Parents Forever: Legal Issues and the Role of Mediation in Divorce Educator Guide

Introduction

It is critical that sites use local resource people to teach this session of PARENTS FOREVER, especially for the legal portion.

Because the needs of each group are so different, and because laws governing child custody, court requirements, and child support vary from state to state, we are providing an outline of what we believe needs to be covered in the legal portion of the session. It is up to the family law expert presenting this portion to add or subtract as needed, keeping the focus on the needs of the parents and their children.

The second half of this session introduces parents to mediation, a process that may soften the legal aspects of divorce. It covers the selection of a mediator, a mediator's role, the mediation process, and mediation's role in legal divorce.

About the Parents Forever Program

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Extension Store at (800) 876-8636.