What Is Child Custody / Parenting Plan Mediation?
Child custody mediation (or parenting plan mediation) is a structured, confidential process in which a neutral mediator helps separated or divorcing parents negotiate a parenting plan (also called a custody/visitation plan). The mediator does not impose decisions, but facilitates communication, explores priorities, and helps parents find agreement.
Unlike a judge deciding your case, in parenting plan mediation the solution is tailor‑made by you and your co‑parent, with guidance and help to keep the process fair and child‑focused.
Why Parenting Plan Mediation Matters in Florida
In Florida, courts strongly encourage or even require mediation of family law disputes, especially those involving child custody. This is rooted in the state’s commitment to encouraging alternative dispute resolution. DivorceNet+1
Indeed, many Florida circuit courts now operate family mediation programs where a certified mediator helps litigants resolve issues of parental responsibility, time sharing (visitation), and decision making. 12th Judicial Circuit Court+1
Furthermore, mediation helps reduce the emotional toll on children and preserves greater control in parents’ hands rather than waiting for a judge’s ruling.
How the Mediation Process Works (with Susan Buckingham as Your Guide)
As a renowned mediator and parenting coach, Susan Buckingham brings deep experience, coaching acumen, and child‑centered perspective to child custody mediation in Florida. Her skill in guiding parents to shared solutions and sustainable plans makes her a go‑to expert in the field.
Here’s a typical flow of parenting plan mediation under Susan’s guidance:
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- Intake and preparation
You and your co‑parent complete worksheets about parenting priorities, schedules, decision‑making preferences, and concerns. Susan meets (separately or jointly) to clarify goals.
- Intake and preparation
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- Opening joint session
Susan (the mediator) explains the process, confidentiality rules, mediator’s role (neutral, nonjudgmental), and ground rules for respectful communication.
- Opening joint session
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- Issue identification
Together, Susan helps you name the key issues: visitation schedules, holidays, travel, parental decision authority (education, health, religion), communication protocols, territory transitions, etc.
- Issue identification
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- Negotiation and brainstorming
With Susan’s facilitation, you explore options, exchange proposals, and refine until you reach a workable parenting plan. Susan may caucus (meet privately) with each parent to ease tension or explore options.
- Negotiation and brainstorming
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- Drafting the parenting plan agreement
Once consensus is reached, Susan helps you draft a written parenting plan document. That plan can be submitted to court or used informally.
- Drafting the parenting plan agreement
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- Follow-up coaching or adjustment
Because circumstances change, Susan also provides follow‑up coaching to help parents adjust the plan over time, preventing conflicts and guiding modifications.
- Follow-up coaching or adjustment
Key Benefits of Child Custody / Parenting Plan Mediation
Choosing child custody mediation (or parenting plan mediation) has significant advantages over traditional litigation:
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- More control: Parents design solutions; the judge doesn’t impose.
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- Lower cost: Mediation tends to be far less expensive than a full court battle.
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- Faster resolution: You can resolve disputes in weeks or months instead of years.
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- Reduced conflict: The process fosters communication and lowers hostility.
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- Durability: Plans developed by parents tend to be more adhered to because they “own” them.
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- Child focus: The mediator helps keep the children’s best interests at the core.
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- Confidential: Unlike a court trial, mediation sessions are private.
Because mediation reduces emotional strife and legal escalation, children often fare better in the long run.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Even the best mediation can face obstacles. Here are frequent challenges in parenting plan mediation and how Susan Buckingham helps you navigate them:
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- High conflict or mistrust: Susan uses structured communication tools and private caucuses to diffuse tension.
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- Imbalanced power dynamics: She ensures both sides have fair opportunity to voice concerns and offers coaching so less assertive parents can participate effectively.
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- Rigid demands: Susan encourages creative options, trade-offs, and reframing of issues to identify middle ground.
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- Child relocation or changing needs: Parenting plan mediation anticipates future flexibility and built‑in review points.
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- Noncompliance or enforcement fears: Susan can help you build mechanisms in your parenting plan (e.g. dispute resolution triggers, review timelines) to reduce noncompliance.
Because of her training and coaching lens, Susan Buckingham is adept at these challenges, making the process more workable than in a pure legal setting.
Tips for Preparing for Parenting Plan Mediation
To make mediation more effective, come to the process prepared. Here are tips to succeed in child custody mediation / parenting plan mediation:
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- Complete any mediator worksheets or assessments thoroughly.
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- Know your nonnegotiables versus flexible issues.
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- Be open to creative proposals and trade‑offs.
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- Focus on your children’s best interests rather than “winning.”
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- Practice calm communication, active listening, and patience.
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- Be willing to explore phased or hybrid arrangements.
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- Keep documentation (school, health, travel) handy to inform decisions.
With this preparation, you’ll get more out of your parenting plan mediation sessions.
When Mediation Is (and Isn’t) Appropriate
Child custody mediation / parenting plan mediation is highly beneficial in many but not all cases. It may not be appropriate when:
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- There is ongoing abuse or domestic violence where safety is at risk
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- One party refuses to engage in good faith
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- There is a severe imbalance of power, lack of capacity, or coercion
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- One party lacks mental competency
In such cases, litigation or court‑ordered interventions may be necessary. But even then, Susan Buckingham can sometimes offer coaching or conflict coaching outside formal mediation.
Next Steps: How to Engage Susan Buckingham for Parenting Plan Mediation
If you’re ready to explore child custody mediation / parenting plan mediation in Florida, here’s how to get started:
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- Visit our Florida‑Mediation Services – Parenting Plan Mediation page (internal link)
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- Or go to Florida‑Mediation Services – Child Custody Mediation (internal link)
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- Schedule an initial consultation with Susan Buckingham
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- Review our mediation preparation guide (internal link)
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- View our client success stories (internal link)
Let Susan Buckingham’s expertise guide you toward a sustainable and fair parenting plan — one that centers children, respects both parents, and helps you move forward with clarity.
External Resources You May Find Helpful
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- Florida Courts’ overview of mediation and certified mediator roles CC Frontend Template
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- DivorceNet’s guide to divorce mediation in Florida DivorceNet
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- The Seventh Judicial Circuit’s family mediation program (Florida) Seventh Circuit Court of Florida
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- Information about private mediation in Florida via Mediate First, Inc. Mediate First Inc
Conclusion
If you’re facing separation or divorce in Florida and want a more peaceful, child‑focused path, child custody mediation / parenting plan mediation is a highly effective option. With Susan Buckingham as your mediator and parenting coach, you can design a plan that fits your family’s values and daily realities. Reach out today to begin building your lasting, workable parenting plan.