What Is The Process Of Mediation

superiorcourt.maricopa.gov, Nov 16, 2004

Ending a relationship with the other parent of your children does not end your relationship with, nor your responsibility for, your children. However, it does change the way relationships and responsibilities are accomplished.

Mediation provides an opportunity for parents to make their own decisions about their children following separation or divorce. In Maricopa County, mediation of custody and visitation disputes is encouraged by the judges of the Family Court Department; in fact it is required in most domestic relations actions where disputes over children are involved.

Parties themselves may request mediation by petition or they may be ordered by the Court to attend. Although parents may be ordered to attend mediation, they will not be pressured to reach an agreement.

Either during or following separation or divorce, mediation is an alternative method of settling differences about legal custody or parenting time without a courtroom battle and without the need for a judge to make those decisions. The mediation process directly involves both parents in developing a parenting plan which addresses decision-making responsibilities and how children will spend time with each parent. The focus of mediation is on the future rather than the past.

While not every family will resolve all disputes regarding the future care of their children, most parents find mediation useful in defining their ongoing relationships with and responsibilities for their children.

Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice. Parents can make their own plans and decisions while continuing to receive legal advice from their attorneys.

Though this information was taken from Maricopa county; It is generally the same throughout the United States.