Is Mediation An Option In Your Virginia Child Custody Case?
The Virginia Family Court deals with often sensitive legal matters that impact people’s rights and responsibilities in relationships. One of the most potentially contentious issues addressed by the Virginia Court concerns child custody.
The primary concern is ensuring the child’s best interests are protected, but disputes between parents make reaching mutual agreements difficult. Our Virginia child custody explains how court-ordered mediation can help in these cases.
How Mediation Helps Parents Negotiate Child Custody In Virginia
Mediation is a common type of dispute resolution process that allows people to reach mutual agreements regarding legal matters rather than fighting it out in court. It often saves time, prevents revealing potentially sensitive information in public Virginia court hearings, allows more personalized arrangements, and can reduce the amount of money spent on court costs and legal fees.
The Virginia Family Court states that mediation in child custody cases serves two important goals: it helps parents have productive conversations about the future needs of their children while hammering out practical details that form the basis for a child custody order. What happens during mediation, and how does it help negotiate Virginia child custody arrangements?
- The court may order mediation if the parents cannot agree to custody terms;
- A mediator is an impartial third party approved by the judge who has experience working with parents in these cases;
- They meet with each parent to get their individual point of view;
- They encourage the parents to reach decisions that will benefit them and their children;
- Any agreements reached through mediation can form the basis for an official child custody order.
Matters Addressed In Virginia Child Custody Mediation
When dealing with child custody matters through the Virginia Family Court, there are a variety of factors judges consider in protecting the child’s best interests. This includes each parent’s prior and current role in the child’s life, their proven ability to provide the love and nurturing they need, and their willingness to cooperate in implementing Virginia child custody and visitation arrangements.
Provided neither parent engages in any questionable behavior, mediation may be an option. Matters addressed through the mediator, which may eventually become part of a final order, include:
- The details surrounding joint custody arrangements;
- Whether one parent should have custody while the other gets visitation;
- Rights on weekends, holidays, school breaks, and other special occasions;
- Transportation arrangements;
- How to resolve unexpected problems or changes in schedule;
- The right to legal custody, entitling parents to make decisions regarding their child’s education, religious upbringing, health care, and other important matters.
Contact Our Virginia Child Custody Attorney To Discuss Your Options Today
Child custody in Virginia is one of the most contentious issues addressed by the court. Mediation can help parents reach mutual agreements that benefit both them and their child rather than fighting it out in court. To discuss whether this is an option in your case, request a consultation with Schwartz Kalina, PLLC. Call our Virginia family law attorney or contact us online today.
Sources:
vacourts.gov/static/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/drs/mediation/resources/mediating_child_support_things_to_know.pdf
loudoun.gov/114/Juvenile-Domestic-Relations
