How Does Child Custody Mediation Work in New Jersey?

Going through a divorce can have significant emotional impacts on you and your spouse. However, if you have children, this can be confusing and overwhelming, so doing everything you can to help make this easier for your little ones is essential. As such, you should consider child custody mediation, which can help avoid a tense and overwhelming court battle. If this reflects your circumstances, you will want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you must know about this option and how a New Jersey child custody lawyer can assist you.

What Is Child Custody Mediation?

Child custody mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that revolves around determining a schedule for where your child will spend their time, how you will handle legal custody, and other issues involved in child-rearing.

Instead of going through a lengthy and expensive court battle, mediation allows you and your spouse to meet with a neutral third party. This person, the mediator, will help facilitate a conversation between you and your spouse. It is necessary to understand that the mediator is not there to pick sides or offer legal advice. Instead, they will remain unbiased and suggest compromises for you and your spouse about the custody of your child.

If My Partner and I Can Mediate the Agreement, Why Do I Need an Attorney?

If you and your spouse decide that you can work with a mediator to determine your child custody arrangement, you may be unsure why hiring an attorney is necessary, let alone essential.

When you and your spouse participate in mediation, as previously mentioned, the mediator will not provide legal advice. Therefore, if a question or concern arises, you may have no one to turn to receive clarity regarding what is fair or your rights in a specific situation. However, by retaining legal representation, you have an attorney to help explore any questions or concerns you may have during mediation.

Not only can your lawyer offer advice, but they can review any documents before you sign them. This is critical as it ensures the terms you agree to in your custody agreement reflect what you have discussed during mediation sessions.

In the event you and your spouse cannot mediate your child custody arrangement, having an attorney who is already familiar with your circumstances can help make the transition to going to court easier.

At the Lawrence Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to discuss child custody. That’s why our dedicated and compassionate team is ready to assist you through these matters. Not only will we help you through the custody process, but we can help ensure your best interest is represented during mediation. Contact us today to discuss the details of your circumstances with a member of our team.