When it comes to divorce, even parents in Leesburg that don’t get along may want to try to resolve their differences in a manner that protects their child as much as possible. For these parents, child custody mediation might be one option to consider. There are several reasons why parents getting a divorce may want to try child custody mediation before heading to the courtroom.
First, unlike litigation that pits one side against the other, mediation is non-adversarial. When parents choose mediation, they are choosing to reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution. This means that each of them might be more willing to compromise, for the sake of reaching an agreement that is in the best interests of the child.
In addition, a mediator can be very useful when it comes to trying to reach a child custody agreement. The parents on their own may have found that the very reason they are seeking a divorce is because they can’t see eye-to-eye on anything. This can make it hard to reach an agreement on their own. However, a mediator is a professional third party. The mediator remains neutral, and does not take one parent’s side over the other. This can help facilitate discussions between parents who may have otherwise had difficulties communicating in a productive manner.
Finally, as it involves a certain amount of communication and cooperation, mediation can provide the groundwork for the couple’s ongoing relationship as parents to the child. After all, just because parents with children divorce doesn’t mean they will have nothing to do with each other from then on. Just the opposite — they must find a way to work together to raise their child, even though they are no longer in a relationship with one another. Mediation can be one way for parents in these types of situations to set the tone for positive interactions with one another.
In the end, some parents seeking a divorce may be well-served to consider child custody mediation. Of course, every person’s divorce is unique, and what works well for one person may not work well for another. Therefore, parents considering mediating their child custody issues may still want to seek legal advice first, to ensure that they are making an appropriate decision.
Source: FindLaw, “Child Custody Mediation FAQ,” Accessed Sept. 16, 2017