Bringing Individuals, Resources, and Communities Together.
Community Mediation Services (CMS) believes that strong communities begin with connection, communication, and access to the right resources. Our commitment extends beyond mediation by helping individuals, families, and organizations connect with valuable community resources and support services.
Through collaboration with local agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, service providers, and community partners, CMS helps strengthen relationships and create pathways to support. Whether individuals are navigating family disagreements, housing concerns, financial challenges, educational matters, or other community conflicts, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, supported, and connected with resources that may help.
CMS recognizes that resolving conflict often involves more than a conversation. Sometimes, it means identifying additional support, building partnerships, and helping individuals find the next step forward.
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community where resources are accessible, voices are heard, and solutions begin with understanding.
Community Resources:
Michigan Legal Help: www.MichiganLegalHelp.org
Michigan Legal Help is a free online resource that helps Michigan residents understand their legal rights and navigate common legal issues. The website provides easy-to-understand legal information, step-by-step instructions, court forms, and self-help tools for matters such as divorce, custody, landlord-tenant disputes, housing, and other civil legal issues. It also connects individuals with legal resources and services to help them determine their next steps.
Please note: Michigan Legal Help provides legal information and self-help resources, but does not provide legal advice or replace the services of an attorney.
Legal Services of Northern Michigan: www.lsnm.org
Legal Services of Northern Michigan is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals, families, and seniors throughout Northern Michigan. Services include legal advice and representation in matters involving family law, divorce, custody, housing, landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence, consumer issues, elder law, and public benefits. Their goal is to improve access to justice and help individuals navigate legal challenges and protect their rights.
Services are subject to eligibility requirements, funding availability, and case priorities.
211- North East Michigan: Contact: Dial 211 or visit www.mi211.org
211 Northern Michigan is a free, confidential resource that connects individuals and families with local health and human services throughout Northern Michigan. Through a simple phone call, text, or online search, residents can find assistance with food, housing, utility bills, transportation, mental health services, employment, family support, crisis resources, and other essential needs. 211 helps individuals navigate difficult situations by connecting them with the appropriate community organizations and support services.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost.
Parenting Time Tools:
Our Family Wizard: www.OurFamilyWizard.com
OurFamilyWizard is a co-parenting communication app designed to help separated or divorced parents manage parenting responsibilities and reduce conflict. The app provides a secure, organized platform for parent-to-parent messaging, shared parenting schedules, holiday and visitation calendars, expense tracking, reimbursement requests, and important child-related information. It also maintains documented communication records, helping parents improve accountability, reduce misunderstandings, and keep the focus on their children's best interests.
OurFamilyWizard can be a helpful tool for parents navigating co-parenting arrangements, parenting time disagreements, and communication challenges.
App Close: www.AppClose.com
AppClose is a free co-parenting app designed to help separated or divorced parents communicate, coordinate schedules, and manage shared parenting responsibilities. Features include secure messaging, shared calendars, parenting time schedules, expense tracking, document storage, and video or voice calls. AppClose helps reduce misunderstandings, improve communication, and keep parents organized while focusing on their children's needs.
AppClose can be a useful resource for families working through co-parenting challenges, parenting time arrangements, and day-to-day communication.
Custody Folio: www.CustodyFolio.com
Custody Folio is an app designed to help parents organize and maintain accurate records related to custody arrangements and parenting responsibilities. Users can document parenting time, exchanges, communication, expenses, important events, and supporting files in one secure location. The app also creates organized timelines and PDF reports that can be used for personal reference or when meeting with an attorney.
Custody Folio helps parents maintain clear, factual documentation and prepare for custody-related discussions. It does not provide legal advice or replace the services of an attorney.
Parenting Time Calendars: https://coparenting-calendar.com/
Co-Parenting Calendar is an online resource that provides free, printable parenting time and custody calendars to help separated or divorced parents organize their parenting schedules. Parents can use these calendars to plan regular parenting time, track custody arrangements, and coordinate holidays, school breaks, and special occasions. These tools help create clearer expectations, improve organization, and reduce scheduling misunderstandings between co-parents.
An easy-to-use resource for keeping parenting schedules organized and maintaining consistency for children.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE DISCLAIMER
Community Mediation Services (CMS) shares community resources and information for general informational purposes only. The inclusion or sharing of any organization, business, agency, or service does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of services by CMS. CMS does not receive payment, compensation, or other benefits in exchange for sharing these resources. Individuals are encouraged to contact providers directly to verify eligibility, availability, and services offered. Our goal is simply to help connect community members with information and resources that may be helpful to them.