Is mediation the best approach to solving disagreements about child custody?
Mediation is
a
non-adversarial
process
where a
neutral
person (a
mediator)
meets with
disputing
persons to
help them
settle a
dispute. The
mediator
does not
have power
to impose a
solution on
the parties,
but assists
them in
creating an
agreement of
their own.
(In some
courts,
however, the
mediator may
be asked by
the court to
make a
recommendation
if the
parties
cannot reach
an
agreement.
If you're
concerned
about
whether the
mediation is
confidential
or whether
the mediator
will be
reporting to
the judge,
find out how
your court
does things
before you
get
started.)
There are several important reasons why mediation is a superior method to litigation for resolving custody and visitation disputes.
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Mediation usually does not involve lawyers or expert witnesses (or their astronomical fees). | |
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Mediation usually produces a settlement after five to ten hours of mediation over a week or two. (Child custody litigation can drag on for months or even years.) | |
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Mediation enhances communication between the parents and makes it much more likely that they will be able to cooperate after the divorce or separation when it comes to raising their children. Experts who have studied the effects of divorce on children universally conclude that when divorcing or separating parents can cooperate, the children suffer far less. |
Boca Raton, Fl. 33433