Utah Co-Parenting Mediation Program
The Co-Parenting Mediation Program
"Building Bridges"
Mediation is a resolution process whereby disputing parties come together to identify their issues and attempt to find resolution with the aid of a neutral third party-a mediator. All cases referred to the Co-Parenting Mediation Program are screened, and if appropriate, scheduled for mediation. Mediation is a confidential process. The mediator is not a judge or fact finder. The mediator's role is to eliminate the barriers to communication, and act as a guide to the process, facilitating communication between the co-parents.
Discussion in mediation will largely be regarding parent-time and other co-parenting issues including, but not limited to: school, medical, safety, and/or missed parent-time. You are not required to bring any materials or court documents to your mediation. In order to prepare for mediation, it may be helpful for parties in mediation to come with an idea or list of issues that they would like to try and resolve. Under the current Utah Code Annotated §30-3-38, attendance in mediation is mandatory. Under the Uniform Mediation Act adopted by the state of Utah, you may bring one "support person" to mediation.
Participation in mediation consists of open and honest communication between the parties. Parties are not required to come to an agreement regarding their issues in mediation, but they are expected to make a good faith effort to resolve the co-parenting issues. Cases referred to the program with components of Domestic Violence, or cases involving a Protective Order are carefully screened, and if appropriate, scheduled for mediation. The program has safety measures in place to promote the safety of all parties.
The fee for mediation is $80.00, which is divided equally between the parties. For those who financially qualify, the fee for mediation may be reduced or waived. Although there is no specific time limit for mediation, parties should anticipate a mediation session lasting a minimum of two hours.
Parties are not required to have an attorney present during the mediation. If you have an attorney, and you plan on having your attorney attend mediation, please contact the Co-Parenting Mediation Program at least 48 hours in advance.