What to Expect in Child Custody Mediation in California?

Approximately 13 million individuals in the United States are custodial parents. Child custody negotiations can be an incredibly overwhelming and emotionally draining process to undergo. This can lead to unwanted anger, delaying the child custody process, and muddying the waters.
A child custody mediation lawyer can help bring peace to escalating situations, helping you understand what to expect in child custody mediation in California.

What to Expect in Child Custody Mediation in California

Child custody mediation offers divorcing or unmarried parents a structured way to resolve legal and physical custody issues without the stress and cost of a courtroom battle, unlike the traditional court process. As a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), it can be highly effective. Before exploring the benefits, it’s important to understand what the mediation process typically involves in California.

Child custody mediation can help disagreeing parents in several ways, including but not limited to the following:

• Giving you a chance to cordially discuss your child’s needs
• Helping you create a parenting plan
• Reaching an agreement that the court will finalize

What Does Child Custody Mediation Not Include?

While it is easy to assume that child custody mediation will cover everything related to your child, there are a few things that are not to be covered during this specific discussion time, such as child support, spousal support, and/or any evidence you have that the other parent may be unfit.

While those are all important details and will need to be decided on, child custody mediation is designed to help you discuss custody only, not financial matters like spousal support or alimony. Your child custody mediation lawyer can help you strategize the other topics at a later time.

Why Do I Need a Child Custody Mediation Lawyer?

When you are in the middle of child custody discussions, it may feel at times like both you and your former spouse are always at odds and far too close to the situation. Even if you both want what’s in the best interests of your child, you may disagree vehemently on what that looks like. While you are immensely dedicated to your child, it can be easy for their welfare and your progress to be lost to the disarray caused by constant feuding.

A child custody mediation lawyer can help bring peace to the situation. You will no longer need to advocate for yourself by yourself. Instead, your lawyer will be able to remain factual and emotionally removed as they help you in the pursuit of your desired outcomes and your child’s well-being. Your lawyer can help you avoid burnout, cut back on confusion, and make actual progress in your discussion with your former spouse.

What If I Am Worried For My Child?

If you are in a domestic violence situation, contact either the National Domestic Violence Hotline or the California Victims Resource Center (CVRC). The CVRC offers plenty of resources to help get you and your child to safety, including a place to stay. If you are worried your former spouse may abduct your child before the proceedings are done, tell your lawyer right away. Parental abductions are the leading form of kidnapping in California, and it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the welfare of your child.

Child Custody Mediation FAQs

Q: Can I Handle My Child Custody Mediation Case By Myself in California?

A: While it is perfectly legal for you to represent yourself in a child custody mediation case, hiring a lawyer can make a difference, especially if you’re unclear on divorce lawyer costs in California. The main benefit of hiring a child custody mediation lawyer is that you will have someone on your side who is able to navigate difficult conversations without getting overwhelmed or emotional. Your lawyer can advocate on your behalf in the pursuit of your desired outcomes.

Q: What Should I Ask For in Child Custody Mediation?

A: As with basically everything else, your child’s well-being comes first, and mediation should always consider California’s best interests of the child standard. You will want to focus on creating a plan that puts their welfare above all else. Some of the elements that you should factor into your child custody mediation are physical and legal custody, parenting time, child support, visitation agreements, communication, and sustainability. When you have a strong plan in place, your child is less likely to fall through the cracks, benefiting both them and you as you move forward.

Q: What Should I Not Say in a Mediation Meeting in California?

A: It is wise to avoid arguing, false accusations, and any suggestion that could harm or otherwise negatively impact the child’s overall welfare. It is understandable that you may become frustrated or feel like no one is looking out for your interests, which is usually a strong sign that you may need to involve a child custody mediation lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to help you de-escalate the situation, bringing reason and peace to an otherwise stressful situation.

Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Mediation Lawyer Cost in California?

A: The final cost of a child custody mediation lawyer in the state of California tends to vary. There are, however, some specific factors that tend to play a role in the overall price, such as your case’s level of complexity, how long it takes to resolve your case, and what lawyer you choose to hire to represent you and your interests. At Steven J. Brown, Attorney at Law, we believe in helping you make every second and cent spent count.

Get More Information Today

Going through a divorce can be an incredibly overwhelming and difficult process to endure. If you also have to navigate the emotional and tense world of child custody mediation law, it can start to feel impossible. Fortunately, this is not a burden that you need to shoulder alone, especially if you’ve taken the time to understand how to prepare before filing for divorce.

At Steven J. Brown, Attorney at Law, there are lawyers who are prepared to take on your case and advocate on your behalf. Your lawyer will help you understand the process, establish your goals, and then handle the negotiations so that you do not end up getting lost in the emotional whirlwind that often accompanies child custody mediation cases. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.