Family Mediation & Parenting Coordination in Polk County

Polk County family court and the Tenth Circuit’s mediation rules

Polk County is in Florida’s Tenth Judicial Circuit, with Hardee and Highlands counties. Family cases are handled in Bartow, the county seat. The Tenth Circuit’s standard Order of Referral to Family Mediation gives parties three days to contact the circuit’s Mediation Services or a privately retained mediator to schedule, and sets court program fees by income: no fee for indigent parties, $60 per party when combined gross earnings are under $50,000, $120 per party between $50,000 and $100,000. Above $100,000 combined, parties do not qualify for the court program and must hire a private mediator.

The same order lets a party ask to be excused from mediation if domestic violence would compromise the process, within ten days of the order. The circuit’s ADR Services conducts family mediations by Zoom video and telephone conferencing.

Private mediation in Polk

If your household is over the court program’s income limit, or you want to settle before filing, private mediation with Jessica covers parenting plans, time-sharing, child support, alimony, and property. Because the Tenth Circuit order asks parties to schedule within days, it helps to have a mediator in mind early.

Parenting coordinator in Polk County

For co-parents who keep returning to court under an existing parenting plan, a judge can appoint a parenting coordinator under Fla. Stat. §61.125 by agreement, on motion, or on the court’s own motion. The Florida courts note that coordinators are qualified at the circuit level. 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.

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

How quickly do I need to schedule mediation after a Polk County referral order?

The Tenth Circuit’s standard family referral order directs parties to contact Mediation Services or a private mediator within three days of the order.

How much does Polk County court mediation cost?

Under the standard order: no fee for indigent parties, $60 per party under $50,000 combined gross earnings, $120 per party from $50,000 to $100,000. Above $100,000 combined, you must use a private mediator.

Can I be excused from mediation because of domestic violence?

The Tenth Circuit order lets a party file a written request to be excused within ten days if domestic violence would compromise mediation. Talk with your attorney or a domestic violence advocate.

How is a parenting coordinator appointed in Polk County?

Under Fla. Stat. §61.125, a judge can appoint one by agreement, on a parent’s motion, or on the court’s own motion.

Can we meet in person in Polk County?

Polk sessions are held by Zoom (secure video). If you prefer to meet in person, Jessica offers in-person meetings in nearby Hillsborough County.

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