As a new year begins, many co-parents are reflecting on how well their current parenting plans are working. Life changes, children grow, and what worked last year might now feel strained or outdated. Instead of heading back to court, many Arizona families are turning to alternative dispute resolution like mediation, to revise their parenting agreements and reduce conflict going forward.
At McMurdie Law & Mediation, we believe every new year brings a fresh opportunity for peaceful co-parenting, and mediation can be the tool that helps you get there.
Why the New Year Is the Right Time to Revisit Parenting Plans
While court-ordered parenting plans are designed to provide consistency, life rarely stays the same year after year. Children grow. Parents change jobs. Schedules shift. What worked last January might be causing stress, confusion, or imbalance today.
Some common reasons co-parents revisit their agreements in the new year include:
- Adjustments to school or extracurricular schedules
- Long-distance relocations or job changes
- Evolving needs of older children or teenagers
- Challenges with communication or holiday coordination
- Need for clearer terms around decision-making or travel
Whether your plan was made years ago or just last summer, a yearly check-in allows both parents to stay aligned and prevent misunderstandings before they escalate.
Mediation as an Effective Form of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to methods used to settle legal matters outside of court. Among these, mediation is the most common and effective tool for family law matters, including parenting plan modifications.
In mediation, both parents meet with a trained neutral mediator who facilitates constructive discussion, clarifies issues, and helps develop solutions. Mediation is:
- Private – Avoid court hearings and public records
- Cost-effective – Share the cost of one mediator instead of paying two attorneys
- Efficient – Resolve issues in weeks, not months
- Child-centered – Focus on long-term well-being, not short-term conflict
Because parenting plans involve ongoing communication and shared responsibilities, it’s important that both parties feel heard and empowered, not defeated by a judge’s ruling. Mediation gives you the opportunity to shape your agreement together and build a more successful co-parenting relationship.
What Can Be Modified Through Mediation?
Most aspects of a parenting plan can be reviewed and updated in mediation, including:
- Parenting time schedules
- Holiday and vacation plans
- School enrollment and education choices
- Extracurricular activity participation
- Transportation and exchange logistics
- Communication boundaries
- Legal decision-making responsibilities
As long as the changes serve the best interests of the child, courts are generally supportive of modification agreements made through mediation, especially when both parents are cooperative and the process is documented properly.
Make 2026 a More Peaceful Year for Your Family
If your current parenting plan feels outdated, confusing, or no longer aligned with your child’s needs, the start of the year is the ideal time to make changes. And you don’t have to go back to court to do it.
McMurdie Law & Mediation offers trusted, experienced alternative dispute resolution services to Arizona families who want to take control of their co-parenting future. Whether you’re looking for a minor adjustment or a full schedule revamp, we’re here to help you create a plan that works for everyone involved, most importantly your child.
Start the year off right by contacting McMurdie Law & Mediation to schedule your parenting plan mediation session.
Together, we can help you build clarity, reduce stress, and move forward with confidence.