Florida Court Ordered

Representing Yourself in Family Court from a Mediator's Perspective by Danica Joan Dockery, M.Ed
Family court can be a stressful and emotional experience for those involved. While hiring an attorney is always an option, some individuals choose to represent themselves in court. As a mediator, I have witnessed both successful and unsuccessful attempts at self-representation. In this blog, I will share some insights on representing yourself in family court.
Understand the Court System
The first step to representing yourself in family court is to understand the court system. Familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures of the court, and the laws that apply to your case. Most courts have resources available online or in-person to help you understand the process. You can also seek the assistance of a mediator or legal aid clinic to guide you through the process.
Organize Your Case
Proper organization of your case is key to success in family court. Collect and organize all relevant documents such as contracts, financial statements, medical records, and any other evidence that supports your case. Ensure that you have multiple copies of these documents to provide to the court and opposing party if necessary.
Know Your Rights and Obligations
It is essential to know your rights and obligations before representing yourself in family court. Understand the legal issues involved in your case and how they may affect your rights and obligations. Seek legal advice or consult with a mediator to gain a better understanding of your legal rights and obligations.
Be Prepared for Court
Preparation is key to successfully representing yourself in family court. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents and evidence to support your case. Dress appropriately for court and be respectful to the judge and opposing party. If you have difficulty speaking in public or articulating your arguments, practice beforehand to feel more confident.
Consider Mediation
Mediation can be a useful tool in resolving family court disputes without going to trial. A mediator can help you and the opposing party negotiate an agreement that works for both parties. If you are representing yourself in family court, consider using mediation as a way to reach a resolution that is fair and just.
Representing yourself in family court can be challenging, but it is possible to be successful with proper preparation and understanding of the court system. Seek legal advice or consult with a mediator to gain a better understanding of your rights and obligations. Collect and organize all relevant documents and evidence to support your case, and be respectful and prepared for court. Consider mediation as a way to reach a resolution without going to trial. Remember, the goal is to achieve a fair and just outcome for all parties involved.

When Co-Parents Don't Get Along: Strategies for Raising Happy and Healthy Children
By: Danica Joan Dockery, M.Ed

Divorce and separation can be a difficult process for everyone involved, especially when children are part of the equation. Co-parenting can be challenging even in the best of circumstances, but when parents don't get along, it can make the situation even more complicated. However, it's important to remember that despite any animosity or conflict between co-parents, the ultimate goal is to raise happy and healthy children. Here are some strategies to help when co-parents don't get along.

Put your children first

It's essential to prioritize your children's well-being above your own feelings or grievances. Regardless of how you feel about your co-parent, your children need both of their parents in their lives. Try to put your personal differences aside and focus on what's best for your children. Always consider how your actions and words affect them, and avoid putting them in the middle of your conflicts.

Keep communication respectful and clear

Effective communication is key to successful co-parenting, even when you don't get along. Keep communication respectful and clear by avoiding blaming, name-calling, or using your children as messengers. Stick to the facts, be concise, and avoid lengthy discussions that could lead to arguments. Use communication methods that work for both parties, such as email or text messaging, and keep a record of all communication.

Set boundaries and expectations

When co-parenting, it's important to set boundaries and expectations for both parents. These boundaries can include limits on communication, guidelines for pick-up and drop-off, and guidelines for disciplining children. Be clear about what is acceptable behavior and what isn't, and work together to ensure that both parents are following the same guidelines.

Focus on consistency and routine

Children thrive on consistency and routine, especially during times of change. Coparents should work together to establish consistent schedules for parenting time, as well as routines for meals, bedtime, and other activities. This can help children feel secure and stable, even when their parents are not getting along.

Seek outside support

Co-parenting can be difficult, especially when parents don't get along. It's important to seek outside support, such as counseling or mediation, to help you work through any conflicts or issues that arise. A trained professional can provide guidance and support to help you navigate co-parenting successfully.

In conclusion, co-parenting can be challenging, especially when parents don't get along. However, it's important to remember that the ultimate goal is to raise happy and healthy children. By prioritizing your children's well-being, keeping communication respectful and clear, setting boundaries and expectations, focusing on consistency and routine, and seeking outside support when necessary, coparents can successfully navigate the challenges of raising children together.

Danica Joan Dockery is a certified family mediator, anger management/domestic violence specialist and co-parenting expert, the author of “A Happy Child Co-Parenting Course” a court ordered family stabilization course for parents who are navigating the challenges of co-parenting after a breakup. She is also the founder of Kids Need Both, Inc and co-creator of the Hope4Families.net platform, a collaborative community that provides education, support and resources to families.

When a couple with children decides to separate or divorce, child custody is often one of the most contentious issues they face. Historically, custody of children has been awarded primarily to mothers, with fathers being relegated to secondary roles as weekend parents or absent altogether. However, as society has evolved, so has the way we approach child custody. One approach gaining popularity is the concept of 50/50 child custody, where both parents share equal responsibility for their children's upbringing. In this blog, we will explore the importance of 50/50 child custody and why it can benefit both parents and children.

First and foremost, 50/50 custody ensures that both parents remain an active and engaged part of their children's lives. This is crucial for the emotional and psychological well-being of children, who need the support and love of both parents to thrive. When children are able to maintain a close relationship with both parents, they are less likely to feel abandoned or neglected, which can lead to a host of emotional and behavioral problems.

Furthermore, 50/50 custody allows both parents to share the responsibilities and joys of parenthood equally. This means that both parents have an equal say in important decisions regarding their children's education, health, and well-being. It also means that both parents have the opportunity to spend quality time with their children and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Another benefit of 50/50 custody is that it can reduce conflict between parents. When one parent is awarded sole custody, the other parent may feel resentful and powerless, which can lead to ongoing conflict and tension. However, when both parents share custody equally, they are more likely to work together and communicate effectively, which can lead to a more peaceful and stable co-parenting relationship.

Finally, 50/50 custody can be beneficial for both parents' careers and financial stability. When one parent is responsible for the majority of childcare, it can be difficult for them to maintain a full-time career or pursue other opportunities. However, when both parents share equal responsibility for their children's upbringing, they are both free to pursue their career goals and financial stability.

In conclusion, 50/50 child custody is an approach that benefits both parents and children. By ensuring that both parents remain active and engaged in their children's lives, sharing responsibilities and joys of parenthood equally, reducing conflict between parents and benefiting their careers and financial stability. The importance of 50/50 custody cannot be overstated, and it is an approach that should be considered by any separating or divorcing couple with children.

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