Custody Mediation

The term "custody" describes a parent's responsibility for making decisions (Legal Custody), and where children live (Physical Custody) for the purpose of the court.

In facilitative mediation, with the help of the mediator, parents design a parenting plan which lays out in detail the following items:

• their goals for parenting together from separate households,
• how communication between the parents about children's issues will work,
• how they will handle problems when they arise in the future, and
• a schedule for parenting time.

 Parenting Goals

Parenting plans often include goals about coordinating households. They often include goals about decision-making: which decisions will be made together and which decisions will be made separately. They also may include aspirations for their children.

 Communication

Most parents need clearly defined minimum expectations about communication around children's issues. When parents need to structure their communication, they might agree to "check in" at specific times each week for agreed-upon topics and a specific amount of time. They might design a folder that moves between households with school and health information to keep each parent informed.

 Handling Problems

Most parents recognize the value of agreement between them and would like agreement whenever possible. Parents might agree that if problems arise in the future, they will try to work the issues out themselves. But if they cannot work them out, they agree to seek assistance from a mediator or mental health professional before appealing to the court for relief.

 The Parenting Schedule

Particularly with young children, most parents need a detailed weekday and weekend schedule with pick-up and drop-off times. Agreements about schedules also will include holidays, special days and vacations. Flexibility with the schedule is ideal, but having a clearly defined basis from which to operate is important.

If you have questions, you can contact us by phone or send an e-mail to us at info@aamediationcenter.com

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