Co-Parenting Planning Intensive (6 sessions)

What Is a Co-Parenting Intensive?

A Co-Parenting Intensive is a focused, multi-session process that helps separated or divorced parents build a practical, respectful parenting framework. Rather than ongoing weekly therapy, it provides immediate clarity and usable tools to reduce reactivity and make decisions in your child’s best interest.

Each session is structured, collaborative, and guided by evidence-based communication principles drawn from family systems therapy, Gottman Method concepts, and solution-focused coaching.

Session 1 – Goals, Ground Rules, and a Child-First Foundation

We begin by defining shared goals and each child’s specific needs. Together we set communication ground rules, select a primary contact channel, and agree on response times for urgent and non-urgent matters. We map child-first principles, identify triggers, and create a simple “pause and repair” plan for tense moments. You receive a summary of communication norms and data to prepare for next time.

Session 2 – Parenting Time, Exchanges, and Transportation

We design a clear calendar for the school year, summer, and holidays with start and end times, grace periods, and make-up policies. Exchange locations, approved pickup lists, and transport duties are defined. We add car-seat standards, teen driving rules, and a written swap-request system to avoid confusion. You leave with a draft schedule and an Exchange & Transport Protocol.

Session 3 – Daily Coordination and Communication Playbook

We build a practical system for everyday coordination. You receive a weekly logistics check-in template, a decision log, and short, neutral message scripts that reduce defensiveness. We practice reflective listening, “state the concern then the ask,” and time-limited turns for heated talks. We define an escalation ladder for disagreements and ways to document temporary solutions so your child’s routine remains steady.

Session 4 – Health, Education, and Decision-Making Protocols

We outline how parents coordinate medical care and school involvement. Together we decide who schedules routine and urgent appointments, how results and portal access are shared, and how consents are handled. We set plans for sick days, medications, and allergies. On the school side, we define who attends IEP or 504 meetings, how homework is managed, and how progress is communicated. We clarify joint versus delegated decision areas and tie-breaker rules when parents disagree.

Session 5 – Household Routines, Boundaries, and Financial Agreements

We align household routines so your child experiences consistency between homes, covering bedtimes, hygiene, homework, and chores. We establish technology and social media rules including devices, content ratings, and how photos are shared online. We define boundaries for new partners and extended family at events and around discipline. Travel plans include notice periods, itinerary sharing, contact expectations, passport custody, and guidelines for out-of-state or international trips. Finally, we document cost-sharing for unreimbursed medical expenses, activities, school fees, and large purchases like phones or laptops.

Session 6 – Final Plan Integration and Future Review

We consolidate all agreements into a plain-language plan with clear, measurable statements. Ambiguities are removed and a review date is set. We add a process for amendments and an escalation pathway for future disputes so you have a reference during stressful moments. We confirm digital storage, distribution, and maintenance of calendars and contacts. If desired, we identify sections to review with attorneys. You leave with a Finalized Co-Parenting Plan, ready to implement. Additional follow-up sessions are available for $250 each.

Why Families Choose Luma Via

At Luma Via Mental Health, I treat the co-parenting relationship as its own entity, one that requires clear structure and compassion. I stay neutral while helping parents communicate effectively and maintain consistency for their children.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in family systems and co-parenting work

• Structured documentation that supports legal and school coordination

• Evidence-based methods from Gottman and attachment research

• Available in-person in Madison and via telehealth throughout Wisconsin

Getting Started

If you’re ready to bring order, stability, and peace to your family, the Six-Session Co-Parenting Intensive can help. Contact Luma Via Mental Health to schedule your first session.

Serving Madison, Dane County, and families across Wisconsin via telehealth.

www.lumaviamentalhealth.com
info@lumaviamentalhealth.com
(608) 291-4969

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Co-Parenting Intensive

What this program is

A skills-based co-parenting coaching and education program focused on communication, planning, and agreement-building. Available via Zoom throughout the United States or in person in Madison, Wisconsin.

What this is not

This is not psychotherapy, diagnosis, legal advice, or mediation. The written co-parenting plan is a coaching document, not a legal contract. You may choose to have it reviewed by your attorney. Therapy services are not available to coaching clients.

How It Works

• Free 15-minute fit call to confirm readiness and suitability.

• Contract signed by both parents and credit card on file for both.

• Six structured 75-minute coaching sessions held weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

• Payment processed by Luma Via Mental Health at 5:00 p.m. the day prior to each session.

• Sessions do not proceed without advance payment.

• Cancellations within 24 hours of a session are charged the full session fee.

At program completion, both parents receive a plain-language co-parenting plan summarizing all agreed calendars, rules, and checklists. Disputed areas are clearly highlighted for legal review if desired.

Optional attorney review is available. Updates after program completion are billed at $250 per hour, in 15-minute increments, with a 15-minute minimum. Larger revisions may require an additional coaching session. All post-program work must be approved in writing by both parents.

Deliverables

• Comprehensive parenting-time calendar (school year, summer, holidays)

• Exchange and transport protocol

• Communication playbook with message scripts

• Health and school decision matrix and sick-day standards

• Technology and social-media guidelines, travel checklist, reimbursement timeline

• Final consolidated plan with a review date and amendment process

Insurance and Payment

Is this covered by insurance?
No. Coaching and education services are not considered medical care, are not HSA/FSA eligible, and cannot be billed to insurance.

