Parenting Services

In all divorce, dissolution, and legal separation actions where there are minor children the Court will allocate parental rights and responsibilities (formerly "custody") for the care of the children, provided no other court has determined or is the process of determining an allocation of parental rights of the same children.

Parenting Education

All parents of minor children who are ending their marriages or legally separating are required to complete a court approved divorce seminar before parental rights will be allocated.

Parenting Evaluation

A staff of licensed mental health professionals conduct parenting evaluations for families ordered by the Court. Psychological testing and alcohol/drug assessments may be included in the process.

Home Investigation

Investigations ordered by the Court are conducted by social workers of the Probate Court as coordinated by Family Evaluation Services. Investigators go to the home or homes to assess living arrangements.

Mediation

The Court coordinates assessment and referrals for court mediation services. Certified mediators help parties resolve parenting issues without litigation through a confidential process.

Families First Program

The Families First Program is an intervention program designed to support parents who are experiencing substance use and/or mental health issues that may impact their ability to co-parent.

Fees for Services

List of fees for services provided for families including case management, home investigation, mediation, guardian ad litem, parenting coordination, parenting education, etc.

Guardian ad Litem

A “Guardian ad Litem” (GAL) is an individual appointed by the Court to represent the best interest of a child when parents cannot agree on an allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.

Parenting Coordination

Parenting coordination is a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process in which a mental health or legal professional assists high conflict parents to implement their parenting plan.