Children are frequently a complicating factor when parents divorce. Not only do they have to divide their financial resources, but they also have to make arrangements to share their parental rights and responsibilities.
Parents may find themselves disagreeing about the best way to share parenting time and legal authority. If they cannot reach an agreement, they may decide to litigate their custody disputes. However, litigation can be very costly and also unpredictable.
An increasing number of couples preparing for divorce are deciding to attend mediation together. Parents of minor children are among those who may find that divorce mediation is the best option available to them. How can mediation help parents when they decide to divorce?
Providing enhanced control
Judges settling custody disputes try to act in the best interests of the children. However, a judge never understands family circumstances as well as the parents do. Mediation provides an opportunity for parents to negotiate with one another so that they can settle their disagreements on parenting issues and retain control over the final custody order.
Limiting conflict
Parents preparing themselves for divorce litigation often take an adversarial approach. They view one another as enemies and do whatever is necessary to win.
In mediated divorces, the process is different. Spouses focus on compromise and working together. They can limit the level of conflict that they have with one another, which may ultimately prove beneficial for their children.
When children witness intense parental conflict, they are more likely to struggle with mental health challenges long after the divorce occurs. If parents can keep things amicable, it becomes easier for them to work cooperatively to raise their children, and their children also benefit from reduced exposure to parental disputes.
Allowing for detailed discussions
Parents may worry about airing their dirty laundry in open court. They don’t want their children to hear about substance abuse or infidelity issues that impacted their marriage.
Still, the details of the marital situation can have a direct influence on the best custody terms for the family. Mediation provides a confidential environment where parents can discuss matters at length until they agree on specific arrangements that work for their families.
Parents with young children may want to consider divorce mediation as an alternative to litigation when they do not agree on all the details of the divorce. Mediation can be beneficial for many spouses, especially those who want to shield their children from conflict.
