Paternity Pre-Suit Mediation - Never Married With Children
When a couple has a child or children but have never married, the court terms the formal establishment of a parenting plan a ‘Paternity’ suit.
Paternity Pre-Suit Mediation - Never Married With Children
Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil, Family & Dependency Law Mediator, Kathy Macchione Leggett. An Experienced Divorce Mediator You Can Trust.
When a couple has a child or children together and they have never been married, the court calls the formal establishment of a parenting plan a ‘Paternity’ suit. This does not mean you need to take a blood test or prove you are the parents. It simply means you are establishing with the court that you are the parents and you are formalizing your co-parenting and child support obligations with the court.
Paternity Pre-Suit Mediation can provide a non-adversarial option to creating a parenting plan now that you both are no longer residing together. It has proven to be an excellent alternative to litigation. All aspects concerning your children can be resolved through Mediation including creating your parenting plan, summer and holiday time-sharing, as well as calculating child support.
Statistics show that when a couple work toward creating their own Parenting Plan, that they are more likely to abide by it and be satisfied with it as opposed to it being ordered by a judge.
As a Mediator, I do not represent either party. I work for both of you and guide you to make decisions that are in your best interest as well as to accomplish the best outcome for your futures.
Pre-Suit Paternity is a voluntary process and will not take place unless you agree to participate. Mediation is your opportunity to determine the outcome of your divorce.
In the event one party files a petition through the court, the judge will eventually order the two of you to participate in the Mediation process hoping that you come to resolve your differences on your own. If a decision cannot be made, the judge will ultimately rule on your case regarding all issues concerning your children.
By attempting Mediation first, the aggravation of litigation can often times be avoided. Litigation is typically an expensive process as well as a time-consuming process. These factors need to be weighed when you go into mediation. For example, “Do I want to come to an agreement where I know what I am getting now? Or do I want to litigate and wait months or possibly years down the road to have a judge decide on the final outcome?” Neither decision is a bad decision. But the factors simply need to be applied to your individual situation.
At Mediation & Counseling Consultants, we believe only you can know what is best for yourself, your children and your future. Over the past 20 years, we’ve assisted hundreds of couples in resolving very important decisions, during a highly emotional time of transition.
We are here for you throughout the entire process until your Final Judgment is signed by the court.
Contact Kathy Macchione Leggett at Mediation & Counseling Consultants
about your Divorce or Family Law Mediation needs.
Pre-Suit Paternity Mediation is optional and will proceed only if both parties consent. It allows you to shape your child’s future directly. Should one party petition the court, a judge will ultimately mandate Mediation in hopes of a mutual resolution. If an agreement remains elusive, judicial rulings will dictate the terms regarding your children.
Opting for Mediation initially can frequently avert the stress and expense of litigation. You must evaluate whether immediate mutual agreement outweighs the uncertainties of a protracted court process.
At Mediation & Counseling Consultants, we assert that only you can determine what’s best for you, your children, and your future. Over two decades, we’ve helped numerous couples make critical decisions during emotionally challenging phases. We remain at your side until your Final Judgment gains court approval.
CONVENIENCE AND PRIVACY
Our mediations are conducted virtually while you are in the comfort of your own home, with the ability to still speak privately with your mediator in a break out room.
Once we’ve reached an amicable settlement agreement, all of your court documents are prepared and e-filed with the court.
Your Final Hearing will be held virtually as well.
Pre-Suit Divorce Mediation not only saves you MONEY but it also saves TIME.
