During a divorce, deciding what happens with your kids can be one of the most challenging decisions. It is not always easy to figure out how to co-parent with an ex, but you may be able to find better resolutions through mediation than in court.
A mediator is a third party who works with you and your former spouse during the divorce. Mediation focuses on mutually beneficial resolutions for both parties.
You can customize your parenting plan
No one knows your children better than you and your former spouse. When a judge determines the parenting plan, it does not always align with your lifestyle. During mediation, you can devise a unique plan that will work with your and your former spouse’s schedule. You can discuss how you will make decisions for your children, who they will live with most of the time and who will spend more time with them.
The mediator will work with you as an unbiased party. He or she can make suggestions or help direct the conversation but has no interest in either party.
Your children can see you working together
While you should not bring your children to mediation, they will see that you worked together for their better interests. When you act as co-parents, your children will feel more harmony with their families. Likewise, it teaches your children to work with others, regardless of differences. Mediation teaches children the value of working together for a common goal.
Remember that there are issues you cannot work out through mediation. For example, you cannot determine child or spousal support through mediation. Matters of child support go before a judge.