Parenting plans that work for your kids’ real lives
Whether you’re separating, never married, or years past a divorce and need to update the schedule, mediation gives co-parents a neutral place to make decisions together. I help Northern Virginia parents build plans that are detailed enough to prevent arguments and flexible enough to grow with their kids.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839Free and confidential · I reply within 1–2 business days · In person in Northern Virginia or by secure video
What a strong parenting plan covers
Most co-parenting conflict comes from what a plan didn’t say. We work through the details that matter now so you’re not renegotiating every week.
Regular schedules
Week-on/week-off, 2-2-3, 5-2-2-5, or something custom — we talk through how each would feel for your children at their ages.
Holidays & school breaks
Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break, birthdays, religious holidays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and summer vacation.
Activities & sports
Who drives to practice, who pays for travel teams, and how you decide on a new activity.
Decision-making
School choices, medical care, religion, and how you’ll decide together when you disagree.
Communication
Which app or method you’ll use, response times, and how to introduce new partners respectfully.
Changes over time
Teenagers’ schedules, a parent’s move, a new job, and a plan for revisiting the plan.
The child’s needs at the center
Virginia courts look at what’s in a child’s best interests when they decide custody and visitation, and that’s a helpful lens for parents, too. In mediation, we keep returning to one question: what will this look like for your kids on an ordinary Tuesday, and on the hard days?
Northern Virginia has its own complications. Families straddle different school systems in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William, and a 15-mile move can mean an hour in traffic. We map exchange points, school calendars, and commutes so the plan you build is one you can actually follow.
Mediation also works well after a divorce. If your current schedule no longer fits — a child started high school, a parent changed jobs, or communication has broken down — a few focused sessions can often get you back on track. Your attorney can explain whether any changes need to go back to court.
How parenting plan mediation works
Free consultation
A 15-minute call for each parent to ask questions and get comfortable with the process.
Individual intake
Confidential conversations with each parent, including a safety screening, about your children and your concerns.
Building the plan
Joint sessions where we work through schedules, holidays, and decisions one topic at a time.
Written plan
A detailed written parenting plan or Memorandum of Understanding for each parent to review with their own attorney.
Parenting plan pricing
Many co-parents need less than a full divorce package. Options include:
- Hourly — $300/hour, shared, with a 2-hour minimum per joint session. Ideal for updating an existing plan.
- Parenting Plan Drafting — $450. A detailed written plan from terms you’ve already agreed.
- Co-Parenting Check-In — $200. A 45-minute follow-up for scheduling changes or implementation questions.
- Family packages from $1,200 when parenting is part of a larger separation.
Why work with Sara
I’m a mom of two boys who play a lot of sports, which means I’ve spent years on Northern Virginia practice fields and in carpool lines. I know a parenting plan lives or dies on logistics, and I ask the practical questions most people don’t think about until they’re in an argument.
I stay neutral. I don’t take either parent’s side, and I don’t make decisions for your family — I help you make them together.
- J.D., University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law; George Mason University alum
- Close to two decades in federal consulting, legal operations, and organizational strategy
- Mediation training: 40-hour basic mediation, 24-hour family mediation, and a 4-hour Virginia Judicial System orientation
- Neutral by design: I don’t practice law, give legal advice, or represent either side
Co-parenting mediation questions
Can we mediate if we were never married?
Yes. Parenting plan mediation works the same way whether or not you were married.
Can we update an existing custody order through mediation?
You can work out new terms together in mediation. Your attorney can explain whether the changes need to be submitted to the court to become part of an order.
Will our children be involved?
Usually not directly. We focus on the children’s needs through the parents. If you both want your older children’s views considered, we can talk about appropriate ways to do that.
What if we can’t stand to be in the same room?
We can meet by video in separate breakout rooms, and I can move between you. Many co-parents start that way and find it easier over time.
Is mediation appropriate if there’s been domestic violence?
Every matter begins with a confidential screening. If there are safety concerns, mediation may not be appropriate, and I’ll talk with you about other options and resources.
More answers on the full FAQ page.
Make the next chapter easier on everyone
Book a free, confidential 15-minute consultation. Each parent is welcome to have their own call.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839