Concilition Court/Mediation
If there are children involved in your divorce, in order to obtain a divorce in Douglas County,
Nebraska, you will be required to attend a seminar entitled "What About the Children?"
To learn more about this, visit the website maintained by the Fourth Judicial Circuit of
the State of Nebraska. (http://www.co.douglas.ne.us/dept/districtcourt/conciliation/
conciliation.htm). The telephone number for Douglas County Conciliation and Mediation Services
is 402-444-7168. Other counties may have similar requirements. Most reports are that the
seminar is excellent and helpful. At the present time, the seminar is held every Thursday
evening for a few hours. You only have to attend one session, and you do not have to attend
with your spouse. At the time of the seminar, you will be asked about mediation. In Douglas
County, you must have a "Parenting Plan" agreed upon
by you and your spouse if you intend to settle your divorce and proceed with an agreed upon
"Decree" and "Property Settlement Agreement".
Your attorneys can negotiate and prepare this "Parenting Plan" on your behalf.
You can also choose a third-party mediator.
Depending on the circumstances, it may be beneficial to have your attorney prepare your
"Parenting Plan"; however, a mediator may be better
able to address your specific concerns and desires. If domestic violence is an issue in your
divorce, you may not be required to meet with a mediator and your spouse.