Parents & Families
Dear Parent:
Divorce can be a frightening and overwhelming process. So much is at risk – your financial security, the children’s adjustment, your own ability to survive. For many people, divorce is the first time they have to deal with attorneys, legal documents, court hearings, judges, and the very real uncertainty of their future. The process of divorce may be long, difficult, and both emotionally and financially devastating. The one thing most parents want to protect, above all else, is their child.
For twenty years, I have worked with parents, children, and the courts as a court advisor, mediator, therapist, evaluator, expert witness, and parent educator. I have observed the devastation and pain that many families experience when their lives are ravaged by separation and divorce. Fortunately, we now know that neither parents nor children have to be sacrificed when the marriage is over. We, as parents, bring children into this world with a desire to protect, nurture, and love them. No parent, knowingly, sets out to hurt their children or expose them to bitter fighting, violence, loyalty binds, or emotional trauma; yet that is precisely what can occur when parents engage in a prolonged and hostile divorce process. When dealing with all the legal and financial aspects of a divorce, parents are often left with little energy or time to focus on their children right at a time when the children are feeling most vulnerable and insecure. This is a time to seek help so that your children’s best interests can be protected.
The experienced professionals at NCPC provide invaluable support and services to parents and families so that you, as parents, have the security and comfort that your children will stay “in focus” and will be protected throughout and after the divorce process. What better investment in the future could you provide?
Take a moment and review our services: Parenting Plans, Parenting Coordination, Parenting Assessment and Family Law Mediation. Click on any of these links and we would be happy to provide you with more information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Debra K. Carter, Licensed Psychologist
President & Co-Founder, The National Cooperative Parenting Center
Parenting Plans
Parents who are separating or divorcing are often concerned about the impact the change in family structure will have on their children. The child development experts at NCPC can help parents and/or legal professionals design a detailed parenting plan that addresses each child’s needs. Our plans take into account any changes that will impact you and your children for years to come.
Click here for a sample parenting plan with instructions.
Parenting Coordination
Parenting Coordination (PC) is a process that helps parents resolve disputes and learn how to protect their children from the harmful effects of chronic exposure to parental conflict. When parents need an objective expert to help them implement their parenting plan and learn the tools they need to promote constructive decision-making, a PC will help ensure that children’s best interests are met.
Parenting Coordination Defined
Parenting Assessment
Parenting assessments employ psychological testing and interviews to assess parenting abilities and needs. NCPC offers guidance to help achieve optimal parent-child relationships that allow children to be nurtured and thrive.
Family Law Mediation
Our senior psychologists are FL Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediators trained to facilitate negotiation in divorce and separation. Expertise in mental health and child development help parents reach agreements that best meet their children’s needs.


