Many divorcing couples and unmarried couples going through a separation have to work out custody arrangements. In some cases, they can easily cooperate with one another. In others, they may need outside support.
Particularly when parents have intense emotions during a divorce or separation, they may have a hard time agreeing on the best way to handle shared custody. Mediation sessions facilitated by a professional can help couples resolve their disagreements about the allocation of parenting time and other parental rights and responsibilities.
What are some of the benefits of addressing custody disagreements in mediation instead of in court?
Keeping negotiations calmer
Children often have a hard time adjusting to the changes in family circumstances when their parents separate or divorce. The more their parents fight with one another and badmouth each other, the harder it may be for the children to heal from the divorce. Mediation requires that parents work together and can help them develop a healthier dynamic after a difficult time in their relationship with each other.
Maintaining control over the outcome
When judges decide how to handle custody matters, parents effectively lose all control. A judge’s interpretation of what might be best for the children is what guides the terms set for shared custody. Most of the time, parents have a much better understanding of what their children actually need and can potentially establish custody terms that truly work for their families. Parents can control the exact terms set when they reach an amicable agreement through mutual compromise instead of relying on a judge to settle their disputes.
Resolving matters quickly
Family law litigation can take many months to finalize. Mediation can result in a workable parenting plan much more quickly. Parents who successfully reach an agreement with one another can begin implementing the terms of their parenting plan immediately after they divorce. By the time they see a judge to formalize their arrangements, the entire family may have already adjusted to the shared custody plan.
Discussing the possibility of custody mediation instead of fighting over parenting matters in family court can potentially be beneficial for everyone in the household. Parents can resolve their disagreements in a private environment without causing additional damage to their relationship.