​What Cases Qualify?

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What cases qualify for the Arkansas Access & Visitation Mediation Program?
Most cases in which there is a dispute between the parents regarding issues of:

• child custody
• visitation; or
• support 

The marital status of the parents does not affect eligibility. The parties may be:

• Divorcing
• Divorced and seeking modification of custody, visitation, or support
• Never married

Common types of cases which may mediate through the program include:

• Divorce
• Modification of custody, visitation or support
• Paternity cases in which visitation and support need to be established
• Office of Child Support Enforcement cases

 
Potential Exceptions:
Joint Custody:   Cases in which joint custody has been established by final court order and there is true equal time split between the parents are not eligible for the program.  Temporary orders established prior to a final hearing do not affect eligibility. Contact the program Director to determine eligibility.
 
The case may qualify if joint custody has been established but there is not an equal split of time between parents, or one parent pays child support and is seeking a modification.  Contact the Program Director to determine eligibility.
 
Grandparent Visitation: Cases in which grandparents are seeking custody of or visitation with their grandchildren are not eligible.  However, if a grandparent has custody of the child and a parent is seeking to gain custody or visitation, the case may qualify.  Contact the Program Director to determine eligibility.
 
 
Why only custody, visitation and support?
The Access and Visitation Mediation Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement.  The purpose of the grant is to support and facilitate non-custodial parents’ access to and visitation with their children.  The idea being that non-custodial parents who have more access to and visitation with their children are more likely to financially support their children.  Additionally, children benefit overall by having parental involvement and financial support from both parents.

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