Ex husband and I have an upcoming mediation. He is very unreasonable man, so I want to be sure I can include any and everything that needs to be included with details such as time and dates.. I was hoping I can get some insight on what should be included..we have 2 children ages 5 and 6. Both are in school, we live in the same county about 20min from each other.
That is a difficult question to answer in a simply question and answer format such as this, since so much depends on your personal situation. Your mediator will certainly provide you with guidance, as well as your attorney. There are articles available on the Internet which may be of assistance.
You do not say, but it seems that you are asking about Parenting mediation. First, tell the mediator right up from that you want an agreement that has details and specifics; the mediator should be able to help you with this. In preparation, I suggest that you read a great book called Mom's House Dads House, by Isolina Ricci; this book has great ideas about what needs to be considered regarding parenting. You are on the right track; for schedules the regular school schedule, summer schedule, holiday and special day schedule, vacations and school breaks it is best to put in exact times, and dates (for example: the Thanksgiving holiday should state when it begins and when it ends) and how changes or events (vacations) are determined (by notice, by meeting, etc). You should specify precisely how the two of you will communicate about the children in the future (regular meetings, emails, etc.). Transportation arrangements should be detailed; decision making should be described (not just "joint") say specifically what decisions are covered and how the decision will be made. If you are concerned about follow through, you should address what happens if one of you does not follow through or is late. Good luck!
Ms. Synovec has provided sound advice. I will add only a few more comments. First, if you are looking for age-appropriate parenting plans, there are a few model plans that can help you. You can find these and other helpful parenting information at http://www.afccnet.org/resourcecenter/resourcesforfamilies/categoryid/1. Second, keep in mind that the Parenting Plan ought to be regarded as a living organism. It needs to be allowed to grow and change to accommodate your children's growing and changing needs. Finally, if your "ex" is unreasonable, you may not be able to change him. But you can keep yourself sane and centered by continuing to focus on your children's best needs and to minimize conflict. Best wishes to you.
What are you mediating, original action, Supplemental Petition, contempt issues, etc.? Then what are the issues being mediated, Equitable Distribution, Parenting Pan, Child Support, Spousal Support. No one can advise you what needs to be in a MSA or a Supplemental MSA without knowing the issues.
I offer a free consultation and handle family matters in Lee and Collier Counties, (239) 732-6631.
