What is Mediation?
What is Parenting Coordination?
What is Co-Parent Facilitation?
Parenting Plan Evaluation
What if the opposing party refuses?
When mediating, Kelsey uses a confidential, structured process that helps separating or divorcing parties resolve disputes regarding child custody without going to trial. She facilitates constructive dialogue so both parties can negotiate their own mutually acceptable agreement.
Mediation is designed to be a brief intervention, often finding resolution within just a few meetings. Mediation may be used at several different stages throughout the family law process. Couples who agree to mediate early can often draft a full agreement in advance, reducing costs and avoiding court involvement. Allegheny county mandates mediation for child custody disputes prior to scheduling a hearing. A judge may also order additional mediation mid-litigation to encourage parties to resolve remaining issues.
Kelsey recommends Parenting Coordination for highly conflicted divorced and divorcing parents. Parenting Coordination is governed strictly by Rule 1915.11-1 of the PA Rules of Civil Procedure (and PA Code), which outlines specific eligibility rules, scope, and procedures. The PC is typically appointed after a court order is established, to assist high-conflict parents who have demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to make parenting decisions on their own. The role of the parenting coordinator is outlined by the authority granted in the court order or the stipulation of the parties.
A Parenting Coordinator is typically appointed for a year, with meetings occurring weekly or bi-weekly. Parenting coordinators document parental behaviors and compliance with court orders, then make recommendations to the court, noting each parents’ behaviors and unresolved issues.
In judicial districts like Westmoreland County that have not adopted a formal PA Code PC program—or in cases where parties want flexibility outside the rigid statutory requirements—judges and attorneys will frame the appointment as "Co-Parenting Facilitation" within the court order.
By framing the role as Co-Parent Facilitation, judges and practitioners can legally appoint a neutral expert to help high-conflict parents implement parenting plans without triggering the specific statutory constraints or procedural prerequisites required by PA Rule 1915.11-1.
Parties may also agree to participate in Co-Parent Facilitation without a court mandate.
A parenting plan evaluation is an objective, comprehensive assessment that can be ordered by a family court—or agreed upon by co-parents—to determine a custody and visitation framework that serves the best interests of the child.
When left to the court, custody orders can be overly vague—failing to address the nuances of a family’s co-parenting dynamics, which often leads to ongoing conflict and emotional distress for the child.
In her parenting plan evaluations, Kelsey utilizes a framework informed by evidence-based best practices. By balancing the developmental needs of the child with the practical logistics of both parents, she helps co-parents craft comprehensive, easy-to-follow parenting plans designed to eliminate gray areas and minimize future disputes.
Coparenting interventions are most effective with both parties, but a high-conflict coparent may refuse to participate in joint facilitation. Single-party coaching and case consultations are available to assist you independently.
Please note that individual coaching or case consultation services establishes an advisory relationship with one party. Consequently, I will be disqualified from acting as a neutral Mediator or Parenting Coordinator (PC) in any proceedings.
Individual services may include Parenting Plan Evaluation, strategic coaching on high-conflict communication techniques (e.g., BIFF, boundary-setting), analysis of documented coparenting communications, and Court testimony regarding communication patterns and consultation findings.
Request a Consultation
Not sure which service is appropriate for your case? Book a free consultation to discuss your options.
Services
Services
Filters
No results found
No results match your search. Try removing a few filters.