Mediating child custody cases has become a popular alternative to long, drawn out courtroom battles in recent years. One of the reasons more couples have turned to mediation in cases like this is because it’s been shown to be a less stressful option on the kids and parents alike.
Custody cases that are presided over by a mediator ensure that both sides will get to express their points of view as thoroughly as they wish to. While the same could be said about a courtroom, a judge is often restricted in terms of scheduling to give each parent the time they want to really delve into their concerns.
Parents can negotiate custody settlements during mediation with or without an attorney’s assistance.
A mediator is an impartial third party who may even pull one parent aside to discuss concerns if it seems there’s an issue keeping the two from reaching a resolution in the case. The same generally doesn’t happen in a courtroom.
Mediators often have experience working as mental health counselors, are attorneys or retired judges themselves and are generally task-focused. They can equip parents with improved abilities to communicate with one another, which can be helpful as they co-parent in the future as well. This can ensure that your children lead productive, nonconflict filled lives in the future.
Parents who choose mediation as the way to resolve their differences often avoid having to seek out modifications down the road as they both have a say in how issues get resolved without a judge deciding for them.
If you’re considering mediating your child custody case and you want to learn more about the benefits of doing so, then a Fort Myers, Florida, divorce mediation attorney can answer your questions.
Source: The Spruce, “10 reasons to try child custody mediation,” Jennifer Wolf, accessed Dec. 22, 2017
