While all three services focus on the best interests of children, they serve different purposes within the family court system.

Social Investigation
A Social Investigation is an evaluation conducted to assist the court in making decisions regarding parental responsibility, timesharing, and other child-related issues. The Social Investigator gathers information, interviews relevant individuals, reviews records, and provides findings and recommendations to the court.

Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
A Guardian ad Litem is appointed to represent the child’s best interests throughout the litigation process. The GAL investigates concerns, monitors the case over time, and provides ongoing recommendations to the court regarding the child’s welfare and needs.

Parenting Coordination
Parenting Coordination is a child-focused dispute resolution process designed to help parents implement parenting plans, comply with court orders, improve communication, and resolve ongoing co-parenting disputes. Unlike a Social Investigation or GAL appointment, Parenting Coordination is not intended to determine custody or provide recommendations regarding timesharing.

In simple terms:

• Social Investigation: Evaluates and makes recommendations to the court.
• Guardian ad Litem: Advocates for the child’s best interests during litigation.
• Parenting Coordination: Helps parents reduce conflict and successfully co-parent after court orders are in place.

All services are provided virtually through secure Zoom videoconferencing. Since transitioning to a fully virtual practice following the COVID-19 pandemic, this model has enabled families throughout Florida to access specialized services without the burden of travel, missed work, childcare arrangements, or limited provider availability in rural communities.

Virtual services also offer important safety and accessibility benefits. For parents involved in high-conflict cases or those with a history of domestic violence, coercive control, intimidation, or significant communication difficulties, participating remotely eliminates the need to enter the same office, waiting room, or building as the other party. This can help reduce stress, increase participation, and create a more comfortable environment for productive problem-solving while maintaining the process’s structure and effectiveness.

For many families, virtual services provide a practical, efficient, and accessible way to receive professional support regardless of their location in Florida.

Vann Mediation & Resolution Services provides services throughout Florida, with availability depending on the service type and the requirements of each case.

Family Mediation and Forensic Family Law Consultation are available virtually statewide.

Court-appointed services are available in the jurisdictions in which Heather Vann is qualified or approved to serve. Parenting Coordination is currently available in Florida’s 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th Judicial Circuits, including the Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Lake City, Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona, Palatka, Ocala, Gainesville, and surrounding areas.

Social Investigation and Guardian ad Litem services are primarily available throughout North Central and Northeast Florida, with appointments in other Florida jurisdictions considered based on the needs of the case, court requirements, and availability.

All services are provided virtually when appropriate, with in-person travel for home visits, site visits, or other case-related activities when necessary.

All Parenting Coordination, Guardian ad Litem, and Social Investigation services require an advance retainer.

Mediation Services do not require a retainer but may require a deposit to book.

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Forensic and legal-involved services are not therapeutic and are not covered by your health insurance benefits. All services are self-pay. 

Heather Vann Counseling & Consulting and Vann Mediation & Resolution Services operate separately, and to avoid conflicts of interest and preserve neutrality, individuals involved in a particular family or legal matter may receive services through only one practice.

Responsibility for payment depends on the type of service being provided and, in court-involved matters, the terms of the applicable court order.

Social Investigations, Guardian ad Litem, and Parenting Coordination

For Social Investigation, Guardian ad Litem, and Parenting Coordination appointments, fees are typically allocated according to the court order. In many cases, the court directs the parties to share the costs equally, with each party responsible for 50% of the fees and required retainer. In some cases, however, the court may order one party to be responsible for a greater share of the costs or for 100% of the costs.

Parties should review the applicable court order carefully, as fee allocation is determined by the court and may vary from case to case.

Please note that retainers are required for these 3 services. Specific retainer amounts, fee allocations, and replenishment requirements will be outlined in the applicable service agreement and, when applicable, the court order.

Family Mediation

Mediation fees are typically divided equally between the parties, with each party responsible for 50% unless the parties agree otherwise or a court orders a different allocation.

Forensic Family Law Consulting

Forensic Family Law Consulting is also a private consultation service provided to an individual attorney, mental health professional, or party involved in litigation. The individual or professional requesting consultation is responsible for 100% of the fees and costs associated with the consultation services.

The availability of services depends on the nature of the appointment, current caseload, and the complexity of the matter. Some cases can begin relatively quickly, while others may require placement on a waiting list or scheduling several weeks in advance.

Parties, attorneys, and judicial officers are encouraged to contact Heather directly to inquire about current availability and the ability to accept new appointments. The best way to obtain up-to-date information regarding scheduling, retainers, and anticipated start dates is to email heather@vannmediation.com.

For court-appointed matters, services generally cannot begin until all required appointment documents, agreements, and retainers have been received.

