How a Child Custody Mediator Can Save You Money
When you work with a divorce mediator, you are only charged a flat fee. This is a stark contrast to the thousands of dollars you would have to pay in attorneys and court costs for the average divorce. During the child custody mediation process, the mediator will help both parents work through all the available options to reach a fair and fast settlement they can be happy with.
Advice for a Calmer & Fairer Child Custody Mediation Process
- Go into the meditation sessions fully prepared. The overall goal of mediation is to allow both spouses to present their cases calmly and with the purpose of coming to a peaceful resolution for all divorce issues, including child custody. For best results, show up to the meetings with your child custody plan in hand. This should include a proposal for child custody, along with a time-sharing plan. You might also want to bring along a calendar that identifies school holidays, your work schedule, and a list of your child’s activities. Just because you bring a plan to your mediation sessions doesn’t mean you will always get your way. Plan on being flexible while keeping a business-like attitude if you hope to have the best mediation experience.
- Keep calm when your spouse can’t seem to agree on child custody issues. The divorce process can be hard on everyone, which means tempers can flare. During mediation, it is up to both parties to remain level-headed so you can work out your differences together. Talk with your spouse and find out if they want a fair resolution, then schedule a mediation session to settle the divorce and any child custody issues fairly and easily.
- Collect necessary child records so you remain fully prepared for mediation. Your divorce mediator will need to dig into the details of your case in order to present various child custody scenarios. Help your mediator gather the necessary information by providing all applicable school and health records. These documents help the mediator guide you and your spouse to a settlement that doesn’t alter the kids’ current lifestyles, medical coverage, or schooling.
- Be open-minded about discussing time-sharing options with your spouse. When presented with one or more child custody scenarios, you and your spouse need to examine and consider those arrangements without getting angry or defensive. Feel free to voice your concerns and ask plenty of questions. That is what this time is for.
- Track everything with a child custody journal. Your mediator might request details of the time you and the other parent share with the children. A child custody journal can be used to track dates, details, and children’s comments on how you care for them. With this information in hand, the mediator will be more adequately prepared to guide both you and your spouse to an amicable child custody arrangement.
- When making divorce mediation decisions, always do what’s best for the kids. When discussing child custody, you must do what’s best for the children. Work with your spouse to find a child custody arrangement that suits both parties, but that also impacts the children’s lives as little as possible. Keep any animosity between you and your spouse from hindering the child custody mediation process. Every decision you make should be focused on creating a stable future for both you and your children.
GYL Child Custody Mediation Attorneys
The best way to prepare for divorce and child custody mediation is by aligning with an expert attorney. Our team at GYL consists of two certified family law specialists and a group of some of the most talented and brilliant lawyers in Carlsbad. We have committed our professional lives to helping families find legal solutions that work for their new situation and we would love to do the same for you.
Start your child custody mediation today by calling us at (858) 371-5569 or contacting us online.