Child custody is mediated by a Circuit Court Appointed Referee. The Referee assists in voluntary settling of child custody or parenting time disputes. If either party disagrees with the findings, they are still entitled to their day to be heard in court in front of the Referee or Family Court Judge. This form of mediation also has advantages for the children who are involved in this divorce process. Children are spared much of the unnecessary anguish of the divorce.
Mediation keeps the children from being embroiled in and the victims of a destructive litigation.
Mediation helps provide a supportive, non-confrontational setting in which to resolve the conflicts that arise over financial, parenting and other issues. Mediation allows you to understand and gain control over the important decisions that will shape you and your children's future rather than giving that responsibility to the judge. Mediation provides a safe environment with rules of communication that preserve the self-esteem of the participants. Communication between the mediator and the parties is privileged. The mediator has an important role to maintain a fair environment where decisions can occur.