Practical, child-focused support to help co-parents improve communication, resolve disagreements, and navigate parenting decisions with less conflict.

Co-Parenting Facilitation

Co-parenting after separation or divorce can be challenging, particularly when communication has become strained or disagreements arise regarding parenting decisions. Co-parenting facilitation is a child-focused process designed to help parents improve communication, reduce conflict, and work more effectively together in support of their children.

Co-parenting facilitation may be beneficial for parents who experience frequent conflict, struggle to communicate effectively, or find themselves repeatedly returning to the same unresolved issues. Services are tailored to the unique needs of each family and may include joint meetings, individual meetings, consultation with involved professionals, and recommendations designed to support healthier co-parenting relationships.

Dr. Paige Blankenship is trained in Parenting Coordination through a Florida Supreme Court Certified training program. Dr. Blankenship is also a trained Mental Health Neutral with the Capital Collaborative Group, serving Tallahassee, the Big Bend, and Northwest Florida. This specialized training provides a strong foundation for helping families navigate conflict, improve communication, and create child-focused solutions that support long-term success.

Common Themes Addressed in Co-Parenting Facilitation

Parenting Schedules and Time-Sharing

1

Assistance with developing, modifying, and implementing parenting schedules that meet the needs of both the child and the family. This may include holiday schedules, summer schedules, transportation arrangements, make-up time, and other time-sharing concerns.

Communication and Conflict Resolution

2

Support in improving communication between parents and reducing conflict. This may include developing communication guidelines, addressing recurring disagreements, and creating more productive ways to discuss parenting concerns.

Child Behavior and Parenting Approaches

3

Support in addressing behavioral concerns, establishing consistent expectations across households, and developing effective parenting strategies. The goal is to reduce confusion for children and promote stability across both homes whenever possible.

Educational, Medical, and Mental Health Decisions

4

Guidance in navigating disagreements related to school, healthcare, and treatment decisions. This may include school selection, academic concerns, special education services, gifted programming, therapy, psychiatric treatment, medication decisions, evaluations, and communication with providers. The focus remains on helping parents make informed, child-centered decisions.

Transitions Between Households and Family Changes

5

Help navigating transitions between homes, changes in routines, introduction of new partners or family members, relocation concerns, and other family adjustments that may impact a child's well-being. The focus is on minimizing stress and promoting healthy adjustment for children.

Coordination with Other Professionals

6

When appropriate, collaboration with therapists, schools, medical providers, attorneys, guardians ad litem, and other involved professionals to support communication and ensure everyone is working toward the same child-focused goals.

FAQs

Who Is This Service For?

Co-parents who have:

  • Frequent conflict between parents

  • Difficulty communicating about children

  • Repeated disagreements about schedules or decisions

  • Concerns about a child's adjustment to separation or divorce

  • Parents who want to stay out of court

  • High-conflict cases involving multiple professionals

What Are the Benefits?

  • Reduced Conflict: Learn practical strategies to reduce recurring arguments and misunderstandings.

  • Improved Communication: Develop more effective and productive ways to discuss parenting concerns.

  • Better Decision-Making: Create structured processes for addressing disagreements before they escalate.

  • Child-Focused Solutions: Keep children's emotional, developmental, and practical needs at the center of decision-making.

  • Fewer Court Returns: Resolve many day-to-day parenting disputes outside of litigation.

What is This Exactly?

A child-focused and structured space to discuss parenting concerns and develop practical solutions.

It is NOT:

  • Individual therapy for either parent

  • Individual therapy for either parent

  • A custody evaluation or parenting capacity evaluation

  • A process for determining which parent is "right" or "wrong"

  • Legal representation or legal advice

  • A substitute for court orders, legal counsel, or judicial decision-making