Why Family Mediation Is Often An Effective Way To Resolve Child Custody Disputes
For parents, going through a disagreement over child custody or child visitation can be deeply stressful. You want to do what is right for yourself and your child—but working out an agreement is not always so easy. Family mediation may provide the best solution. In this blog post, our Clearwater divorce mediation attorney explains how mediation can help you resolve child custody cases in Florida.
Mediation is a Form of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can be especially useful in family law cases. During mediation, you and your former partner will have an opportunity to go before an independent mediator who can help facilitate a workable resolution. As described by the Florida Courts, a mediator is there to “assist you in easing the way for communication.” The ultimate goal of mediation is to provide the parties with a venue that they can use to work towards an agreement that works for everyone.
Three Reasons Why Family Meditation Often Works in Child Custody Cases
Mediation is not restricted only to family law cases. It is used to resolve other legal matters as well, including commercial disputes. That being said, mediation can be especially effective for divorced or separated parents trying to work a child custody or child visitation agreement. Here are three reasons why family mediation often works well in child custody cases:
- Mediation Emphasizes Collaborative Problem-Solving: Divorced/separated parents need a strong working relationship. Even if there is sharp disagreement, a combative approach often does not work well in these cases. Family mediation puts a strong emphasis on collaborative solutions.
- Mediation is a Flexible Process—it Can Be Customized: Every child custody dispute in Florida is different. The approach that works well for one family may simply not make any sense for another. One of the key advantages of mediation is that it can be fully customized. All parties—the parents, their attorneys, and the mediator—may spend virtually the entire session in the same room. Alternatively, they may separate for long periods of time.
- Mediation is Fully Non-Binding: Another key advantage of family mediation for a child custody case is that if no agreement is reached, then a parent may proceed to utilize the other options that they have available. You are not required to reach a custody and visitation settlement at mediation. If the child’s other parent refuses to cooperate or act in a reasonable manner, you are fully within your rights to request the mediation process be terminated.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Florida Family Mediation Attorney Today
At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., our Florida family lawyer has deep experience handling family mediations. If you have any questions about family mediation and child custody, we are here to help you find the best solution. Give us a call now or connect with us online for a completely confidential case evaluation. From our Largo law office, we provide family mediation representation in Clearwater and throughout the wide region.
