Lawyers help us understand legal implications of our decisions. Lawyers explain there are no real winners in court. Because of our disappointment we parents can get stuck on issues that have little or nothing to do with our children. The reality is we will be parents for many years to come and it is not realistic to go to court every time we have a disagreement about our children. Even when parents are generally in agreement, we can need help dealing with our anger and keeping it from getting in the way.
Counselors are helpful in communication and along with lawyers can be an agent of reality.
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.