Private Child Custody Counseling

When couples decide to separation or end their relationship coming up with child custody plan that works for all can be one of the most challenging aspects families can face. Child Custody Counseling provides a structured, supportive space to help parents work through custody arrangements with the child’s best interests as the top priority. While most custody matters are resolved through family court services, some situations require additional guidance to develop a plan that meets everyone’s needs. In cases where disputes remain unresolved due to extenuating circumstances or complex family dynamics, private child custody counseling offers a path toward finding workable solutions and bridging the gaps.

Offering Two Different approaches to Choose From

I offer both Private, Confidential Child Custody Counseling and Court-Ordered, Private Non-Confidential Child Custody Recommended Counseling, also known as a (CCRC). Each of these two processes serve different purposes in helping families resolve child custody matters. It’s important to know the difference before you proceed as each has its advantages and limitations. Please seek appropriate legal advice when deciding which path is best for your family.

Private Confidential Counseling

Private child custody counseling provides a safe, confidential space for parents to navigate co-parenting challenges, improve communication, and foster a healthier environment for their children. This voluntary process takes place solely between the therapist and the involved parties, offering a structured yet flexible approach to resolving custody-related concerns.

As a non-binding, confidential mediation process, the therapist facilitates discussions to help parents find solutions that work for the entire family. A critical aspect of this process is its strict confidentiality—before beginning, all parties must agree that no information shared can be used in court or legal proceedings, and the therapist cannot be compelled to testify or disclose any details, except in cases where mandatory reporting laws apply.

What to Expect:

✅ Collaborative Sessions: Each session is designed to foster collaboration between parents. Any agreements generated during the counseling process are made together, ensuring both parties have a voice in the outcomes that affect their family.

✅ Confidentiality Assurance: All information gathered during the sessions is strictly confidential. This means that it cannot be used by either party in any follow-up proceedings, providing a safe environment to explore sensitive topics without fear of repercussions.

✅ Therapist Neutrality: The therapist cannot be asked to testify or disclose any information from the counseling and mediation process, reinforcing the confidential nature of this approach and allowing parents to focus on constructive solutions.

✅ Focus on Child-Centered Solutions: The primary goal is to prioritize the emotional well-being of your children. The therapist will guide parents in developing effective communication strategies and co-parenting techniques that serve the child’s best interests.

✅ Additional Support: If needed, collateral contacts, such as teachers, therapists, or medical providers, may be consulted to gain further insights into the child’s needs. This can enhance the counseling process by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the family dynamics at play.

Private Non-Confidential Child Custody Recommended Counseling (CCRC)

In court-ordered Child Custody Recommended Counseling (CCRC), parents meet with a specially trained counselor to discuss custody, and visitation matters to reach an agreement. If a full agreement is reached, the counselor will generate a report outlining the agreed-upon terms that were reached. If certain issues remain unresolved, the counselor will document both the areas of agreement and provide recommendations to those areas that were still in dispute along with the reasoning behind those recommendations.

This process is not confidential, meaning that any information discussed, including the counselor’s recommendations, is able to be included in the report which is given to the judge. The judge will review the report and ultimately decide which recommendations will be adopted and ordered by the court.

What to Expect:

✅ Mandated Sessions: Counseling sessions are conducted as mandated by the court, ensuring that both parents participate in the process to address custody disputes in a structured environment.

✅ Goal of Child Welfare: The primary focus of these sessions is to create parenting plans that are in the best interests of the child. The counselor works collaboratively with both parents to facilitate discussions that promote a stable and nurturing environment for the child.

✅ Recommendations for Court: If parents cannot reach a full agreement on custody arrangements, the counselor has the authority to provide recommendations to the court. These recommendations are based on the information gathered during the sessions and are aimed at supporting the child’s welfare.

✅ Use of Gathered Information: Unlike private counseling, any information gathered during these sessions can be used by either party if there is disagreement with the recommendations made by the counselor. This transparency is intended to ensure that all parties are informed and can address concerns directly.

✅ Comprehensive Assessments: As part of the process, the counselor may interview collateral contacts, such as teachers and medical providers, to gather additional information. Additionally, there may be a need to interview the children, observe transitions, and conduct home visits to assess the child’s environment and overall well-being.

Choosing the Right Approach

Whether you’re seeking Private Child Custody Confidential Counseling to strengthen co-parenting or navigating Court-Ordered Non-Confidential Child Custody Recommended Counseling, I’m here to provide non bias professional, child-focused help to move your family move forward. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 

-Joel Walton