Preparing to Mediate a Child Custody Dispute in Florida? Five Tips to Help You Prepare
For parents of young kids who are separated, divorced, or will be in the near future, working out a custody agreement can be challenging. Mediation can be a great tool for parents to find a solution in a low-conflict atmosphere. To get the most out of mediation, you need to be well-prepared. At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., we are a family law firm devoted to helping parents find solutions that work. Within this article, our Clearwater family mediation attorney highlights five tips you can use to help you prepare to mediate a child custody dispute in Florida.
Tip #1: Approach the Process With a Collaborative Mindset
You do not want to start mediation looking for a fight. Entering mediation with a collaborative, open mindset is one of the keys to working towards a custody arrangement. Among other things, this means being willing to work together with the other parent towards finding some common ground. Remember, mediation is about finding the solution that is best for you and your children, not fighting a battle for the sake of fighting it.
Tip #2: Get Yourself Organized
Preparation is key to a successful mediation in any field—and family law is certainly no exception. Start by gathering all necessary documents and information related to your child’s care, including medical records, school reports, and a log of their daily routines and needs. Outline your goals—and make sure they are both realistic and that they promote your child’s best interests.
Tip #3: Seek Professional Support from a Florida Family Mediation Lawyer
You do not have to take on child custody mediation alone. A Florida family law attorney can provide you with personalized legal guidance, help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and prepare you for the mediation process. As every custody case involves its own unique set of facts and circumstances, a detail-driven approach is a must.
Tip #4: Be Ready to Focus on Logistics and Details
A workable and favorable parenting plan is the best result out of mediation. As defined by the Legal Information Institute, a parenting plan “establishes how divorced parents will share the responsibilities of childrearing and decision-making with regard to the child.” Be prepared to discuss and negotiate specifics, such as pick-up and drop-off times, holiday schedules, and how decisions about education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities will be made.
Tip #5: Know that a Custody Arrangement is an Ongoing Process
As your child grows and circumstances change, adjustments may be necessary. Approaching the initial mediation with the understanding that flexibility and revisiting the agreement will be part of your co-parenting journey can alleviate pressure and set the stage for a more adaptable and harmonious relationship.
Contact Our Clearwater Child Custody Mediation Attorney Today
At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., our Clearwater child custody mediation attorneys are standing by, ready to provide solutions-focused legal representation to parents. If you have any specific questions or concerns about child custody mediation, we are here to help. Contact us today to set up your confidential, no obligation initial consultation. Our firm provides family mediation services throughout Pinellas County, including in Largo and Clearwater.
