What Happens In Mediation?
What Happens In Mediation?
Mediation can be a way to make decisions about your children without going to court. You and the other parent can make your own agreement for how you will take care of your children. The legal word for this agreement is “stipulation.” It is also called a “parenting plan” or a “parenting agreement.”
Who are the mediators?
A mediator:
- Has a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field;
- Also has at least 2 years of experience working in mental health;
- Knows how the family court system works; and
- May also have information about community services that might be helpful to you.
What do mediators do?
Although mediators are experienced in counseling, mediation is not counseling. A mediator meets with both parents and helps them try to agree on a plan that is best for their child.
The mediator ‘s job is to:
- Listen to both of you.
- Be neutral.
- Help you look at different options.
- Help you decide when the child will be with each parent.
- Help you decide how future decisions about your child will be made.
- Help you consider how best to protect your child’s safety and welfare.
- Support you.
- Make recommendations to the judge.
In some counties, if you and the other parent can’t agree on a parenting plan through mediation , the mediator is asked to give the court a written recommendation. It will contain the mediator’s opinion about what parenting arrangement will be in your child’s best interest.
Guidelines for mediation:
- Treat each other with respect. You will both get a chance to explain your ideas.
- Listen to each other and try to find real solutions.
- Put the children first. Think about what they need and can handle.
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