There are several important reasons why mediation is a superior method to litigation for resolving custody and visitation disputes. Mediation usually produces a settlement after five to ten hours of mediation over a week or two. Mediation enhances communication between the couple and makes it much more likely that they will be able to cooperate after the divorce or separation when it comes to raising their children. Experts who have studied the effects of divorce on children universally conclude that when divorcing or separating parents can cooperate, the children suffer far less. In these situations, the court will direct the parents to the mediator and will pay for the services.
Parents can also find and pay for the mediator themselves.
New Hampshire Ave. Things are so bitter between my ex and me that it's hard to see us sitting down together to work things out. Mediators are very skilled at getting parents who are bitter enemies to cooperate for the sake of their children. The more parents can agree on the details of separate parenting, the better it will be for them and their children. And mediators are skilled at getting the parents to recognize this fact and then move forward towards negotiating a sensible parenting agreement.