MANDATORY PARENTING PLAN MEDIATION PROGRAM
Since 1987, the State of Washington has required separating parents to create a “Parenting Plan”, which will serve as the guide for continuing, joint parenting of the children. The plan is comprehensive and covers such issues as when the children will be with each parent and how decisions about the children will be made. You will need a parenting plan in order to complete your legal proceeding.
Mediation services have been available in the area for over ten years and many separating parents have chosen to develop the Parenting Plan in a Mediation session. If separating parents try but are unable to develop a complete Parenting Plan on their own, the Thurston County Superior Court may refer you to the Mandatory Parenting Plan Mediation Program. This also applies to modifications to existing parenting plans and paternity actions.