Lawyers also advise us about what to expect from a judge, what the potential outcome will be, and advocate for and represent our position in court. One teenager tells how she was not okay, but how she put up a front as a happy camper and peacemaker. Parents may want to try mediation and many courts require it when there is a dispute involving children. Mediators don't make reports to the court. Parents are not required to agree, but are required to make a good faith effort.
Children have the right to know and love both parents.
Mediators are trained to deal with intense anger and hurt. Mediation is hard work and is designed to come up with a way children can be with both parents. Mediation allows parents to make the decisions. It is not magic, not legal, not counseling. When parents feel they don't have any choices, mediators help us find options and choices and help us to focus on the children.