Parents who are navigating the divorce process are
increasingly using mediation to help set up custody agreements and parenting
plans. The mediation process can be useful for parents who want the help of a
neutral third party to develop a long-term parenting plan for their kids that
is mutually acceptable to both parents.
Research has shown that use of a mediator during this
process can help ease the stress and transition that kids may experience during
divorce. Additionally, parents report being more satisfied with the mediation
process that the court or litigation process to establish custody and parental
agreements.
The success of the mediation process, however, relies on
both parents being open-minded and willing to negotiate for the sake of the
children. Before you attend a mediation, consider talking with your attorney
about all of the options, and even developing a list of your parenting goals so
that you have a reference point throughout the process.
Do focus on your child's needs.
Don't focus exclusively on your own needs.
Do think of custody as a separate issue relating only to
what is best for your child.
Don't discuss child support or property when trying to
resolve your parenting plan.
Do acknowledge your child's special needs according to her
age, temperament, and development.
Don't assume there is a standard plan that fits the needs of
all children.
Do acknowledge the other parent's strengths and bring up
only valid concerns about the other parent's ability to care for your child.
Don't bad-mouth the other parent.
Do acknowledge that your child needs time with both of you,
in a safe environment, developed by a parenting plan.
Don't punish the other parent by withholding your children.
Do go to mediation prepared with:
A proposal for custody and a time-sharing plan
A calendar which identifies school holidays, your work
schedule, your child's activities
A flexible and business-like attitude
Don't go to mediation unprepared.
No comments:
Post a Comment