Psychologists and mediators assist families going through divorce. Couples may choose to mediate the issues of divorce, including child custody and visitation, rather than litigate these issues in court. Psychologists with an expertise in parent-child relationships and the impact of divorce on children are extremely helpful to couples facing divorce, So, too, is a mediator when capable of handling the most "difficult" personalities.
Couples who are already involved in litigation may choose to participate in mediation, which is less stressful and more cost effective than litigation. Fighting in court worsens already bad relationships.
In my Maryland practice I work with psychologists who assist parents to understand the impact of divorce on children. The psychologists also evaluate the relationships between parents and children, which is significant to the outcome of child custody and visitation arrangements.
As a mediator, I am a neutral third party. I do not decide which parent should or should not have primary physical child custody. I assist couples to discuss the issues relevant to child custody and visitation, and examine and negotiate possible child custody and visitation arrangements. I also draft separation agreements.
Even if your relationship as a couple is ending, your relationship as parents is not. Mediation helps parents maintain communication and the relationship necessary to parent together. If you go to court one party will win and the other will lose. That might be your intention, however someone has to lose and there is no guarantee it will not be you.
Litigation increases acrimony between couples. Children become unintended victims of the process. Ideally, in mediation both parties are winners when they finish mediation having achieved some of their objectives and compromised on others. Mediation allows you to maintain control of the outcome of your dispute. You do not need to leave your fate in the hands of a stranger in a black robe. You and your co-parent can, without government intervention (a judge) make decisions regarding child custody and visitation which will serve the best interests of your children.
