Fresno Child Custody Mediation Lawyers
California law firm helps parents work out custody and visitation matters
When parents split up, arrangements must be made for the care of children. Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that allows parents to come to agreement on custody and visitation with assistance from a neutral mediator, instead of leaving the determination up to the courts. At Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation in Fresno, we represent California parents who are undertaking this process. In other cases, we provide child custody mediation services.
Understanding child custody mediation in California
Parents can voluntarily opt for private mediation to resolve disputes without court involvement. They meet with a neutral third party whose goal is to guide them toward agreement on child custody issues. In contested cases where a court date has been set, mediation is mandatory before parties go in front of a judge. If the parties reach agreement on a parenting plan, it is submitted to the court for review and approval, at which point it becomes an enforceable order. Mediators do not provide legal advice. However, parents can be represented by their own attorneys during the mediation session.
Issues addressed in child custody mediation
Types of issues addressed in custody mediation include the following:
- Legal custody, which means authority to make major decisions for children
- Physical custody, which governs who children live with
- Parenting time schedules that specify when children will be with each parent
- Holiday and vacation arrangements and who children spend them with
After divorce, mediation can be used to resolve custody and parenting time disagreements. Issues of child support and financial concerns can be mediated separately.
What happens before and during mediation
Navigating child custody mediation is easier when participants know what to expect and are prepared. Family lawyers prepare their clients by advising them of their options for custody and/or visitation and helping them decide on their priorities. Parents should gather documentation related to their children, such as their children’s school and extracurricular schedules.
Mediation sessions may take place in the mediator’s office or another neutral location. The mediator typically will meet individually with each party on an alternative basis, conveying information and possible solutions between the two sides. A joint session may also be held. Once agreement is reached, it will be drafted into a document for parents to sign and for the court to approve.
Benefits of child custody mediation
The advantages of child custody mediation over litigation include:
- Less conflict — Mediation is intended to be a cooperative process.
- Greater control — Parents make the decisions instead of the court.
- Cost and time savings — Mediation is less expensive and time-consuming than going to trial.
Mediation may not be appropriate if domestic violence has been an issue or if there is a power imbalance in the relationship.
Contact an experienced child custody mediation attorney for help
Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation located in Fresno, provides legal guidance and mediation services to Californians in child custody cases and in the full range of family law matters. We represent individuals during the mediation process and, in other cases, provide mediator services. Please call 559-432-9944 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.
