Co-parenting education
All parties must complete the required online co-parenting education class before Initial Intake unless they previously completed it or received a waiver.
The Able to Adjust Online Co-Parenting Education Program provides information about reducing conflict and supporting children during family changes. Follow the Court’s instructions for accessing the class and documenting completion found in your scheduling order
Mediation by consent
Parties may mutually consent to voluntary mediation at the Initial Intake Conference. Mediation provides an opportunity to discuss custody issues with an impartial mediator and work toward a parenting agreement or Memorandum of Understanding. Mediation is conducted virtually by Microsoft TEAMS.
For a scheduled Teams mediation, keep your email address current with the Custody Department. Participate from a quiet, private location. Recording is not permitted. Children, other third parties, and attorneys may not attend the mediation session.
Domestic Violence Waiver
If you have been a victim of domestic violence within the past 24 months and wish to waive out of the mediation session due to the same, the Domestic Violence Waiver remains available. Send a copy of your completed waiver to custodydepartment@alleghenycourts.us or mail it to the Custody Department, 440 Ross Street, Suite 309, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
Agreements reached in mediation
A Memorandum of Understanding is not a signed custody order that is legally binding. If all parties wish to convert their MOU into a final consent custody order, follow the separate conversion procedure. All parties must email a copy of the MOU to mouscheduling@alleghenycourts.us and request an appointment.
After mediation
The Custody Department schedules the next required proceeding based on the mediation outcome and the Court’s direction. Parties do not need to submit a separate scheduling praecipe.