J. Forrest Young

J. Forrest Young

Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator | Divorce, Child Custody & Parenting Disputes

Florida | Family Mediation, Paternity & Co-Parenting Matters

Professional Overview

J. Forrest Young is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator whose practice focuses on divorce, child custody, parenting plans, paternity, and other family-related disputes. His professional background combines family mediation with more than 20 years of experience in education and Florida court administration, supported by graduate-level studies in psychology, learning, and human development.

Mr. Young brings a multidisciplinary perspective to family mediation, particularly in disputes involving parenting responsibilities, communication difficulties, emotional conflict, and continuing family relationships. His educational background includes a master's degree in Education with a focus on the psychology of learning, as well as postgraduate studies in developmental psychology and human identity theory.

In addition to his mediation practice, Mr. Young has served as an adjunct professor in psychology and human development, a trainer for the Two Families Now Cooperative Parenting Program, and a Guardian ad Litem. His professional leadership includes service on Florida's Mediator Qualifications and Discipline Review Board and as a former president of Heart of Florida Legal Aid.

Mr. Young's mediation approach emphasizes impartiality, constructive communication, and informed decision-making. He works with separating and divorcing parents to identify areas of disagreement, explore practical options, and develop mutually acceptable arrangements that address both immediate concerns and ongoing family responsibilities.

Divorce & Family Mediation

As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Mr. Young facilitates discussions involving divorce, separation, and related domestic relations matters.

His family mediation practice includes:

• Divorce and dissolution of marriage
• Child custody and parenting arrangements
• Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules
• Child support disagreements
• Paternity disputes
• Post-judgment modifications
• Visitation and parenting-time disagreements

Family disputes often involve overlapping legal, financial, and emotional concerns. Mr. Young helps participants organize the issues requiring resolution, communicate their respective priorities, and consider agreements that reflect their circumstances.

His objective is to provide a structured environment in which parties can work toward voluntary resolutions while retaining responsibility for the decisions affecting their families.

Child Custody, Parenting Plans & Co-Parenting Disputes

Mr. Young's background in education, developmental psychology, and cooperative parenting provides a perspective particularly relevant to disputes involving children and continuing parental relationships.

His mediation services address parenting arrangements, time-sharing disagreements, communication difficulties, and conflicts arising from changing family circumstances.

Areas of focus include:

• Development of parenting plans
• Parental responsibilities and decision-making
• Parenting-time and visitation schedules
• Communication between separated or divorced parents
• Paternity-related parenting arrangements
• Modifications to existing parenting agreements
• Disagreements involving ongoing co-parenting responsibilities

Mr. Young recognizes that parents may continue to share responsibilities long after a divorce or separation is finalized. His approach encourages practical communication and consideration of arrangements that support consistency, parental cooperation, and the needs of the children involved.

Mediation Approach

Mr. Young practices a facilitative approach to family mediation, emphasizing confidentiality within applicable legal requirements, impartiality, respectful communication, and practical problem-solving.

Drawing on his experience in education, court administration, and the study of human development, he helps participants recognize communication barriers, clarify concerns, and engage in productive discussions.

His approach emphasizes:

• Balanced participation by the parties
• Recognition of communication difficulties and conflict patterns
• Awareness of interpersonal dynamics and potential power imbalances
• Child-focused consideration of parenting arrangements
• Clear identification of disputed issues
• Development of practical, mutually acceptable agreements

Mr. Young's role is to facilitate discussion and assist parties in evaluating options, rather than impose decisions or provide psychological treatment.

His goal is to help families navigate difficult transitions with greater clarity, reduced conflict, and a practical framework for moving forward.

Professional Background in Education & Psychology

Mr. Young's professional background includes more than two decades of teaching and Florida court administrative experience.

He holds a master's degree in Education with an emphasis on the psychology of learning and has pursued postgraduate studies involving developmental psychology and human identity theory.

His experience as an adjunct professor in psychology and human development, together with his involvement in cooperative parenting education, informs his understanding of family communication, interpersonal conflict, and the challenges associated with changing family relationships.

This background complements his mediation training by providing an educational and developmental perspective on the issues that may arise during divorce, paternity, and parenting disputes.

Professional Leadership & Service

Mr. Young's professional experience extends beyond his mediation practice into court-related service, legal aid leadership, and family education.

His background includes:

• Member, Florida Mediator Qualifications and Discipline Review Board
• Former President, Heart of Florida Legal Aid
• Trainer, Two Families Now Cooperative Parenting Program (DCF-approved)
• Former Adjunct Professor, Psychology and Human Development
• Guardian ad Litem, Florida

These roles reflect his involvement in dispute resolution, family education, court-related processes, and professional service.

Geographic Service Area

Mr. Young provides family mediation services in Florida involving divorce, parenting plans, paternity, child custody, and related domestic relations disputes.

His primary office location, specific counties served, and availability for virtual mediation should be confirmed.