Mediation gives parents an opportunity to resolve their ongoing divorce and custody disagreements peacefully. When they need to establish a custody arrangement, they can sit down together at the mediation table to work out an agreement for dividing parental rights and responsibilities.
There are certain key benefits associated with custody mediation that parents may consider when they decide how to resolve custody disputes. The process can also benefit the children in the family. Let’s look at three key benefits.
1. Reduced parental conflict
Disputes between parents as they negotiate custody, property division or other matters can cause intense psychological stress for their children. Mediation promotes a more amicable approach to custody matters, which can shield children from unnecessary conflict.
2. Eliminating preference inquiries
If parents litigate custody matters, older children and teenagers may sometimes need to express their preferences to a judge or other family law professional to help ensure the final ruling considers their wishes. If parents settle their custody disputes in mediation, their children are not in a position where they must state their preferences publicly. That can eliminate a major source of stress.
3. Protection from adult details
Parents litigating custody issues often need to consider many specific family issues, such as substance abuse or personal instability. Mediation is confidential, which allows parents to discuss important matters in a setting where their children don’t overhear any testimony and cannot later access records from the court hearings to learn unsavory details about the family.
Using mediation to resolve custody disputes can be a smart solution for parents. Everyone in the family benefits when parents settle their custody disagreements peacefully.