Co-Parenting and Parenting Plan Mediation
Create a clearer parenting framework with a neutral, child-focused process. Debra Nelson, MA, LMFT, ADR Specialist, helps Minnesota parents work through schedules, decision-making, communication, and future changes.
Appointments available by arrangement. The office confirms provider fit, availability, service type, and financial terms before scheduling.
Mediator
Debra Nelson, MA, LMFT, ADR Specialist
Availability
Forest Lake and remote Minnesota options by arrangement and case fit
Payment
$150 per hour at time of service, based on the practice's published fee information; confirm before scheduling
A Practical Process for Parenting Decisions
Co-parenting mediation gives parents a structured place to identify disagreements, exchange information, consider options, and work toward decisions. The mediator remains neutral and does not decide the outcome.
Schedules and Holidays
Discuss regular parenting time, holidays, school breaks, transportation, and transitions.
Communication and Decisions
Clarify information sharing, decision-making, boundaries, and methods for resolving future concerns.
Child-Focused Planning
Keep developmental needs, stability, routines, and workable family logistics at the center.
Professional Experience With a Clearly Defined Role
Debra Nelson, MA, LMFT, ADR Specialist brings more than 30 years of experience in marriage and family therapy, parenting and relationship development, family conflict, and Minnesota family-court services.
Her family-systems background supports a balanced mediation process while her neutral role remains separate from psychotherapy. Counseling & Mediation Solutions has served Forest Lake and surrounding Minnesota communities since 2002.
Availability and Payment
Published fee: The practice’s public fee information lists mediation services at $150 per hour, due at the time of service. Confirm the current rate, minimum time, preparation charges, document work, cancellation terms, and how fees will be divided before the first session.
Insurance: Mediation is generally private pay and is not typically billed as health-insurance psychotherapy. The office will provide the applicable financial arrangement before substantive work begins.
Before scheduling: Verify the exact provider, service, current availability, location, and financial agreement. Do not send health records, court documents, or other sensitive details through regular email.
A Clear Process From First Contact to Next Step
Initial Consultation
Discuss the parenting issues, participants, safety or process concerns, fees, and whether mediation is appropriate.
Define the Decisions
Organize the schedule, decision-making, communication, transportation, holiday, and future-review topics.
Develop and Test Options
Each parent can explain concerns and consider proposals in a structured, neutral conversation.
Document Progress
Agreed terms may be summarized for independent legal review and any required court filing.
Know the Professional Role Before You Begin
A mediator does not represent either parent, give legal advice, impose a decision, or guarantee court approval. Each participant may consult an independent Minnesota attorney before signing or filing an agreement. Mediation confidentiality and its limits are reviewed in the service agreement.
Continue With the Most Relevant Path
Divorce Mediation
Address parenting, property, finances, and other divorce decisions.
Family Counseling
Therapeutic support for family communication and transitions.
Minnesota Family Resources
Access Minnesota court, custody, parenting-time, and ADR information.
Questions About Co-Parenting and Parenting Plan Mediation
Topics can include schedules, holidays, transportation, exchanges, decision-making, communication, child-related expenses, activities, travel, and a method for reviewing future changes.
No. The mediator is neutral and does not represent either participant or provide legal advice. Each parent may obtain independent legal advice.
The practice’s published fee information lists mediation at $150 per hour at time of service. Confirm the current rate and all preparation or document charges before scheduling.
Remote sessions may be available for Minnesota matters depending on participant location, technology, safety, and case fit.
Participants generally sign an agreement describing privacy, confidentiality, and legal limits. The mediator reviews those terms before substantive discussion.
Mediation can still narrow the issues and document areas of progress. No participant is forced to accept a proposal, and unresolved issues may need legal negotiation or court decision.
Start With a Confidential Consultation
Tell the office which service you are seeking. We will confirm the appropriate provider, current availability, payment structure, and the next step.