In California, courts require every child custody case to undergo mediation. This allows parents to be more involved in the decision-making process, which usually leads to satisfactory results.
However, the process is not perfect. Sometimes, the outcome of custody and visitation mediation relies on certain circumstances, factors and even attitude of the parties.
To maximize the benefits of mandatory child custody mediation for a satisfactory outcome, parents should consider the following:
Communicate effectively
Mediation is all about communication. You have to listen actively and express yourself clearly. Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally will help you stay calm and composed. Moreover, you should avoid using a condescending tone and accusatory language during the discussion. Otherwise, the mediation may lead to further conflicts instead of being productive.
Be open to compromise
Mediation is about finding a middle ground. While you should not always concede to what the other parent wants, you should be prepared to make adjustments and understand that the other parent will likely need to as well. You may not get your way fully, but you can reach terms that are at least agreeable to both of you.
Focus on the child’s best interests
The main priority of child custody mediation is your child’s best interests. It would be productive to keep conversations focused on what will best support their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Seek competent guidance
In cases like these, it is highly advisable to consult with a custody attorney before mediation to understand your rights and the legal implications of any agreement you might reach. Through experienced guidance, you can develop a strategy to present your case in mediation in a way that would result in a more satisfactory outcome.
The main goal of the mandatory custody mediation is to reach an agreement that respects the interests of all parties, especially the children involved. While these practices do not guarantee a successful mediation, they increase its likelihood.
