Child Custody Mediation Tips

Mediation is a process (mandatory in some jurisdictions) that provides parents an opportunity to
discuss and resolve issues relating to the best interest of their children. It is generally a
confidential process conducted by trained Court Mediators who assist the parents by facilitating
cooperative communication focusing on the best interest of their children. Child Custody
Mediation may be available to you to work out your disagreements regarding child custody
and/or visitation. In many jurisdictions, the family courts will provide child custody mediation
through some type of family court services department or conciliation court.

If mediation is to be successful it is important that the parties enter into the process in
good faith, with an open mind, and a willingness to consider a fair resolution of the
dispute.

• Mediation allows the parties to resolve disputes in ways that meet their needs and
interests.
• The effectiveness of the mediation can be enhanced if the parties and their attorneys
consider their interests and the interests of the other side in anticipation of the mediation.
• Lawyers and clients will frequently be the best source of creative ideas to resolve a
dispute. Don't wait until the day of the mediation to rely solely on the mediator to tap
that creativity.
• Well before the mediation, begin focusing your attention on the topic of "interests." As
you prepare for the mediation, determine clearly your own interests and needs, and
equally important, consider how the opposition would define its interests and needs.
Indeed, it may be useful to specifically identify the other party’s perspective on the
dispute.  CLICK HERE for more information