In some instances, parents disagree about proposed custody and visitation, but choose to use mediation rather than litigation to attempt to resolve those disagreements. This may occur when the couple chooses to use mediation to resolve all divorce issues, or it may occur within divorce litigation where both parents recognize the importance of working out an agreement that is best for their children. Psychologists can offer expert intervention regarding the impact of divorce, custody and visitation issues on children. A divorce mediator may ask a psychologist to meet with a couple to work out custody and visitation issues, or the court may require it during litigation. Psychologists are split regarding their role in this mediation process.
Some psychologists act only as negotiators and moderators.
Thus, the role of the psychologist in parental mediation is to help the couple develop a custody and visitation plan that will allow the children to maintain a positive, close emotional relationship with both parents, and which will help the parents work together in parenting despite their divorce. As such, the psychologist may need to educate the parents about the impact of divorce on children, and alert them to potential problems that may develop later as they attempt to co-parent following divorce. Psychologists wishing to publish articles about Forensic Psychology please consult the Writer's Guidelines Top of Page and Navigation Bar Psychology Information Online , developed by Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D. , provides information about the practice of psychology, features Continuing Education Programs and a Psychology Bookstore , and hosts the National Directory of Psychologists .