Divorced parents who are getting ready for their first meeting with a mediator can benefit from knowing what to expect. Here are a few ways to prepare, including our child custody mediation checklist.
If you are a parent going through divorce, unless you choose voluntary mediation, the courts will most likely order you and your ex-spouse to go through mediation to determine your parental responsibilities.
You are probably wondering if there is anything you can do to prepare for child custody mediation. The good news is that, yes, you can do a lot to prepare for your first meeting with a mediator. Here is some advice to help get you ready.
Child Custody Mediation Checklist
Whether you and your ex-spouse have decided how you are going to share parenting responsibilities or not, you need to understand that mediation requires some serious decision making. Your mediator will guide you through the process, but it doesn’t hurt to come prepared.
Before attending mediation, review this checklist so that you can come prepared. Be sure to bring these things to your first meeting:
- Your desired parenting schedule
- Written special arrangements for time-sharing, such as holidays, birthdays, and vacations
- Notes for any issues you would like to be addressed during mediation
- An open mind
- An attorney to represent you, if necessary
If you come to mediation prepared, you are more likely to get a settlement that includes the terms that you want and that are best for your child. Here are a few things that you should do to prepare before your first meeting with a mediator.
Preparing for Your First Meeting
First, you should be prepared to comply promptly with any requests from your mediator before, during, or after your meeting. You should always have your child’s best interest in mind, so be ready to see things from a different perspective if the mediator asks you to. However, you should also be prepared to defend your position. During mediation, you should take notes in case you need to refer back to them later. It may be helpful to research how to negotiate effectively if you will not have an attorney present to represent you.
You should note that mediation is not the same as a trial, so try not to argue like you are trying to win a case. Definitely do not bring up any old arguments that you and your ex-spouse have had in the past. Just stay on topic, answer any questions as truthfully as possible, and focus on the outcomes that you want.
Learn More about Mediation
Now that you have had a chance to read through the child custody mediation checklist and understand the basics of getting ready for your first meeting, it’s time to take a more hands-on approach.
Talk to me today so that we can discuss your family law needs. Schedule a consultation with me at your earliest convenience.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is a Divorce attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer: The attorney makes this Blog available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.