Preparing for the Day of Child Custody Mediation | California Divorce Guide
In addition to preparing your 10-minute presentation and practicing it, you should consider taking these steps to prepare for child custody mediation.
- Make sure you get plenty of rest in the days leading up to the mediation. Think about what your children want from both parents and what you both need to provide for a stable home life.
- Admit that your children need both parents to get along. Decide to speak positively about the other parent in their presence and during other times too.
- Write down what you want the parenting plan to look like. Include the issues important to your children, such as schooling and activities. Bring your ideas with you to your mediation hearing.
- Let go of your feelings about the other parent. Practice your presentation and other phraseology so that you don’t inject any negative emotions.
- Agree to share decision-making with the other parent. Both mom and dad have rights to decide on babysitters, schooling, and family issues.
- Develop a willingness to speak with the other parent without an attorney. At some point, it will be less expensive and easier to communicate directly with one another.
- When practicing for the mediation, stop thinking about WHO is making mistakes and think about WHAT needs to be remedied.
- Organize your paperwork and make copies to bring to the mediation. The mediator may not have time to look at everything in detail, but it’s better to come prepared. Bring the following, if applicable: Diaries, calendars, school records, police reports, psychological evaluations, and medical records.