Custody & Visitation Mediation
Custody and Visitation Mediation is a type of mediation service focused on custody and visitation issues.
We provide mediators who work to resolve differences between two or more participants, who, in this case, focus on custody and visitation issues. Agreements reached are mutually satisfactory, may be legally binding and court enforceable. The mediation process is informal, private, confidential, and voluntary.
The Child-Centered Mediation Model
The child-centered mediation model helps you focus on the child’s needs in developing a custody or visitation agreement. It gives you the chance to talk about the issues surrounding your child with his or her other parent.
Focusing on custody and visitation issues can be less stressful if you concentrate on your child. When parents take an active part in the decision-making process, they are more likely to achieve practical and fair solutions. Understanding the issues involved in a parenting plan is consequential to solving them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- -Legal, residential/physical custody.
- -Parenting time/visitation.
- -Grandparent visitation.
- -Birthdays, holidays, and vacations.
- -Religious upbringing.
- -Medical decisions.
- -Communication tips.
- -Future plans.
- -Education.
- -Role of a new spouse/significant other.
Custody has two major components:
- 1. Legal custody concerns who makes the decisions regarding the child. This person is the child's "legal custodian." With "joint custody," both parents make decisions together; with "sole legal custody," only one parents makes these decisions.
- 2. Physical custody concerns where the child lives.
Visitation is parenting time specifically set aside for the non-custodial parent, grandparent, or other family memeber to spend time with the child.
Mediation is a self-diven alternative to court proceedings. It puts decisions about your child's future and best interests in your hands, rather than having the court make the decisions for you. Mediation sessions are scheduled at your convenience, allowing you the time you need to make important decisions affecting your child.
Mediators are:
- -Experienced individuals specifically trained in the areas of family conflict, custody and visitation.
- -Neutral parties who will not take sides in your disagreement.
- -Able to help you:
- Identify relevant issues.
- Identify areas of agreement.
- Identify areas of disagreement.
- Explore possible solutions.
- Develop a workable future plan.
*Mediators are NOT: counselors, therapists or lawyers. They will not give legal advice or provide counseling services.
Mediation is not appropriate if there are allegations of child abuse/neglect or in situations where domestic violence exists.
If you arrive at an agreement, Common Ground will send a copy of your agreement to the court, the attorney for your child and your own attorney. If you mediate but do not reach an agreement, Common Ground will send a letter to the court, stating that a mediation was held, but no agreement was reached.
Get Started Now
You can get started with us now by requesting mediation through your or your child’s attorney, the judge, or contacting us directly through the booking request form or by telephone or email.
Tel: (518) 943-0523
info@commongroundinc.org
