Mediation is a practical alternative to traditional family court proceedings. It offers a path focusing on collaboration and mutual benefit rather than conflict and competition. Mediation allows families to create personalized parenting plans, save money, and maintain privacy during a challenging time in their lives.
Mediation Is a Path for Creating Customized Parenting Plans
Mediation offers a more flexible approach to creating parenting plans than the court system. Parents work with a neutral third party in mediation to design a schedule that fits their unique needs. This includes special considerations for holidays, important dates, and personal preferences that might be overlooked in a standard court ruling. For example, if one parent values a specific holiday more, they can negotiate for it, ensuring that both parents’ priorities are respected.
Mediation allows for creative solutions tailored to each family’s circumstances, unlike rigid court verdicts. Parents can bring detailed proposals, such as printing calendars and marking significant days, to ensure the agreed schedule reflects their priorities. Additionally, mediation sessions cover specific concerns like using car seats or other safety measures, providing both parents are on the same page about their child’s well-being. This collaborative process fosters cooperation and ensures that the final agreement is practical and workable for parents and children.
Mediation Is a Cost-Effective Solution to Litigation
Mediation is less expensive than going to trial. Preparing for a trial involves extensive legal fees, including multiple days of preparation and the trial itself. A typical custody trial can last several hours, but the preparation time can triple that duration. Irene King, the founder of King Collaborative Law, aptly said, “Verdicts feed egos. Settlements feed families.” In mediation, the process is streamlined. Both parties typically share the cost of one mediator, and the sessions take significantly less time than preparing for and attending a trial.
This cost-effective approach saves parents money, which can be better spent supporting their children rather than on prolonged legal battles. Moreover, because mediation can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to prepare for trial, parents spend less time away from work and daily responsibilities, further reducing indirect costs. With mediation, the focus remains on reaching a fair agreement quickly and efficiently, minimizing both financial and emotional strain.
You Can Maintain Your Privacy in Mediation
Mediation offers privacy. Court proceedings are public, meaning details about the family’s situation can become part of the public record. This lack of confidentiality adds stress and unwanted attention during a difficult time. Mediation sessions, on the other hand, are confidential. The discussions and agreements made in mediation are kept private, allowing parents to address sensitive issues without fearing public exposure.
This privacy can make the process less stressful and more conducive to honest, open communication, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the family. Unlike a judge, a mediator does not have the power to impose decisions, which can make parents feel more comfortable expressing their actual needs and concerns. The confidential nature of mediation helps protect the family’s reputation and personal information, preserving their dignity and peace of mind.
Ask Us More Questions About Mediation
If you are considering divorce and want to explore mediation to create a customized parenting plan, save costs, and maintain your privacy, schedule a consultation with Easterling Law. Let us help you find a solution that works for your family.