Session Format

Can we participate from separate locations or in separate segments?
Yes. For high-conflict situations, staggered or separate segments can be arranged before joint sessions to ensure communication remains productive.

Confidentiality

Coaching sessions are private but not HIPAA-covered psychotherapy.

• Records are minimal and document only agreements reached.

• No evaluations, custody recommendations, or court testimony are provided.

• Records are not released unless required by law or by written consent from both parties.

Practicalities

What does it cost and how long is each session?
Each 75-minute session is $250, including session time and report writing. Additional fees may apply if either parent requests substantial revisions beyond the standard scope. Clients will be notified before any added charges.

What’s your cancellation policy?

• Sessions must be paid in full by 5:00 p.m. the day prior.

• Cancellations 24 hours or more in advance can be rescheduled without penalty.

• Late cancellations or no-shows are charged in full.

• Luma Via may terminate services if either party fails to comply with payment or scheduling policies.

Content and Logistics FAQs

Scheduling and Parenting Time

Do you help build school-year, summer, and holiday schedules?
Yes. We create predictable, fair calendars with defined hand-offs and make-up rules.

What if our work schedules change often?
We include a swap policy with notice windows, approval steps, and clear make-up procedures.

Can we add a Right of First Refusal?
Yes. We define thresholds (e.g., 3 + hours of needed care) and a clear offer/accept process.

Pickups, Drop-Offs, and Transportation

We define exchange locations, backup sites, grace periods, and late/no-show policies.
You’ll receive:

• Approved pickup and “do not release” lists

• Seat/booster and curfew standards

• Passenger limits and teen-driving expectations

Parent Communication

How do we communicate?
We designate one secure platform, response timelines, and urgent vs non-urgent categories. You’ll receive scripts, timeout/repair guidelines, and a decision-log template to track agreements.

Parent–Child Communication

Do you set times for calls or video chats?
Yes. We define age-appropriate call windows, privacy expectations, and missed-call protocols that preserve routines.

Healthcare and Wellness

We clarify:

• Who schedules appointments and manages portals

• Consent procedures and notification timelines

• Medication and allergy rules

• How parents coordinate with a child’s therapist or mental-health provider

School and Education

We assign IEP/504 participation roles and ensure consistent homework, bedtime, and reading routines.
We also define sign-off authority for school trips and deadlines for paying fees and activity costs.

Activities, Sports, and Camps

We set realistic expectations based on time, cost, and travel.
Attendance and makeup policies are included when activities overlap parenting time.

Technology and Social Media

We define device ownership, parental controls, content ratings, purchase limits, and photo-sharing rules.
Parents receive psychoeducation about age-appropriate technology use and online safety.

Travel and Passports

We set travel notice requirements, itinerary sharing, contact expectations, and rules for passport custody and renewals.
Unaccompanied-minor and international-travel guidelines are included.

Belongings and Purchases

We establish what items travel, what stays, and return/replacement rules.
Large-purchase items (phones, laptops) require a joint approval and cost-split process.

Finances Beyond Base Support

We define eligible categories (medical, school, activities), reimbursement timelines, and receipt-submission procedures.
All cost-sharing uses one consistent tracking method, such as a shared folder or app.

New Partners and Extended Family

We set introduction timelines, caregiving boundaries, and expectations for new partners.
We also clarify permissions for grandparents or relatives to attend events or appointments.

Safety and Home Environment

We establish home-safety standards: firearms storage, pool/trampoline rules, smoke/CO alarms, and pet safety.
Substance use guidelines for alcohol, cannabis, vaping, and prescriptions are included.

Special Circumstances

Can the plan address special needs or therapies?
Yes. We include medical or therapeutic coordination, transportation, and equipment logistics.

What about cultural or religious practices?
We honor family values through holiday observances, dietary needs, and language considerations.

Teens and Autonomy

We include teen input when appropriate and outline expectations for curfews, jobs, dating, and responsibilities.

Conflict Resolution and Plan Maintenance

We establish an escalation path for disagreements: direct talk, scheduled check-in, neutral third-party, and legal consultation if needed.
A review date and amendment process are built into the plan for future updates.

Logistics and Deliverables

What do we leave with?
A complete co-parenting plan covering all domains — ready to implement or share with attorneys.

Do you testify in court?
No. Coaching does not include testimony or custody recommendations.

Access and Eligibility

Can you work with parents in different states?
Yes. Coaching sessions are available nationwide via Zoom, subject to screening for safety and suitability.

What if only one parent participates?
Limited individual coaching is available to improve communication and prepare proposals for the other parent.

Higher-Conflict Families

Can we structure solo sessions before joint work?
Yes. In high-conflict cases, staggered sessions and “shuttle agreements” can be used. The number of sessions may increase accordingly.

Domestic Violence or Safety Concerns

What if there is a history of domestic violence?
Safety always comes first. Coaching is not appropriate for active safety concerns or crises.
If you are in danger, call 988 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233), available 24/7.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Luma Via Mental Health
📧 info@lumaviamentalhealth.com
🌐 www.lumaviamentalhealth.co