding the Conversation
Discussions regarding timesharing and parental responsibilities can quickly become emotional. A mediator’s role is to ensure the conversation remains respectful and productive, making sure both parents have an opportunity to express their views and be heard.
- Exploring Options
Mediators can suggest creative solutions. They can help parents think through different timesharing arrangements. However, a mediator is not allowed to impose a decision on you.
- Encouraging Compromise and Flexibility
Mediators facilitate discussions while encouraging the parents to consider each other’s opinions and find mutual ground. They help parents design a plan that takes into consideration the changing needs of the child.
Contact a Mediation Attorney
Mediation can be very helpful for creating a parenting plan. Contact our mediation attorney, Darla K. Snead, P.L., for help with this.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
