Mediation can help people in a family law case reach an agreement about some or all of their issues. Mediation can help reduce the likelihood that a trial will be necessary or reduce the number of things to deal with in a trial The courts encourage mediation of disagreements in family law cases, especially when there are disagreements about who should have custody of the child and how parenting time should be divided between the parents.
Mediation helps keep decisions about what is best for children in the hands of the parents, instead of lawyers or judges who do not know the family. This gives the parents more control over the outcome, and allows parents to develop a plan for how to share parenting going forward. If your family law case involves questions of child custody or parenting time, the court will likely refer you to mediation. Court-connected mediation is
free and
confidential.
Mediation also can be helpful with divorces or other family separation issues when there are no children. In cases where there are no children, mediation services may not be available through the court. Private mediators can offer services in these situations.
To find out more specific information about mediation services available in your county, look at the
local court website.