Parents seeking to negotiate and resolve Family Law child custody and visitation issues without coming to court may take advantage of a new free online tool to help them reach a Parenting Plan Agreement.
The Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) program is part of the Court’s many initiatives that offer access to justice in convenient, efficient ways during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective May 18, an attorney, or a parent who is self-represented or represented by an attorney, may initiate a negotiation invitation through the ODR program. The other party will then receive an email invite to participate. The other parent or attorney then has the option to provide a response. Once the parents agree on a plan, the ODR tool will generate a Parenting Plan Agreement, which the parents may file with the Court via fax, U.S. mail or drop box outside the courthouse. If accepted, the plan becomes the order of the court.
If the parties are unable to resolve all child custody and visitation issues, they will be required to attend a Family Court Services mediation appointment in-person at a future date.
The ODR program will be accessible later this month. For complete details, please go to: https://sfvba.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/NR_ODR_FL_-050620.pdf
