Disagreeing about child custody arrangements is a common issue for parents when they divorce. If they cannot reach an agreement, they may feel as though litigation is inevitable.
However, it is possible to mediate custody disputes before a divorce or custody case goes to trial. There are many benefits for parents who can work cooperatively with one another to settle their disputes in custody mediation, including the three below.
1. Family privacy
Details about substance abuse, infidelity and other misconduct could become part of the public record if spouses testify about one another in family court. It is possible for parents who discuss those matters in a private mediation session to reach reasonable terms without publicly exposing private details about the family.
2. Reduced conflict
For the children of the family, witnessing conflict between parents and feeling stuck in the middle can be the most damaging aspect of the divorce process. Parents who work together in mediation can protect their children from the trauma of a litigated divorce.
3. Control over the terms
Family law judges hearing contested custody cases seek to act in the best interests of the children. What they consider best for the children can be hard to predict. Working together to settle matters in mediation means that the custody arrangement better aligns with family schedules and the needs of the children in the family.
Divorcing parents hoping to peacefully settle custody matters may benefit from custody mediation. Working with one another is almost always a better option than a contentious court battle when divorcing parents must share responsibility for their children after their marriage ends.