The Montana Family Transition Project, a partnership between MLSA and the Office of the Court Administrator, is a free family mediation program for separating couples with children. The program offers mediation, child support calculation, and legal advice for parents needing a parenting plan as part of their family law case.
Mediation is an out-of-court way for people to resolve disputes. A mediator is a neutral third party trained to help people reach agreements. A mediator is not a judge. Both parties meet with the mediator to discuss what they want and what they think is best. If the parties reach an agreement, then that agreement can be written out and signed by each party. The signed agreement can be presented to the judge for approval of the agreement as a court order.
You can learn more about the program and see if you qualify at montanalawhelp.org/resource/what-is-mediation
Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) provides legal tips to help Montanans better understand their rights and find free resources.