Separation and divorce can dramatically affect the relationship between parents and their children. The quantity and quality of time that children spend with each parent is important to a healthy post-separation and post-divorce adjustment.
Although the courts can determine a parenting plan, it is almost always best if the parents work together to agree on the details of the plan (i.e., schedule of the time children are to be in the care of each parent, parent's participation in education, health care, religious upbringing, decision making and financial support). Trained volunteers use mediation techniques to assist parents or guardians in developing the parenting plan, particularly in any family action in which the parties do not agree to a custody or parenting time/visitation arrangement.