Community mediation center providing family mediation for custody and co-parenting disputes in the Kansas City area, helping parents reach agreements outside of courtroom litigation. Fathers can schedule mediation sessions through the office. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and proposed parenting schedules to the session. Fees vary based on income, with sliding-scale options available. The office operates Monday through Friday during business hours.
Co-parenting programs help separated and divorced parents share custody constructively, minimize conflict, and raise children across two households. Most states require court-ordered parent education (often called 'parenting classes' or 'children first' programs) before finalizing a divorce or custody order involving minor children. These classes are usually four to six hours, available online or in person, and cost 5–$75. Private co-parenting mediation is available through court-based mediation programs (often free or sliding-scale) and through private mediators certified by state mediation councils. Digital tools like OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses provide court-admissible communication logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and messaging — many family courts now encourage or require their use in high-conflict cases. This directory includes all three: state-required classes, mediators, and co-parenting apps.
Co-Parenting in Missouri
Missouri circuit courts hear family matters through family court divisions in each of its 45 judicial circuits. The Family Support Division runs child support enforcement under DSS. Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia are the largest metros. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, and Mid-Missouri Legal Services cover the state.
More Co-Parenting in Missouri
Missouri Parent Education Program — Court-required parent education for divorcing parents with minor children in most Missouri counties, covering the impact of divorce on child
OurFamilyWizard — Co-parenting communication platform widely accepted by Missouri courts, featuring shared calendars, expense tracking, a secure message board
TalkingParents — Court-admissible co-parenting communication app where all messages are timestamped, uneditable, and create permanent court records that can
St. Louis Mediation Project — Nonprofit mediation center providing family mediation for custody and co-parenting disputes in the St. Louis region at affordable rates, wit
Children in the Middle (Co-Parenting Course) — Court-approved co-parenting education course teaching parents skills for effective communication and reducing children's exposure to parenta
Cozi Family Organizer — Free family calendar and organizer app used by co-parents for scheduling children's activities, school events, and shared family to-do lists
Co-Parenting — Common Questions
Is a parenting class required for divorce?
In most states, yes — a short court-approved co-parenting course (4–6 hours, 5–$75, often online) is required before any divorce or custody order involving minor children is finalized. Check your state court's approved provider list.
What's the difference between mediation and court?
Mediation is a confidential negotiation with a neutral third party helping both parents agree on a parenting plan. It's faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than litigation. If mediation fails or one parent refuses, the court decides. Court-based mediation programs are usually free or sliding-scale.
Which co-parenting apps do courts accept?
OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses are court-admissible in most US jurisdictions. They provide tamper-proof message logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and documentation judges will read if conflict escalates.
What is a parenting plan?
A written document (required in every custody order) detailing where the child lives, when each parent has parenting time, how decisions are made, how holidays are handled, how to resolve disputes, and how to handle changes. Courts provide templates; customized plans are stronger than boilerplate.