Top Reasons to Consider Mediation During Your Custody Dispute

 Posted on June 08, 2020 in Visitation and Parenting Time

Divorcing and unmarried couples with children often struggle to reach an agreement about child custody and visitation, called “the allocation of parental responsibilities” and “parenting time,” in Illinois. Divorcing parents are asked to create a “parenting plan” that addresses how the parents intend to share child-related duties. The plan contains information about which parent the child will spend time with and when, how parents will make major decisions about the child’s upbringing, transportation arrangements, and more. When parents cannot agree on one or more elements of a parenting plan, one option that may help them reach a resolution is family law mediation.

Parents May Be More Likely to Comply with Parenting Plans They Helped Create

During child custody litigation, the court considers arguments from each party and then decides on a parenting plan that is in the child’s best interests. During family law mediation, parents are encouraged to negotiate the unresolved issues and find solutions that both parents can agree to. This means that if the parents are successful in creating a parenting plan during mediation, the plan will contain input from both parents. It is much more likely that a parent will comply with a parenting plan that he or she helped create than a plan that was decided by the court.

Mediation Can Help Encourage a Positive Co-Parenting Relationship

Courtroom litigation can create an atmosphere of “us versus them” that may increase the level of bitterness and resentment between parents. On the other hand, mediation is designed to be a cooperative, respectful process in which both parents have the opportunity to voice their opinions. Parents who learn how to work out parenting issues during mediation build a strong foundation for amicably resolving co-parenting disagreements in the future. In the end, the people who often end up benefiting the most from family law mediation are the children.

Mediation is a Confidential, Cost-Effective Process

Statements made during litigation are a matter of public record. However, anything said during mediation is confidential – save for certain statements involving abuse or illegal activity. Parents can speak freely without worrying that private information will be shared with the public or that their statements will be used against them in court. Furthermore, family law mediation tends to be much less expensive than litigation.

Contact a Kane County Mediation Lawyer

For many parents, mediation is a great way to resolve child custody disagreements cooperatively and without the need for litigation. If you are considering mediation for your child-related legal dispute, Shaw Sanders, P.C. can help you determine whether mediation is the best choice for your unique situation, choose a quality mediator, and understand your rights during mediation. Call our office at 630-584-5550 to schedule a free consultation with a St. Charles family law attorney to discuss your needs.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2489