Private Child Custody Recommending Counseling (PCCRC): A structured, child-centered approach to resolving custody and visitation disputes
When litigation isn’t the only path forward.
Private Child Custody Recommending Mediation (PCCRC) offers families the opportunity to resolve parenting disputes in a more tailored, respectful, and child-focused environment. Led by a neutral mental health professional, PCCRC blends the values of mediation with the structure of professional recommendations—only when necessary. The process is designed to reduce conflict, support informed decision-making, and center the best interest of the child.
Child custody disputes are complex—this process brings clarity and structure.
⬧ When families need more than a court-connected mediator, but not a full evaluation. Court-connected mediation can be rushed. Full-scale evaluations can be cost-prohibitive. PCCRC fills the gap with a child-focused, balanced alternative. Parents receive time, structure, and support to explore decision points in depth—without defaulting to litigation or rushed recommendations.
⬧ When you want to preserve self-determination. This process starts—and prioritizes—mediation. Parents are encouraged to generate their own agreements, grounded in their knowledge of their children’s needs. Recommendations are only made when mediation has reached an impasse.
⬧ When the child’s voice and the family’s dynamics need to be understood. PCCRC allows the professional to meet with children, conduct home visits, and gather collateral input. This deeper engagement ensures that recommendations are grounded in the lived reality of the family—not just surface-level negotiation.
⬧ When the court needs a thoughtful, neutral recommendation. At the conclusion of this process, a written report will be prepared. This includes any agreements reached, a summary of the issues, collateral information, the voice of the child, as well recommendations designed to support the child’s best interest.
⬧ A process rooted in structure, neutrality, and child well-being. PCCRC is not therapy, and it is not litigation. It is a structured dispute resolution process that helps parents move from conflict to clarity—with the benefit of professional insight and clinical grounding.
Next Steps
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Participation in PCCRC begins with mutual agreement.
Both parents must voluntarily agree to the process.
A stipulation is filed with the court appointing the professional as the family’s Private Child Custody Recommending Counselor.
Parents will review and sign an informed consent agreement and submit the required retainer payment. Fees vary based upon complexity. Please inquire via email.
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The heart of the process is mediation.
Joint parent sessions are facilitated to support problem-solving and agreement-building.
Values-based decision-making tools may be used to identify priorities and reduce impasse.
Individual or parent-child sessions may also be incorporated when clinically appropriate.
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If parents are unable to reach full agreement, recommendations are provided.
The mediator will make informed recommendations on unresolved issues.
Child interviews, home visits, and collateral contacts (e.g., with professionals, teachers, or relatives) may be included to inform this step.
All recommendations are grounded in the best interest of the child.
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The process concludes with a detailed written report.
The report is provided to both parents and filed with the court.
It outlines:
-Areas of agreement
-Each parent’s position on disputed issues
-Collateral contacts and relevant observations
-Recommendations and the rationale supporting them
-The report is structured to assist the court in making informed, child-centered decisions when necessary.
