South Dakota Court Approved Services

At ASCENT Mediation we help families by guiding them through conflict processes. Successful outcomes in these processes lead to compromise and unified approaches to caring for family members.

Parenting Coordination

A parenting coordinator assists the co-parents/caregivers to reduce conflict. The parenting coordinator coaches communication that help to shield their children from exposure to parental conflict. The parenting coordinator motivates to resolve child-related issues in a timely manner without court involvement. The parenting coordinator is given authority by the court to make decisions that support the parenting plan and seek to maintain the best interest of the child. The ultimate goal is to protect and sustain safe, healthy and meaningful parent-child relationships.

Child Custody Evaluation

A child custody evaluator is a court-appointed professional selected to assess the best needs of children and the parents' abilities to meet those needs when custody is disputed. The evaluator seeks to review and understand past events, present resources and future needs of the family while keeping focus on the best interests of the children.

Family Mediation

A family mediator meets with the individuals involved and structures a decision making process to support the parties in compromise on parenting plans for their children. A family mediator is not a judge and does not make decisions but is often court appointed.

For separating and divorcing parents a family mediator structures conjoint session. The mediator guides not decides. The parties are supported while they compromise and come to conclusions. The mediator prepares their decisions into a document to present to the court as a final working document.