When parents separate, tremendous changes occur within the family. Many issues such as child custody, child support, alimony, and division of property must be resolved. During this time of crisis, the court is asked to reorganize the family by means of a court order, which is reached through difficult negotiations or an often-bitter trial. Frequently, the parents and child feel like outsiders in the legal process while attorneys and a judge resolve their dispute. Further, the negotiating process and courtroom battle frequently intensifies the stress within the family, particularly for the child.
Mediation is an alternate method of resolving the dispute.
It involves a trained, neutral mediator who helps the parents focus on their child in order to develop an agreement that will provide the best care for the child. Mediation attempts to foster agreement, reduce the stress of the conflicts, and place the child's best interest at the heart of the process. Several materials are available for reading concerning the child custody mediation program. Many of them are available through this site and are listed above for you to review. Mediation is a process in which a professionally trained person assists parents in reaching an agreement to provide for the custody and care of their child or children.