Separated co-parents resolve conflict without resorting to court.
After years of successful co-parenting, Gladys and Ken were surprised to find themselves in Family Court. Minor disagreements had eventually grown into more serious arguments about all sorts of things. Gladys felt like Ken did not respect her time, and Ken felt like Gladys would not cut him a break. Their young children were caught in the middle. At the height of frustration, Ken and Gladys decided to file petitions with the court to address their concerns.
Ken and Gladys were linked with a mediator through Child and Family Services Center for Resolution and Justice (CRJ). At first, both parents were angry and suggested that extreme changes be made regarding visitation and other parenting issues. With the help of a trained mediator, the parents were able to open up to each other to discuss their struggles and how the issues affected them personally.
During mediation, Ken was encouraged to communicate his feelings, and he shared with Gladys how much he loved spending time with the kids and how some of their previous disagreements had affected him. Gladys was empowered to safely disclose her feelings, concerns and needs to Ken. As they talked about their children, they were able to find more and more common ground. This opened up a conversation about what expectations they had for their children and for each other.
Gladys and Ken were able to calmly talk through their issues and create a parenting plan that fit both of their needs while also maximizing the amount of time they have to spend with the children. They now have a stronger, healthier relationship and are able to discuss their concerns instead of fighting. All members of the family have benefitted from Ken and Gladys’s mediation at CRJ.
* Name has been changed to ensure client confidentiality.