Fresno Parenting Plan Mediation Lawyers
California law firm helps parents achieve fair custody and visitation outcomes
Mediation is often a preferred method of developing a parenting plan, which lays out the terms of child custody and visitation. At Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation in Fresno, California, we help parents use mediation to arrive at fair and workable plans that are in the best interests of the children. Attorney Glen Gates provides legal guidance to clients during the mediation process and, in other cases, acts as a neutral parenting plan mediator.
Understanding parenting plan mediation
Parenting plan mediation allows divorcing parents, with the help of a neutral third party, to craft arrangements for where their children will live and how they will be cared for. Mediation is intended to be non-adversarial, with parents reaching agreements through compromise and avoiding court proceedings. Mediators do not make decisions for the parties. Rather, they guide them through negotiations. Once agreement is reached on a parenting plan, the court can review and approve it, making it part of the judgment of dissolution of marriage.
Developing a parenting plan through mediation
Parenting plans describe the responsibilities and rights of separated or divorced parents in raising their children. Here are the main areas they cover:
- Legal custody — Parents with legal custody have the authority to make major decisions for children, including those related to healthcare, education and extracurricular activities.
- Physical custody — Physical custody means the parent a child lives with most of the time.
- Parenting time schedule — The schedule states what days and times the child is with each parent and along with arrangements for holidays and school vacations.
- Communication — Plans can direct how and when parents should communicate with each other about their children, including in emergency situations.
- Transportation responsibilities — A plan can address who takes children to school, doctors’ appointments, sports activities and other places and events.
The level of detail in parenting plans can vary according to the parental relationship and circumstances. Mediation offers a more flexible method of addressing the needs and priorities of all parties.
Benefits of parenting plan mediation versus litigation
There are several advantages to mediating a parenting plan agreement, such as the following:
- Conflict is reduced, which can make future parental interactions more manageable.
- Mediation is a more flexible process than litigation.
- The parties control the outcome, although the plan is subject to court approval.
- Customized plans can be developed based on each parent’s preferences.
- Mediation provides confidentiality, as opposed to public court proceedings.
- The process is less time-consuming and expensive than trial.
For parenting plan mediation to be effective, both parties must enter into it voluntarily and be willing to compromise on issues. Mediation may not be appropriate in cases where domestic violence has been an issue.
Providing the help parents need to navigate parenting plan mediation
You want to do what is best for your children, and mediation offers a less stressful and more child-focused solution than battling over custody issues in court. Our law firm can answer your questions about mediation and protect your interests and those of your children throughout the process. In some cases, our attorney serves as a neutral mediator to help parties reach agreement on parenting plans.
Contact a Fresno parenting plan mediation attorney to learn more
Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation in Fresno, California, is well-versed in all aspects of family law mediation. We represent clients in mediation sessions and in other cases act as a mediator to help parents toward fair outcomes. To learn how we can help you, call 559-432-9944 or contact us online.
