Parenting Coordinator & Family Mediation in Pasco County

Parenting coordinator in Pasco County

When a parenting plan is in place but every holiday, exchange, or school decision turns into a fight, a parenting coordinator can take that work out of the courtroom. Under Fla. Stat. §61.125, the court can appoint a parenting coordinator when parents agree, when one parent moves for it, or on its own motion. The coordinator helps parents resolve disputes under the plan, improves how they communicate, offers recommendations, and makes limited decisions only with prior consent of both parents and approval of the court.

Pasco County is in Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Pinellas. Jessica is a qualified Florida parenting coordinator and serves Pasco County families as a parenting coordinator. Parents and attorneys can agree on a qualified coordinator by name for the order of referral.

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 Sixth Circuit program in Pasco

The Sixth Circuit’s Alternative Dispute Resolution office handles Pasco family mediation from two locations: West Pasco cases at the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey and East Pasco cases at the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City. Court mediation is offered at a reduced rate to eligible parties, and each party must submit a Florida Family Law Financial Affidavit. When children are involved, the circuit asks parties to exchange proposed parenting plans five to seven days before mediation and bring a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet when support is at issue. Pasco also runs a Unified Family Court that coordinates multiple cases involving the same family before one judge.

Private mediation with Jessica is an alternative to the court program, or a way to resolve things before anyone files. It covers parenting plans, time-sharing, support, alimony, and property, and nothing is final unless both of you sign.

In-person or virtual sessions

Jessica meets Pasco families in person or by secure Zoom video. Virtual sessions let each parent join from home or work, in separate rooms when needed.

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.

Jessica also serves Pasco County co-parents as a neutral parenting coordinator, in person or by Zoom. Read more about parenting coordination in Florida.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a parenting coordinator in Pasco County?

Under Fla. Stat. §61.125, a Sixth Circuit judge can appoint one when both parents agree, on a parent’s motion, or on the court’s own motion. Parents can also agree on a qualified coordinator by name, and Jessica serves Pasco County as a parenting coordinator. Ask your attorney about the motion.

Which courthouse handles my Pasco mediation?

The Sixth Circuit handles West Pasco family mediation at the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey and East Pasco mediation at the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City.

Do I have to use the court’s mediation program?

No. Court mediation is offered at a reduced rate to eligible parties, but you may use a private mediator, and private mediation can happen before a case is filed.

What should I bring to mediation?

A completed Financial Affidavit, a proposed parenting plan if children are involved, and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet if support is at issue. The Sixth Circuit asks for these for court mediations, and they make private sessions faster too.

Is parenting coordination therapy?

No. It is a non-clinical, child-focused dispute resolution process. Jessica works as a neutral and does not provide therapy or legal advice.

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

Cities we serve in Pasco County: Land O’ Lakes, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel