In 2007, Arline S. Kerman, J.D., Ph.D. and Guy W. Jordan, Ph.D. founded The Institute for Co-Parenting Resolution (CPR).
The purpose of the Institute is to educate parents, stepparents, grandparents, attorneys, mediators, mental health professionals, and spiritual leaders about the psychological, legal, and co-parenting issues that may enhance the parents' ability to co-parent successfully and effectively.
CO-PARENTING RESOLUTION TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR PARENTS:
The Institute offers the following two courses: The Five Hour CD Training and Education Course is for parents who have no contested custody or parenting-time issues. The Course may meet your court's requirement for the parenting seminar. The course can be completed at home. Each participant receives Five CDs (Two CDs address psychological issues, Two CDs address legal and co-parenting issues, and One CD includes the Kerman Co-Parenting Plan on a rewritable disc in WordPerfect and Word formats) and the Training Manual. After completing the course, the participant receives a Certificate of Completion. The fee for this Course is $84.00, which includes shipping and handling, plus $5.25 Georgia Sales Tax for Georgia Residents Only. The Eight Hour Training and Education Course is for parents who have contested custody or parenting issues. The Course may meet your court's requirement for the parenting seminar. Five hours can be completed at home by listening to the Four CDs, mentioned above, reviewing the One CD that includes The Kerman Co-Parenting Plan, and reviewing the Training Manual. Three hours are in a live class on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the class is led by a Co-Parenting Facilitator. Participants will review the legal process, the Checklist For Parents, The Kerman Co-Parenting Plan, ask questions, and communicate with other parents about child-related issues. The fee for this Course is $109.00, which includes shipping and handling, plus $5.25 Georgia Sales Tax for Georgia Residents Only. Each class is limited to 50 participants. The next class will be held at 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green Street, N.E., Gainesville, Georgia 30501 in the Gaines Room. Please check this website for information on future classes, availability, dates, and locations.
In addition, there are Support Services that the parents may want to use. The Co-Parenting Facilitators are licensed attorneys, mediators, mental health professionals, and spiritual leaders who address co-parenting issues and assist in the completion of The Kerman Co-Parenting Plan. These professionals are trained by the Institute but are not employed by or otherwise affiliated with the Institute. There is a fee for their services.
CO-PARENTING RESOLUTION TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS ( Licensed Attorneys, Registered Mediators, Licensed Mental Health Professionals, and Spiritual Leaders):
The Co-Parenting Resolution training course is a 6.5 hour training course that consists of a Training Manual and Five CDs (Two CDs address psychological issues, Two CDs discuss legal and co-parenting issues, and One CD includes the Kerman Co-Parenting Plan), a live 90 minute Teleseminar, which provides an opportunity for professionals to ask questions or email their questions for discussion at the teleseminar, and forms. In addition to the course materials, the professionals who complete the course will be eligible to be on the approved list of Co-Parenting Facilitators. The Facilitators are available to discuss with the parents co-parenting issues and assist them with the completion of the Kerman Co-Parenting Plan or any other parenting plan approved by the court. The Facilitators are licensed professionals who are trained by the Institute but are not employed by or otherwise connected with the Institute. Each professional who completes the training will receive a Certificate of Completion and the training may qualify for continuing education credits. The training has been approved for 6.5 CE hours by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and the Georgia Chapter of Social Workers and The State Bar of Georgia has approved the course for 6.5 Regular CLE hours. The next three months Teleseminars are January 13, February 10, and March 10 and are scheduled in the evening. The tuition is $245.00.
THE PURPOSES AND GOALS OF THE TRAINING:
PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS, WHETHER THEY ARE PARENTS OR PROFESSIONALS, WITH A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES INVOLVED IN CO-PARENTING AND THE LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING THE PROCESS OF LITIGATION IN CASES INVOLVING CHILDREN;
PROVIDE PARENTS STRATEGIES THAT MAY ENABLE THEM TO CO-PARENT IN A MORE EFFECTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL MANNER WITH THE OTHER PARENT AND TO COMPLETE A CO-PARENTING PLAN THAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PARENTS AND THEIR CHILD(REN); AND
PROVIDE PROFESSIONALS WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TECHNIQUES TO ASSIST CLIENTS WHO ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY IN CO-PARENTING EFFECTIVELY AND SUCCESSFULLY AND TO ASSIST CLIENTS COMPLETE A CO-PARENTING PLAN THAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THEIR CLIENTS AND THEIR CHILD(REN).
Why is Co-Parenting (CPR) Training Necessary?
To learn what you need to know about some of the custody/visitation/custodial time issues, child support issues, and basic legal procedures in order to know what to expect and to make a more informed decision when your attorney says, "It is your case so you need to make the ultimate decision." We do not give legal advice, and we cannot give you specific information about your case. Our information is general and, therefore, you need to rely only on your attorney for information about your legal rights and responsibilities.
To learn how to fulfill the Court's Order regarding custodial arrangement.
To learn how to modify the parents' behaviors and attitudes as they relate to co-parenting.
To learn how to communicate in a collaborative style that produces a win-win situation for both parents.
To learn how to jointly develop a co-parenting plan that will resolve custody, visitation, and child support issues without protracted and costly litigation.
To learn how to be effective role models for their children.
To decrease the number of modification and contempt actions.
To learn to co-parent effectively and cooperatively.
To eliminate conflict exposure for the child(ren).
To eliminate parental alienation that adversely affects the child(ren) and both parents.
To possibly eliminate the need for expensive psychological evaluations.
To avoid or minimize costly attorneys' fees and other expenses of litigation.
To reduce the time lost from work.
To learn how to create a positive living environment for your child(ren).
To devote your energy toward doing what is in the best interest of your child(ren).
To learn what to expect from the legal system and the alternatives to dispute resolution.
To receive instruction on how to complete your required Parenting Plan.
Who Should Receive the Training?
Parents who are represented by attorneys
Parents who are representing themselves in court
Parents who are separated
Parents who may be considering divorce
Parents who are in any relationship
Parents who are in post-divorce litigation
Stepparents
Grandparents or extended family who have custody of the child(ren)
All named parties in the custody litigation
Parents seeking legitimation
Anyone who shares parenting responsibilities
Mediators
Attorneys
Clergy
Social Workers
Mental Health Professionals
Legal Assistants
It is a possible defense against frivolous charges by clients who might say that they did not know some of their legal rights and obligations as to custody, visitation/custodial periods, and child support before they agreed to a settlement.
It is one means to educate the client who will be better able to assist the attorney in the preparation and litigation of their case.
It provides a method to prepare the necessary required documents for their court case, including the Co-Parenting Plan.
It may avoid the need for a temporary and/or permanent hearings.
How May Co-Parenting Resolution (CPR) Training Benefit the Judges?
It may promote the positive image of the judiciary by expediting the handling of domestic cases rather than having cases on the docket for months, and sometimes, years.
It may eliminate the increased number of cases where parents are expressing confussion or misunderstanding about some of the terms of the decision or agreement.
It may enable pro se litigations to come to court prepared with their required co-parenting plan.
It may eliminate parental alienation that adversely affects the child(ren) and both parents.
To educate parties about some of the psychological and legal issues affecting families in litigation
To reduce stress and trauma to the child(ren).
To educate parties in how to co-parent effectively and successfully.
To guide parties toward the goal of completing The Co-Parenting Plan.
The Co-Parenting Training Course Content
Seven Keys to Effective Parenting
Four Levels of Emotion
Coping with Grief and Loss
Letting Go of Hurt
Dealing with Conflict Through Communication
How to Keep Conflict From Ending Badly
Developmental Stages of Children
Effects of Special Needs/Handicapped Children on Family
Positive Adjust to Divorce
Visitation and Custodial Parenting Time
Stepparents and Grandparents
Influence of Parent Conflict
Alienation and Estrangement
Psychological and Custody Evaluations
Why parents should learn how to communicate in a collaborative style and adopt and apply the cooperative strategies when they co-parent.
How each strategy affects parents and children.
Why the Plan should be created by the parents and be specific as to each issue.
How each issue in the Plan affects the daily life of the parents and the children.
Why some parents have problems with co-parenting.
How children can benefit when parents successfully and effectively co-parent.
Choosing the attorney and planning the first meeting
Some of the Legal Issues
Some of the Legal Procedures
Courtroom Procedures
The Discovery Process
The Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation
The Witnesses
The Guardian ad Litem
After the Trial Issues
The Mediation process and the benefits
The Arbitration process and the benefits
The parent's legal rights and responsibilities
The child support issues
Guy W. Jordan, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist practicing in Gainesville, Georgia. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Valdosta State College in 1975, a M.Ed. in School Psychology from the University of Georgia in 1976, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia in 1981. Dr. Jordan became licensed for private practice in 1983. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, Georgia Psychological Association, Professional Academy of Custody Evaluators, American College of Forensic Examiners, and the American Board of Disability Analysts. Dr. Jordan worked as a school psychologist in the Hall County School System from 1977 to 1985. During this time, he also served part-time as Adjunct Faculty from 1979 to 1985 with the Department of Educational Psychology, University of Georgia and with Brenau College from 1979 to 1984. He has worked in private practice since 1983, entering full-time private practice in 1985. Dr. Jordan has 30 years experience as a psychologist. Dr. Jordan has been very involved in forensic work during his practice. He has conducted over 3,000 evaluations for court purposes. The evaluations have been for Juvenile, Superior, and Federal Courts. These evaluations have been for: juvenile offenders, child abuse cases, custody cases, criminal cases, competency hearings, personal injury, and disposition and/or sentencing hearings. Dr. Jordan has been qualified and testified in court as an expert witness over 1,000 times. Dr. Jordan has maintained a counseling practice that includes children, adolescents, adults, and families. He has presented at state and national conferences and for local agencies.
Arline S. Kerman, J.D., Ph.D., is a practicing Georgia divorce and custody attorney since 1976. She is also an educational psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychology. In addition, she completed four classes in marriage and family therapy at the University of Georgia in order to practice in the area of family law with a better understanding of family dynamics. She currently teaches courses in psychology and family relations and has taught courses in law, communication, psychology, sociology, and related subjects. Dr. Kerman has tried domestic cases in Florida, Texas, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, as well as Georgia. She is registered with the State Bar of Georgia as a domestic mediator, case evaluator/domestic relations, arbitrator, as well as being a registered Guardian Ad Litem. She has also been trained as a juvenile court mediator. Along with her practice, Dr. Kerman is the creator and host of a live Internet talk-radio show, The Parents' Hour, which focuses solely on topics of importance to parents and their children and airs on www.voiceamerica.com. Dr. Kerman is a member of the American Psychological Association, Georgia Psychological Association, Georgia bar Association, Georgia Bar Foundation, Association for Conflict Resolution, various Bar associations, and the founder and past president of the San Diego Psych-Law Society. Dr. Kerman's publications include an article for a feature entitled "Who Should Get the Kids After a Divorce?" published in the Atlanta Journal-Constition, "Georgia Needs a Family Court Now," published in the Verdict, and books entitled: Should you Really Seek Custody of Your Child?, Do You Really Want to be a Stepparent?, Should You Really Seek Custody of Your Child? (New Georgia Edition), and How To Survive And Win As A Co-Parent (Second Edition).
THE CO-PARENTING FACILITATORS:
ANNE BANFORD, ATTORNEY, (770) 534-3770
SUSAN BROWN, ATTORNEY AND MEDIATOR, (770) 534-7111
ALFRED CHANG, ATTORNEY, (706) 867-9779
JON V. FOREHAND, ATTORNEY, MEDIATOR, (229) 985-3912
DAVID FOX, ATTORNEY AND MEDIATOR, (770) 534-7386
JOHN GIRARDEAU, SENIOR JUDGE AND MEDIATOR, (770) 287-0871
AMY BROWN HARBST, ATTORNEY, (706) 219-1810
LUCY HENRY, ATTORNEY AND MEDIATOR, (770) 535-4001
CATHERINE HICKS, ATTORNEY, (770) 534-7386
DAVID A. POWELL, ATTORNEY, (770) 287-1300
KIMBERLY SAUNDERS, ATTORNEY, (770)534-7111
VANESSA SCHAEFFER, PSYCHOLOGIST AND MEDIATOR, (770) 539-9321
CAROL S. SHEPPARD, ATTORNEY AND MEDIATOR, (706) 867-9969
JEFFREY C. TALLEY, ATTORNEY, (770) 534-2035
GREGORY VALPEY, ATTORNEY, (770) 532-3743
SARAH MALLAS WAYMAN, ATTORNEY, (770) 804-8484
M. LYNN YOUNG, ATTORNEY, (770) 532-7761
No reproduction, selling, loaning, giving, or in any manner distributing the CDs or the Training Manual is allowed.
WARNING AND DISCLAIMER:
The training materials are designed to provide some useful information regarding co-parenting. The CPR Training Manual is soled with the expressed understanding that the publishers and the authors, Arline S. Kerman, J.D., Ph.D., and Guy W. Jordan, Ph.D., are not engaged in rendering legal, psychological, or other professional services. Participants are specifically advised to seek the advice of the professionals of their choosing.
It is not the purpose of this training to provide all of the information that is otherwise available from the authors and/or publisher to the participant, but to supplement the information that is received from other sources, including the legal counsel and mental health professionals.
The objective of this training is to assist those parents who want to successfully and effectively co-parent. Remember, before making any legal or psychological decisions, participants are encouraged and advised to seek legal and psychological advice.
The Training Manual and the CDs are sold with the expressed understanding that they should not be used as a substitute for personalized legal and psychological advice from a licensed and knowledgeable attorney and psychologist. The authors and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, by the use and application of the contents of this training. If you do not agree to be bound by the above provisions, please return the training materials for a refund within 5 days from the date of purchase and include the original receipt indicating the date of the purchase.
