Divorce Custody Mediation/Parenting Plans
Divorce mediation for custody is an empowering and cooperative process that prioritizes the well-being of children while giving parents control over the outcomes of their divorce. Here's a summary of its key features:
Purpose and Approach
Purpose and Approach
- Empowering the Couple: Mediation allows divorcing parents to make decisions that reflect their family's unique needs, rather than relying on court-imposed rulings.
- Child-Centered Focus: The process prioritizes the best interests of the children, ensuring that agreements foster a stable and cooperative parenting dynamic.
- Cost-Effective and Amicable: Mediation is often less expensive and less adversarial than traditional litigation, reducing emotional and financial strain.
- Customized Scheduling: Sessions are scheduled at intervals that work for the couple, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
- Confidential Discussions: Mediation provides a safe and private environment where sensitive topics can be addressed openly.
- Neutral Facilitator: The mediator remains impartial, guiding discussions without favoring either parent or giving legal advice.
- Encouraging Communication: Mediators foster effective communication and collaboration, often improving co-parenting dynamics even after divorce.
- Developing Durable Agreements: Mediators help the couple craft solutions and parenting plans that are practical, clear, and likely to hold up over time.
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Couples often learn or improve their ability to communicate constructively, benefiting their post-divorce relationship.
- Voluntary Participation: The process continues only as long as both parties and the mediator agree to participate, ensuring mutual commitment.
- Faster Resolutions: With shared information and a focus on collaboration, agreements are often reached more efficiently than in litigation.
