Parenting Coordinator & Family Mediation in Hernando County

Parenting coordinator in Hernando County

A parenting coordinator is an impartial professional who helps parents carry out a parenting plan they already have, or are creating, so everyday disagreements (exchanges, school calendars, summer schedules, activities) get settled without another motion. Under Fla. Stat. §61.125, a judge can appoint one when the parents agree, when either parent asks, or on the court’s own motion. The coordinator facilitates, educates, makes recommendations, and, only with both parents’ prior consent and the court’s approval, makes limited decisions within the referral order.

Hernando County is part of Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Fifth Circuit keeps its own Parenting Coordination Registry of approved coordinators. Families and attorneys can also agree on a qualified coordinator by name and ask the judge to include that person in the order of referral. Jessica is a qualified Florida parenting coordinator.

Florida does not issue a single statewide parenting coordinator certification. Under Fla. Stat. §61.125, a qualified parenting coordinator holds a qualifying professional credential (a Florida mental health license under chapter 491, such as an LCSW, is one), has three years of post-licensure practice, has completed Supreme Court–certified family mediation training, and has at least 24 hours of parenting coordination training plus 4 hours on domestic violence and child abuse. Jessica meets each of these requirements.

Family mediation and the Hernando County court program

Hernando’s family cases are heard in Brooksville, the county seat. The Fifth Circuit runs a Hernando County Mediation Services program for divorce and paternity cases, but it has limits: it is available only when the parties’ combined yearly income is under $100,000, there must already be an open case and an Order for Mediation, and both parties must have a Financial Affidavit filed within the last twelve months. Families above that income line must use a private mediator.

Private mediation with Jessica can happen before anyone files, after a case is open, or when a court order sends you to mediation. It covers parenting plans, time-sharing, child support, alimony, and dividing property and debt. Nothing is decided unless both of you agree.

In-person or virtual sessions

Jessica meets Hernando families in person or by secure Zoom video. Virtual sessions remove the drive to Brooksville, and separate virtual rooms are available when conflict is high. The court’s own program also notes that some court mediations are held by Zoom.

Jessica Oliver, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with an MSW from the University of Southern California and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator (#44460F). Her mediation and parenting coordination work is non-clinical: she serves as a neutral, not as anyone’s therapist or attorney.

Hernando County co-parents can meet with Jessica in person or by Zoom for parenting coordination. Learn how parenting coordination in Florida works.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a parenting coordinator appointed in Hernando County?

A Fifth Circuit judge can appoint one under Fla. Stat. §61.125 when both parents agree, when one parent files a motion, or on the court’s own motion. The Fifth Circuit keeps a Parenting Coordination Registry, and parents who agree on a qualified coordinator can ask that the person be named in the order. Your attorney can advise you on the motion.

Can I use the Hernando County court mediation program instead?

Only if your combined yearly income is under $100,000, you have an open case and an Order for Mediation, and both parties have filed a recent Financial Affidavit. Otherwise you will need a private mediator.

What is the difference between a mediator and a parenting coordinator?

A mediator helps you reach an agreement, usually once, on issues like the parenting plan, support, and property. A parenting coordinator works with you over months to carry out a parenting plan and settle the day-to-day disputes that come up under it.

Do we have to be in the same room?

No. Virtual sessions can keep each parent in a separate room for the whole session.

Is a parenting coordinator a therapist or a lawyer?

Neither. Parenting coordination is a non-clinical, child-focused dispute resolution process. Jessica serves as a neutral and does not give legal advice or provide therapy to either parent.

Also serving: Hillsborough · Pasco · Hernando · Sumter · Lake · Polk · Virtual statewide · All areas

Cities we serve in Hernando County: Brooksville