Can mediation solve child custody disputes?

For many Nevada parents, ironing out the details of the care and custody of their shared children is the top priority within their divorce. Child custody matters are among the most contentious forms of family law, and lead many parents into lengthy and bitter court battles. It is important for parents to realize, however, that there is an alternative path to dispute resolution in the realm of divorce and child custody. For many, mediation offers a far superior method of working through differences and reaching an arrangement that all parties can accept.

A mediator will sit down with the divorcing couple and identify the areas within the divorce that require the most attention. The mediator then help the couple focus on their shared goals of ending the marriage and finding a workable parenting solution. Once the parties are committed to working together to reach a shared goal, the mediator can begin presenting a range of options, some of which the parties may not have considered on their own.

The focus of mediation is collaboration. This is an important factor for spouses who share children, as they will be called upon to work together as co-parents for many years to come. Beginning that new relationship in a collaborative manner can go a long way toward paving the path to future success when a parenting dispute arises.

The services of a mediator do not necessarily end once the Nevada divorce agreement has been signed. The same mediator who assists a couple through their divorce can also help in the event that a parenting or child custody dispute arises in the future. This can help parents to realign their goals toward the best interests of their children, and can help reach beneficial outcomes if and when disputes come up.

Source: Huffington Post, Using Mediation to Keep Your Cool During Divorce and Beyond, Silvana D. Raso, Aug. 27, 2013