How to Prepare for Child Custody Mediation?

Getting prepared for child custody mediation will help you get the most out of your time with the mediator. There are a few things you should know before you even step foot in the office. 

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First, you should have a good idea of your own position in the matter. For instance, do you want the kids to live with you? Do you want to foster a strong relationship with the other parent? Ideally, you should get a good night’s sleep before the mediation and dress professionally. You don’t want to be caught off guard by the other parent or the mediator. 

Next, you should have a good grasp of the laws that pertain to your state. If you’re in Orange County, you’ve probably heard of the Orange County parenting guidelines. If you’re in another county, your local bar association or lawyer should be able to point you in the right direction. 

You should also prepare a short statement that makes the most of your time with the mediator. The most important part is to get to the point. You will probably be at the mediation for several hours, so you want to make sure you leave with something more than a vague sense of what to do next. 

Another good tip is to prepare a checklist of the most important things to bring to the mediation. This includes court documents, pictures of the kids, and any important papers or correspondence you may have. You should also dress professionally and not make the mistake of going in a t-shirt and shorts. 

It’s also a good idea to read up on the laws pertaining to child custody in your state. For instance, you should not be surprised if the mediator asks you to bring a paper copy of your child custody agreement or other pertinent paperwork. However, you should also know that mediation does not always result in a custody award. The mediator will likely prioritize your child custody issues by a number of factors, including urgency and complexity. 

You can’t get a free lunch, but you can still get the most out of your time. This means you should plan your day ahead of time, and eat well. You’ll also want to have a good night’s sleep before the mediation so you can perform your best. 

The Custody X Change app is also a good resource for this. It provides a checklist to help you prepare for child custody mediation. It can also help you explore options for your schedule. 

The best way to prepare for mediation child custody is to get some good advice from a professional. For example, you should have an attorney present you for the session. Your attorney will be able to provide you with advice on how to get the most out of your time and what to avoid. You should also take notes on what the mediator says. This will help you avoid common pitfalls and blunders.