Parenting and Divorce Coaching
Parenting and Divorce Coaching in Ontario
Separation can leave you managing practical decisions while trying to make sense of a major change. Parenting and divorce coaching offers a place to work on your own priorities, communication and next steps. Forward Family Mediation features coaching offered directly by Susan Cook, whose work supports families through difficult transitions.
Meet Susan and find her contact details to ask about coaching, availability and fees.
Practical support for your next steps
You may want help preparing for a difficult parenting conversation, identifying what matters most or communicating more clearly with the professionals involved in your separation. Coaching can provide structure as you consider what is within your control and where you need additional support.
The purpose is to help you develop useful approaches for your circumstances. It does not promise to change the other parent's behaviour, resolve every disagreement or produce a particular legal outcome.
Parenting coaching
Parenting after separation can involve new routines and recurring communication challenges. You might want to think through how to raise an issue, share information or keep a discussion focused on your children's needs.
Coaching offers room to explore those questions and prepare for conversations more deliberately. For example, you can consider what information needs to be communicated, which issue is actually being discussed and what kind of response would help move the conversation forward.
If parents need to negotiate arrangements together, parenting plan mediation is a different process. A mediator facilitates the discussion between participants, while coaching focuses on the support agreed with your coach.
Divorce coaching
Divorce coaching can help you clarify priorities, organize questions and approach a transition with a more practical plan. The concerns you bring may be emotional or logistical, such as feeling overwhelmed by decisions or unsure how to prepare for a meeting.
Coaching is not legal advice or therapy. Questions about legal rights, documents and obligations belong with your lawyer. Mental health treatment requires an appropriate clinical service. Susan can explain the scope of the coaching she offers and whether it fits the support you are seeking.
Experience and clear service arrangements
Susan has more than 20 years of experience working alongside families in high-conflict situations. Her published profile describes specialist credentials in parenting coordination and family law mediation and training in children's mental health. She is also the author of resources about co-parenting and family transitions. Read about Susan's background.
All arrangements and billing for coaching are handled directly by Susan and separately from Forward Family Mediation. Confirm the scope, fees, appointment format and availability with her before booking.
How coaching fits with other support
You may use coaching while also receiving independent legal advice or taking part in separation mediation. Ask the professionals involved how their roles will be kept clear, particularly if more than one service is being considered.
If you want to explore a child's perspective on specific issues, Voice of the Child Reports are another distinct service offered by Susan. They are not a substitute for coaching, mediation or a full parenting assessment.
Questions before booking
Do I need the other parent to take part
Ask Susan about the format suitable for your goals. Coaching arrangements are discussed directly with her. Do not assume coaching requires the same participation as a mediation process.
Will coaching tell me what legal decision to make
No. Coaching can help you organize questions and consider your priorities. Your own lawyer should advise you about your rights, obligations and legal options.
Is coaching included in mediation
Susan's coaching is a separate service with separate arrangements and billing. It is not included automatically in mediation with Laura.
Start with the support you need
Connect with Susan Cook to discuss parenting or divorce coaching. If you are looking for neutral family mediation with Laura, book your free introductory call.