Going through separation or divorce means numerous challenges and settlements. If kids are involved in between, then the relationship has one of the biggest challenges of a child’s custody. When it is difficult for the parents to decide on the arrangements of their child’s custody, mediation helps. It will help to prevent lengthy court battles, bitter custody conflicts, etc. Mediations help to create a plan on the custody that both the parents will have to agree.
What Is Mediation For The Custody Of A Child?
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is something that several courts encourage parents to employ. The mediation will help to save a lot of time for parents and judiciaries as well. Generally, trials of court involve a considerable amount of money, and all of this will be saved. During the mediation process, parents, along with their attorneys, see the third party as a mediator to talk over the concerns and issues related to the custody of their child.
No judge is present for the procedure, and the parents should stay prepared since the results can influence the outcome of the case of your child’s custody. Moreover, if you understand the procedure better, the outcome is supposed to be quite favorable.
Preparing For The Mediation Of Child’s Custody
Preparing for the process of mediation will be a lot beneficial for a parent. With the help of a few tips, you can choose to prepare for mediation.
1. Jot Down Your Concerns
You want to stay prepared for all the questions they shoot at you. Prepare a list and include every fear and issue that you want to raise during mediation. You may have a lot of worries and concerns, write to them all. Also, include steps of how you would like to resolve the issues. Seek professional child custody mediation services at O’Sullivan Mediation.
By organizing your opinions, you will better understand the concerns and issues that hinder you from obtaining the arrangement you desire. It will also help you to negotiate with another parent.
2. Gather Evidence
If you are worried that your children are spending more time with their other parent since they are impacted by past abuse or another reason. You should gather documents to produce them in front of the mediator to support your claims. To and fro because of the schedule may hurt their grades, and you don’t want that.
If you have enough evidence, then there are fewer chances for the session to worsen because of debacles accompanied by he-said, she-said arguments.
3. Prepare Sample Schedules And Agreements For Custody
Be rest assured about what you want. Know what you are demanding. Are you okay with joint custody or are claiming for more custody? If this is the case, then be prepared with sample schedules and parenting plans stating when you want your kids to be with you or their other parent. It would help if you considered vacations, schedules, and holidays for your children.
It would help if you kept in mind that you cannot always get what you want. The schedule that you have prepared is not stone. The program will act as a starting point for the mediation. Also, your child’s welfare should be your first and foremost concern.
4. Talk To Your Attorney
In some of the courts, your attorney will accompany you for the mediation. In the other courts, your attorney will not be allowed to go to the court with you for mediation. Also, it would help if you always discussed with your lawyer about your plans related to getting your child’s custody. Explain to them where your concerns lie and what are your plans to accomplish them. Even in cases where your attorney won’t be there for you in person, he will guide you and provide you with tips and tactics to combat any situation. He or she will also help you formulate a negotiation strategy so that you are never on the losing end.
5. Be Cool About It
Custody disputes are often too hard to deal with. Parents fighting for custody usually hate each other, and they perceive the courtroom as some battleground. Please defer from creating such an impression before the law body. Be relaxed about the whole situation.
Take a deep breath before entering the courtroom and remember that this will determine your child’s future. Stay calm and push your personal feeling back for a moment. Prepare an agreement that works in favor of both parties.
Please try not to lose your temper while trying to get the custody of your child in the courtroom. Be rational and involatile to the allegations implied by the other party. Also, keep your mind open and be willing to make compromises on your end as well.
Also, if you need help to prepare for the mediation or need any help with your child’s custody, you must consult experienced attorney personnel who have experience with these issues. If you need help preparing for mediation or with your child custody case, consult an experienced local family law attorney.
6. Do Whatever Is Right For Your Child And His Or Her Future
Do what is in your child’s best interests. If you have any concerns about domestic abuse or any other issues, discuss it with your attorney. Be transparent about everything. Let your attorney know as much as you do. Also, provide documents in support of every claim that you make. These documents will back your arguments and help you strengthen your position before the law body.
In case your child’s grades are falling, and you need to sit down for a while and understand what your child is finding it difficult to cope with. Propose a reasonable solution to the other parent and decide upon a mutual decision that will be the best for your child.
Final Words
Contact a family law attorney at the earliest and seek professional help to get your child custody mediation. Arrive upon a mutual decision that is in the best interest of your child.
