Child Custody Mediation
Parents can hire a child custody mediator privately themselves to try to resolve their dispute and bring about agreement before running up the expensive child custody litigation costs that can accrue. It is always a good idea, no matter how bitter or entrenched positions between parents are, to try to reach agreement before ending up in court. This may not be possible or affordable but this is where court appointed child custody mediators enter the picture.
Court Appointed Child Custody Mediators
Court appointed child custody mediators work for the court system and judges will always try to bring about agreement between parents and to do so may appoint a court appointed child custody mediator to work with the parents to attempt to resolve their differences.
The court appointed mediator will try to draw up a parenting plan in conjunction with the parents which will set out who cares for the child on a day to day basis and the input of the other parent in the overall, global decision making affecting the child. Court appointed mediators will be experienced in dealing with parents in similar situations to the one you find yourself in and are also trained to deal with any issues of domestic violence etc.
Child custody mediators should also be able to help with the drafting of a safety plan where necessary and will advise on financial difficulties arising from the split in the relationship, housing, counseling etc.Many mediation services will be able to provide their service in many different languages and the court appointed mediation service is free and private. The mediator may report child abuse and may also discuss your case with the judge. Generally the mediator will go between both parents in attempting to resolve differences and if you are concerned about child or spousal or domestic abuse you can report this to your mediator. Your mediator will be able to explain many of the common terms which are used in the child custody process such as physical custody, legal custody, visitation rights, supervised visitation and so on. (A supervised visitation is where a parent can visit their child only where there is another adult present)
