Family Mediation & Parenting Coordination in Lake County

Lake County family court and court mediation

Lake County is in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit. Family cases are heard in Tavares, the county seat, at the Lake County Judicial Center, 550 W. Main St. The circuit’s Lake County Mediation Services program uses Florida Supreme Court certified mediators for divorce and paternity cases, but only when the parties’ combined yearly income is under $100,000, with an open case, an Order for Mediation, and Financial Affidavits filed within the last year. Families above that line need a private mediator, and families who want to settle before filing can mediate privately at any time.

Sessions by Zoom across Lake County

When parents live in different parts of the county, the drive to Tavares, or to each other, can become part of the conflict. Secure video sessions let each parent join from where they are, and separate virtual rooms are available when tension is high.

Parenting coordinator in Lake County

After a parenting plan is entered, a parenting coordinator can help parents follow it and settle new disputes without filing another motion. Under Fla. Stat. §61.125, the court may appoint one on agreement, on a parent’s motion, or on its own motion. The Fifth Circuit keeps a Parenting Coordination Registry. Jessica is a qualified Florida parenting coordinator, and parents can also agree on a qualified coordinator by name.

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.

What mediation covers

Parenting plans and time-sharing, child support, alimony, property and debt division, and later modifications when a job change or move means the old plan no longer fits. Moving with a child is governed by Fla. Stat. §61.13001 in every county, so relocation questions also belong with your attorney.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Lake County family cases heard?

In Tavares, the county seat, within Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Can we use Lake County’s court mediation program?

Only if your combined yearly income is under $100,000 and you have an open case, an Order for Mediation, and recent Financial Affidavits. Otherwise you’ll use a private mediator.

Do Lake County sessions happen in person?

Lake County sessions are held by Zoom (secure video), so each parent can join from home, in separate rooms if needed. In-person meetings are available in nearby Sumter County.

How is a parenting coordinator appointed in Lake County?

A Fifth Circuit judge can appoint one under Fla. Stat. §61.125 when parents agree, on motion, or on the court’s own motion. The circuit maintains a Parenting Coordination Registry.

Can mediation change an existing parenting plan?

Yes. Parents can mediate a modification and submit a signed agreement to the court for approval.

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