Qualified Parent Coordinator in Florida’s 5th, 6th and 13th Districts
Parent coordination services may help protect your children through and after the divorce process. Divorce can be long, and difficult, especially if done through litigation.
It can be emotionally and financially draining. The conflict and negative emotions that came up during divorce can have you acting in ways you never imagined. No parents want to see their children get hurt in the crossfires but it can and does happen.
As a parent coordinator I can help. When both parents cannot come to an agreement about issues relating to the children and to parenting. Parent coordinators are usually designated by a court order to assist with different issues depending on the individual order but can include the parenting plan, education on developmental needs on the children, communications between parents and monitors compliance of the parenting plan.
The process of parent coordination IS NOT confidential in most jurisdictions.
Guardian Ad Litem
In a divorce or paternity case, if the Judge finds that it is in the best interest of the minor child(ren), they will appoint a “Guardian ad Litem”. Either party to the case can also make a request for a Guardian ad Litem.
The role of the guardian ad litem in the state of Florida is governed by Florida Statute 61.402. I am a Certified Guardian Ad Litem under this Florida Statue. Guardian ad litems are usually appointed in cases involving significant disputes between parents regarding the well being of the child(ren). It should be noted that a guardian ad litem is not a mediator for the underlying case. The guardian ad litem is solely responible for reporting on what is in the best interests of the child.
The guardian ad litem will investigate the facts in the case, meet with both parents, the child(ren) at issue and any other witnesses, as appropriate. If there is a need to speak with medical professionals or if evaluations of any kind are needed they may assist request to have that done with proper professionals. The guardian ad litem usually issues a report to the court and includes recommendations.
Mediation for Divorce and Family Mediation
If you and your spouse are already separated or considering divorce, you will need to decide what is best for both of you and if you have children it is even more important.
Mediation is a nautral process, that will enable both of you to work out important issues involved with separation and divorce such as alimony, child support, coparting and parenting plans, dividing up the addets and many more.
Collaborative Divorce
This occurs outside of the courtroom in a structured, respectful efficient manner. There is a team of people working together on your behalf including, but not limited to a lawyer for each party, a neutral financial person, a neutral mental health person. The collaborative process allows you to end a marriage amiably, without court imposed orders.
Collaborative divorce, along with mediation, are both ways for the divorce process to go smoother, they are less emotionally damaging for you, your spouse and your children. It is also much more cost effective than litigation in the courtroom