Mediation can be an easier way for you to resolve legal issues. When it comes to child custody issues, it allows for a more calm and cooperative way to work out an agreement.
If you choose to go through mediation for your case, the law has some guiding principles you should know.
Provided mediator
The mediator in your situation should be someone completely neutral. To help, the state requires each court to provide a mediator for such situations. The person may be a part of the court.
Court orders
The court can require you to mediate your case. This could happen before or during your hearings. The goal is to get you and the other parent into discussions and help facilitate an agreement that suits you both.
Costs of services
The court can help you with the costs of mediation if you have financial need. The law allows a court to reduce or waive the fees.
Children involvement
The law allows the mediator to speak with the children. It is up to the mediator who can determine if the children could be of help in the matter at hand.
Evidence in future hearings
Be aware that if you go through mediation, the court might be able to use what happens during the proceedings against you when making future custody decisions. You should fully participate, but know that should mediation reveal issues with abuse or harassment, the court will consider that in its work.
Mediation in child custody could help to make the process easier for everyone. It opens up communication and might allow for better decision-making.
