Introduction to Mediation: Part II

Research indicates that the successful adjustment of children during times of family-related stress is directly related to two factors:

 

• the level of cooperation between parents
• the continued involvement of both parents in their lives

 

Mediation, therefore, encourages participants to see themselves as the co-parents who share in the responsibility of their children’s future care.

 

Introduction to Mediation: Part I

Mediation is a confidential service that brings parents together with a mediator to work on solving their parenting differences in a positive way. The parents’ role as the decision-makers when it comes to their children’s future is very important to this process.

 

Taking part in the decision-making has positive and lasting results for parents and children. Parents are more likely to stay with a parenting plan they have created together instead of one that is decided for them by the Court.

 

Conflict Resolution Conference: Part 5

Tips for Success

 Your participation and cooperation throughout the CRC process is essential.

We know that the process may be a stressful and emotional one. However, it is helpful to listen to what everyone has to say and to share your opinions and concerns in a way that shows respect for everyone in the process.

 

 

Conflict Resolution Conference: Part 4

If the parents reach an agreement during the CRC, the terms of that agreement are reported to the Court, the parents, and the attorneys of record. The agreement becomes legally binding upon order of the Court.

Even when an agreement is not reached during the sessions, the CRC process is still helpful. Parents often leave with a greater understanding of different parenting plans and how they might meet the needs of their children.

Parenting plans may need to change several times over the years for a variety of reasons. If parents need help in resolving issues about their children after the CRC process is completed, they may contact the Court Support Services Division – Family Services for direction.

 

Conflict Resolution Conference: Part 2

What to Expect

 

To take part in the Conflict Resolution Conference (CRC), parents must be referred by the Family Court. At the start of the process the parents may be asked to sign Authorization for Release of Information forms. The FRC assigned to the case can then get information from professional sources, such as schools, therapists or doctors, which may help in resolving the issue.

 

The CRC is a confidential process. Exceptions to this will be discussed in the first session. There may be up to two, 3-hour sessions in all, and the attorneys of record may be brought into the process at any time.

 

Conflict Resolution Conference: Part 1

Introduction

The Conflict Resolution Conference (CRC) is a confidential service that helps parents solve parenting issues in a cooperative and positive manner. In this process, the parents are able to keep their decision-making roles in solving family disputes with the assistance of a Family Relations Counselor (FRC). Attorneys of record may be included in the meetings and relevant information from community resources/agencies involved with the family will be made part of the process.

It is important that parents work together to make joint decisions for their children’s care and development. The CRC supports this process by guiding and educating the parents. This usually results in a parenting plan that is successful and less stressful for all involved.

The main issues dealt with in this process are child custody and/or access arrangements. However, if the parents and the attorneys agree, some financial and property issues may also be addressed.

 

Family Services Issue Focused Evaluations: Part 5

The final conference is when the FRC will share relevant information gathered during the IFE, present an assessment of the referred issue, and provide a recommended plan to resolve the matter. A written report summarizing the information shared in the final conference will also be handed out in this meeting and given to the Court.

 

If this information and report does not help the parents come to an agreement, the matter will most likely go to trial. At that time, the FRC’s recommendations and report may be used as evidence and the counselor may testify.

 

Family Services Issue Focused Evaluations: Part 4

During the course of the IFE, the counselor may schedule additional individual appointments with one or both of the parents. Arrangements may also be made to meet with the children at one or both of the parents’ homes and/or the Family Services Office. This part of the evaluation process will be decided by the FRC based on the issue that was referred.

At the time the counselor’s work in the IFE in done, a final conference will be held with the parents and the attorneys/GALs in the case. When it is not possible to meet together, other arrangements will be made.

 

 

Family Services Issue Focused Evaluations: Part 3

The FRC’s role in this process is to explore and assess the concerns of each parent and to make recommendations about a parenting plan that will benefit the children. To do this, the FRC will gather information from both parents and contact professionals involved with the family (such as teachers, doctors, therapists, and others) The IFE is not confidential, which means that this information will be shared with the parents, the attorneys, and Guardians Ad Litem (GAL) involved in the matter, and the Court.

 

So that information can be shared between the professional providers and Family Services, Authorization for Release of Information forms must be signed. If either party has copies of records/reports they may also submitted to the FRC. However, the person who wrote the record/report must be available to the FRC during the evaluation process to answer any questions the FRC may have about the report/record.

 

Custodial Parent FAQs: Part 1

Q: How is my child support order enforced by Support Enforcement Services?

 

A: Support Enforcement Services (SES) and the state child support program use a combination of court actions (such as contempt applications and income withholdings) and administrative actions (such as seizing bank accounts and intercepting tax returns) to collect child support.

 

 

Q: What happens if a parent stops paying their child support order?

 

A: If payments are not received in 30 days, our computer system will print a payment reminder letter to the noncustodial parent or employer and SES staff will review the case for enforcement. SES will attempt to find a new employer or source of income and get a withholding out as soon as possible. If necessary, SES will file a contempt application to get your case back in court.