Social Investigation, Guardian ad Litem, and Parenting Coordination services are generally court-appointed or require court approval and involve additional intake, appointment, and retainer procedures before services can begin.

Please contact heather@vannmediation.com directly to inquire about scheduling for all services.

If you are unsure which service is appropriate for your situation, please reach out, and we will be happy to help direct you to the most appropriate option.

The specific records needed will depend on the type of service being provided and the issues involved in your case. In general, parties should be prepared to provide any documents that may help establish the history of the case, the needs of the children, and the issues currently before the court.

Commonly requested documents include:

• All relevant court orders, including temporary orders, final judgments, parenting plans, and orders appointing professionals

• Pleadings, motions, petitions, responses, and other court filings related to the issues being addressed

• Guardian ad Litem reports, Social Investigation reports, Parenting Plan Evaluations, custody evaluations, and other prior forensic reports

• Department of Children and Families (DCF) records, reports, findings, and safety plans

• Law enforcement reports, incident reports, arrest records, injunctions, and domestic violence-related records

• Medical, mental health, psychological, psychiatric, counseling, and treatment records for the parties and/or children when relevant to the issues before the court

• Psychological evaluations, substance abuse evaluations, parenting assessments, and related reports

• School records, report cards, attendance records, disciplinary records, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, and communications from educational providers

• Records from physicians, therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other treatment providers

• Childcare records and communications from daycare providers

• Relevant emails, text messages, co-parenting application communications, and other written communications related to the issues in dispute

• Calendars, parenting schedules, timesharing logs, and documentation regarding parenting-plan compliance

• Photographs, videos, social media content, and other materials that may be relevant to the issues being examined

• Any additional records specifically identified by the court order, appointment order, or professional services agreement

Not every case requires all of these records. Once appointed or retained, you will receive guidance regarding which documents are most relevant to your particular matter. Providing complete and organized records at the outset of the process often helps reduce delays and allows services to begin more efficiently.

The presence of domestic violence, intimate partner violence (IPV), coercive control, stalking, harassment, or other safety concerns does not automatically prevent a family from participating in services. However, these issues must be carefully assessed and addressed to ensure that the process is appropriate and that the safety of all participants remains the highest priority.

Heather Vann has worked with high-conflict families and families affected by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and coercive control for nearly 15 years. She is also a Qualified Expert Witness in matters involving domestic violence and has extensive training and experience recognizing the ways power imbalances, fear, intimidation, and trauma can affect family dynamics, communication, and decision-making.

When domestic violence concerns are present, the appropriateness of a particular service will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Additional safeguards may be implemented depending on the circumstances, including separate meetings, modified communication protocols, coordination with attorneys, or other measures designed to promote safety and meaningful participation.

Because all services are provided virtually through secure Zoom videoconferencing, parties are not required to travel together, enter the same office, sit in the same waiting room, or participate in face-to-face interactions. For many individuals who have experienced domestic violence or coercive control, virtual services can reduce stress, increase safety, and eliminate barriers to participation while maintaining the structure and effectiveness of the process.

If there are current or past concerns involving domestic violence, intimate partner violence, coercive control, stalking, child abuse, or safety planning, parties are encouraged to disclose those concerns as early as possible so that appropriate screening and accommodations can be considered.

No. I do not provide legal advice or legal representation. Parties are encouraged to consult with their own attorneys regarding legal rights and obligations.

Family law disputes are rarely just legal issues. They involve relationships, communication patterns, child development, family dynamics, and the realities of how families function day to day. Choosing the right professional means choosing someone who understands both the people and the system.

Heather Vann brings more than 15 years of experience working with children, parents, and families as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her background in family systems, child development, conflict resolution, and family dynamics provides a unique foundation for family law services that are both practical and child-focused.

Unlike professionals whose experience is limited to either mental health or legal proceedings, Heather’s work bridges both worlds. As a family law professional, qualified expert witness, and therapist with extensive experience supporting families through conflict and transition, she understands how family dynamics intersect with court involvement and how those dynamics can impact children.

At Vann Mediation & Resolution Services, the focus is not simply on resolving a dispute, but on helping families identify workable solutions that promote stability, reduce conflict, and support the long-term well-being of children. Whether serving as a mediator, Parenting Coordinator, Social Investigator, Guardian ad Litem, consultant, or coach, Heather approaches each case with neutrality, professionalism, and a commitment to helping families move forward.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Extensive experience working with children, parents, and families

• Specialized training in family systems and relationship dynamics

• Child-centered, developmentally informed approach

• Experience in both clinical and family law settings

• Qualified Expert Witness in Florida courts

• Virtual services available throughout Florida

• Practical, solution-focused approach to conflict resolution

• Commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and the best interests of children

Every family is different. The goal is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but thoughtful, tailored services designed to meet the unique needs of each family and legal matter.