Remember Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce? The divorce took place in 2016, which spurred an intense and public custody battle over their 6 kids. Finally, 4 years later, the couple has been able to reach a child custody agreement. However, things could’ve happened faster if they had been able to work together instead of tearing each other apart. Today, almost 39% of marriages in America end in divorce. If you’re going through a divorce and you have kids, you should learn about the benefits of child custody mediation.
Read on to learn the ins and outs of hiring a child custody mediator.
1. Are Litigation and Mediation the Same?
Litigation happens when a divorcing couple takes things to court. During litigation, the judge will listen to both parent’s side of the situation. After hearing both sides, the judge will make an ultimate custody decision.
Instead of giving a judge all that power, mediation gives parents a chance to work through things together. Child custody mediation involves a neutral third party called a mediator who helps facilitate a custody agreement.
2. What Happens During Child Custody Mediation
How exactly does the mediator help parents reach a child custody decision?
First off, the mediator won’t be taking sides or giving legal advice. Instead, each parent will have the opportunity to participate in a constructive conversation about custody.
If you have a lawyer, they can be present during the mediation process. We find that hiring a lawyer is always in your best interest as well as the children’s best interest. An experienced lawyer will be able to offer family lawyer tips and resolutions that can make mediation easier.
3. How to Hire a Child Custody Attorney
If you don’t already have an attorney, it’s a good idea to ask friends and family members for referrals. Ask other parents for a referral if you know they have an ongoing custody case.
When all else fails, you can also do an online internet search for custody lawyers with good customer reviews in your area. When you find a lawyer you’re considering using, the next step is to find out what their case experience is.
The best lawyers will have experience handling mediation cases similar to yours.
4. What to Wear to Mediation
To make a good first impression on your mediator, make sure you wear the right clothes to the mediation. For men, you could wear dress pants that aren’t denim, as well as a dress shirt. You don’t have to wear a tie, but it couldn’t hurt to wear one either.
For ladies, dress pants or a business-appropriate dress skirt are both great options. Both blouses and dress shirts will be appropriate as well. Finally, both men and women should make sure their shoes are clean and presentable.
Have a Succesful Mediation
While child custody mediation can seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of worrying about everything that could go wrong, focus on following the tips we’ve outlined in this article.
Hiring a lawyer, dressing the part, and understanding the process will help you have the most successful outcome.
Are you ready to learn more helpful tips like the ones in this article? Go ahead and explore the rest of this site.
Also read: Factors Judges Consider in Florida Child Custody Cases
