3 Signs that Mediation Could Work In Your Child Custody Case
Divorce and separation are ugly incidences that emotionally affect the child. Among partners, disputes over the child’s custody cases are the most heated since they both wonder how they will bond with your child after the separation. As a result, agreeing may seem highly unlikely among partners who have fallen out. However, peaceful mediation can yield positive results leading to an amicable agreement that satisfies both parties and will not negatively affect the child. Mediators facilitate dialogue between partners and prevent potential volatile confrontations.
Reduce Divorce Costs
Litigation is significantly expensive and likely to increase the length of court cases. Fees increase as the court processes prolong. The litigation expenses include paying for the many hearing sessions, court reports, and other court-imposed administrative costs. Apart from using money in the courts, one or both parties may have to incur more money in separate accommodations. A mediator ensures the partners agree on neutral grounds without paying lawyers or incur other court-related expenses. The mediator is unbiased as he or she has no stakes on the outcome; hence they can give reason to a partner making obnoxious demands. The partners only have to pay the mediator to help hasten the process saving both time and money. Hiring a mediator reduces the costs by about 40%- 60%.
Mediation is Quicker and Flexible
If the custody case is tabled before the court, it becomes almost impossible to have flexible meetings, which can drag the case. Missing a court date is detrimental and can negatively impact the results of the custody case. Mediation will not lead to an agreement in the first meeting but compared to litigation; it is a faster and flexible process. Through mediation, parties can come to a deal after a few sessions, but a court process may take many months and, in worst cases, years. Mediation offers the parents a chance to set meeting dates that are convenient and comfortable. Similarly, the parties have a chance of communicating openly and even brainstorm resolutions, contrary to when the custody case is presided by a judge. Flexibility eases tension during meetings, helping the partners resolve issues of handling the child affairs and splitting assets.
Meditation Helps Parents Make Decisions That Positively Impact the Family
In court, litigation gives the judge the authority to make agreements, to which the parents have to agree. The problem is that the judge may not consider some aspects of the family’s lifestyle. This can lead to dissatisfaction among the parents. Mediation gives the partners a chance to find specific solutions to unique problems facing the couple without combative engagement. The mediator helps in encouraging cooperation and transparency throughout the process. Amicable cooperation positively impacts the children by reducing the chances of them witnessing their parents’ ugly arguments.
Communication during the mediation process makes it easy to interact in the future when handling issues regarding the kids. This helps in positive co-parenting that is beneficial to the child. Mediation is less stressful, meaning that one can be productive and efficient at work. Less stress means that partners will not engage in harmful activities, such as alcoholism. It also offers the couple a chance to solve issues privately and confidentially without airing the separation to the public’s judgmental eyes. This means mediation is more child-centered as they will not be subjected to the horror of testifying in the courts.
