Mediation is when two parties work with a neutral third party, called a mediator. Their main purpose is to reach an agreement on a disputed issue. For divorce mediation, this is used to resolve issues regarding child custody, visitation, child support and property division.
Mediation is a voluntary mutual participation from both parties. The mediator is not a judge and is not to make decision for the parties. The main role of a mediator is to facilitate communication between the parties to help them decide on a mutually agreeable solution.
Benefits of Mediation:
It can be more cost-effective
It can be more efficient to resolve disputes than going to court
It can give the parties more control over the outcome of the dispute
It can help preserve the relationship between parties, which can be important for the sake of the children.
What you need to keep in mind if you are considering mediation:
Be prepared to compromise
Be willing to listen to the other party’s point of view
Be open to different solutions
Choose a mediator who has experience in divorce and custody mediation
Here are some additional tips for divorce and custody mediation:
Be clear about your goals and interests. What are you hoping to achieve through mediation?
Be prepared to listen to the other party’s perspective. What are their goals and interests?
Be willing to compromise. Mediation is not about winning or losing. It’s about finding a solution that works for both parties.
Be respectful of the mediator. The mediator is there to help you, not to judge you.
Be patient. Mediation can be a challenging process, but it can also be very rewarding.
Contact an Experienced Family Lawyer
If you are considering divorce and custody mediation, I encourage you to reach out to a mediator who can help you learn more about the process and to decide if mediation is right for you.
At the Christie Law Firm, our experienced Family Attorney is dedicated to help parties learn more about the process. Please call (860) 461-7494 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.