Family Law Mediation
Smythe & Jones specialize in assisting parents in making critical decisions regarding the ongoing upbringing of their children. These decisions collectively form the Parenting Plan, which encompasses considerations such as whether both parents should have equal rights to be consulted, advised, and involved in major decisions concerning the child’s health, welfare, religion, and education (referred to as Legal Custody). Additionally, the Parenting Plan addresses determinations regarding the day-to-day care and residence of the child (known as Physical Custody).
A well-crafted parenting plan is tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of the family, taking into account the best interests of the child. It provides a framework for cooperation, communication, and consistency in co-parenting, promoting a stable and nurturing environment for the child’s growth and development.
Divorce Mediation
We do divorce differently! When it comes to divorce, Smythe & Jones Mediators approach the process with a distinct perspective. Our certified and trained mediators will work with you and your spouse to help you find a peaceful resolution to your divorce. Together, we will identify what truly matters to each of you and work towards creating a future that is harmonious and beneficial for everyone in your family. By fostering open communication, empathy, and understanding, we aim to help you find common ground and reach agreements that prioritize the well-being and best interests of your children.
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Regrettably, it’s a common occurrence for homeowners and contractors to forego formal written agreements, instead relying on bids or invoices. This practice has resulted in numerous lawsuits due to misunderstandings that could have been avoided if the parties had clarified their expectations from the outset. To prevent such conflicts, it’s crucial to include specific construction tasks in writing, written change orders for any work beyond the original contract, an attorney’s fees clause, payment dates and schedules, and a total project cost not to exceed. If you’re a homeowner and a contractor took your deposit but failed to complete or poorly executed the work, you can seek legal action against them and their bond if available.
On the other hand, if you’re a contractor and a homeowner refuses to pay you for your agreed-upon work, you can file a lien on the property where the work was carried out to secure payment.
What is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a written document that outlines the agreements and arrangements made between parents regarding the care and upbringing of their children after separation or divorce. It serves as a blueprint for co-parenting and helps establish clear guidelines and expectations to ensure the well-being of the children.
A comprehensive parenting plan typically covers various aspects, including:
- Custody and Visitation Schedule: This specifies how physical custody will be shared between the parents, including the regular schedule for when the child will be with each parent, as well as arrangements for holidays, vacations, and special occasions.
- Decision-Making Authority: It addresses the allocation of legal custody, which refers to the responsibility for making important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religion, and other significant aspects of their life. The plan may outline whether both parents will share decision-making equally or if one parent will have primary authority in certain areas.
- Communication and Co-Parenting: The parenting plan may include guidelines for effective communication between parents, such as preferred methods of communication, expectations for sharing information about the child’s well-being, and protocols for resolving disputes or disagreements.
- Child Support: While child support calculations are typically addressed separately, the parenting plan may reference any agreed-upon financial arrangements regarding the child’s support, including payment schedules, obligations, and any additional expenses to be shared between the parents.
- Relocation and Travel: The plan may outline procedures and notification requirements if one parent wishes to relocate with the child, as well as guidelines for out-of-state or international travel with the child.
- Education and Extracurricular Activities: It may include provisions related to the child’s schooling, such as choosing schools, participating in extracurricular activities, and sharing associated costs.