Custody & Physical Placement Mediation

Custody and placement disputes can be stressful for both the parents and the children in a family. Traditional litigation involves leaving custody and placement decisions up to the court process, and it may not be a good choice for every family. Mediation can offer you a chance to be more involved in these decisions and allow for a more positive outcome.

The Difference Between Mediation and Litigation

• Litigation is the traditional way to determine custody after a divorce or separation. Often a costly and stressful experience, litigation involves a hearing, at which the judge will make decisions regarding the custody and placement of your child.
• Mediation allows families to talk through their wishes for custody and placement with the help of a neutral third party, called a mediator. This method can allow parents to consider their needs and reach a decision between themselves that will work best for them and their child. Parents will negotiate their issues in a less formal setting than the courtroom. Mediation can often happen in a single afternoon and can be a considerably less expensive option. In many cases, courts require parties to attend mediation on custody and placement before the parties engage in the traditional litigation route.

Mediation allows parents to work through their emotions and cooperate to reach an agreement, rather than to feel like they are pitted against each other in court. This can produce less strain on the parents’ relationships with each other, which may help the child feel comfortable maintaining relationships with both parents. Mediation often leads to a more peaceful resolution and can foster a sense of cooperation that sets the stage for collaborative parenting for the future.

Balisle Family Law Legal Counsel, S.C. has extensive legal experience helping families reach decisions easily and effectively through mediation. We are committed to the best interests of your family, including finding solutions in ways that are less stressful and more personalized to your specific needs.