Parental responsibility involves how significant decisions for a child will be made, including education, health care, and activities, and how information will be shared between parents. These matters often focus on defining decision-making roles and establishing practical expectations for communication and coordination.
How Mediation Helps In This Context
Discussion in this setting often centers on evaluating how significant decisions will be made and clarifying expectations for consultation and information sharing. In session, participants can consider, for example, how routine and nonroutine decisions will be handled, including how disagreements will be addressed and resolved. They may also identify communication approaches that support timely decision-making and reduce the likelihood of recurring disputes.
Common Issues
- Decision-making authority for education, health care, and activities
- Consultation expectations and tie-breaker provisions
- Information sharing and access to records
- Communication protocols for routine and nonroutine decisions
Some Considerations For Counsel Preparing For Mediation
- Identify categories of decisions and how they may be addressed
- Consider communication methods for sharing information and updates
- Identify how disagreements will be raised and resolved
- Consider how decision-making expectations will be documented