Setting Up Mediation for Child Custody in California
Spouses going through a divorce often use mediation for child custody disputes. Here’s how to set up child custody mediation in California.
To set up child custody mediation in California, spouses should first decide if they want to pursue mediation, then find the right mediator for their specific divorce. Spouses should set a time and place to have a mediation session, as well as plan child custody issues to discuss.
Talk to Your Spouse
Make sure that mediation is the right divorce method for you and your spouse. If both of you are willing to negotiate child custody terms fairly and civilly, then mediation should work for you. Tense and bitter divorces are often better settled in the courtroom rather than in mediation. For mediation to be successful, you and your spouse must agree to be respectful and reasonable when negotiating terms of child custody and visitation.
Find The Right Mediator
After you and your spouse have decided that mediation is the right way to determine child custody, you’ll need to find a mediator. It’s essential to make sure your mediator is the best fit for you and your spouse; ask about their qualifications, experience, and mediation style. Inquire what he or she can do to meet you and your specific needs. Also, make sure to ask if they can draft a final custody and visitation agreement. Typically, only mediators that are attorneys can draft a final custody agreement, so you may want to hire a divorce mediation attorney.
If you’re looking for an experienced and affordable child custody mediator, contact Her Lawyer. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified mediator for your specific needs and preferences.
Plan Issues to Discuss
Once you’ve chosen the right mediator, plan the specific issues that you, your spouse, the mediator, and possibly attorneys will discuss in mediation. Create an outline of ideas, issues, or concerns you want to discuss in mediation. These issues can include specific custody and visitation schedules, planning around your child’s needs, and how both spouses will communicate with each other once the custody order is in place.
You and your spouse are paying for mediation, so you both should make the most of it. You can save lots of time and money by planning ahead.
Set a Time and Place
Of course, you’ll need an actual time and place to discuss and negotiate these custody and visitation matters. Mediators typically have locations where they hold sessions, so ask about their availability. Ask your mediator how long they believe your mediation process will take, based on the information that you’ve given them. This can give you an accurate depiction of how long your divorce will cost and take.
If you prefer, ask if your mediator and attorneys can meet over the phone or video chat. Work with your spouse, mediator, and attorney to determine which time and place works best to set up child custody mediation.
Prepare and Know What to Expect
Both you and your spouse should prepare and know what to expect in child custody mediation. Expect to first identify issues, compromise and negotiate resolutions, then draft a final custody and visitation agreement. You can prepare for child custody mediation by focusing on the child’s best interests, tracking your current custody schedule, and bring all relevant documents to the mediation session. To make mediation for child custody successful, remember to focus on the child’s best interests, and stay professional.
Get a Lawyer
To best protect you and your child’s rights in child custody mediation, hire an attorney. An experienced lawyer can advise and assist you inside or outside of the mediation session; it’s completely up to you. Your child custody attorney can inform you of California’s complex custody and visitation laws, allowing you to better understand your rights in mediation. Or, your attorney can represent you hands-on in the mediation session. Contact us to get in touch with an experienced child custody lawyer. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal situation, needs, and preferences.
How long does mediation take for child custody?
Child custody mediation can take anywhere from one three-hour session to multiple two-hour sessions with attorneys involved. The length of child custody mediation depends on the complexity of the issues involved.
For answers to more FAQs about child custody, click here.
Contact Us
If you want to set up child custody mediation in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified mediator or attorney for your unique legal matter. Legal help is here for you 24/7. Your first consultation is free.