Court-connected mediation program for custody and visitation cases in Prince William County. A mediation evaluation is required for all contested custody cases before proceeding to trial. Certified mediators help parents develop a parenting plan without a judge deciding the outcome. Successful agreements are submitted to the court for approval. Contact the JDR Court clerk to request a mediation appointment. This service is available at no cost to qualifying parties.
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 Virginia
Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.
More Co-Parenting in Virginia
OurFamilyWizard — Co-parenting communication platform widely accepted and court-recommended by Virginia courts. Features shared custody calendars, expense tra
TalkingParents — Court-admissible co-parenting communication app used by Virginia families navigating custody arrangements. All messages are automatically ti
Virginia Mediation Network — Statewide organization connecting Virginia families to Virginia Supreme Court-certified mediators for custody and co-parenting disputes. The
Richmond Family Court - Mediation Services — Court-connected mediation available for Richmond City custody and visitation disputes. Certified mediators help parents develop workable par
Norfolk JDR Court - Mediation Services — Court-connected mediation for custody and visitation cases in Norfolk. Certified mediators help parents resolve disputes and develop parenti
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.