Deschutes County Government, Oregon - Custody Mediation Services

What Is Divorce Mediation?
The Deschutes County Mediation Service gives parents the opportunity to make their own decisions about parenting time and Joint or Sole custody for their children. Parents work with a qualified, professional mediator who will help them develop a parenting plan. Agreements reached in mediation will be sent to both parents. Both parents are encouraged to get legal advice regarding any agreements reached in mediation.

Who May Use This Service?
Anyone who files a legal action in Deschutes County which requires the creation or modification of a Parenting Plan.

Am I Required to Use Mediation?
Parents who cannot agree on a parenting plan should first attempt to resolve their differences through mediation before their dispute is heard by the court. Mediation options are available. Parents may choose to use a private practice mediator at their own expense.

Does the Mediator Make Recommendations To The Court?
All sessions are confidential. The mediator cannot be required to testify in Court about what happens in mediation.

Can Property Issues or Child Support Be Discussed?
If both parents agree to talk about financial issues, the mediator can help with the discussion of property division, marital debt and child support. Creating the parenting plan, however, is the first priority.

How Does The Mediation Service Operate?
When parents know there will be disagreement about the parenting plan they should:

Ask their legal counsel to request mediation services

Call the mediation office at 385-1719 to schedule a mediation orientation appointment.

If you are concerned about your personal safety in a mediation setting let the mediator know prior to scheduling a mediation appointment.

How Much Does It Cost?
Divorce and marriage filing fees for Deschutes County cover the cost of providing three mediation sessions.

Files available for download:

Standard Parenting Plan form: PDF MS Word

Parenting Plan form: PDF MS Word

For Further Information Contact:

Dave Hakanson
1010 N.W. 14th Street
Bend, OR 97701
541-385-1719

Email Webmaster
County Mental Health
2577 N.E. Courtney Drive
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 322-7500