Some attorneys prefer short shrift to mediation and they sometimes tell their clients not to agree to anything during mediation. Not agreeing on anything is not in your best interest and is definitely not a good strategy for multiple reasons:
- First, mediation is an opportunity for you to learn about the other side’s case. At the very minimum, you can get the opportunity to do a “dry run” of your case and see how a neutral third party responds to your position.
- Second, custody cases are expensive, and if you are successful in resolving your case at mediation, you will save on legal fees.
- Third, most parents are more satisfied with custody arrangements that they agree to themselves rather than having a complete stranger (a judge) who knows nothing about their lives and their children make these decisions.
- Last, if you are uncooperative in mediation, word may get back to the judge that you were unreasonable, especially in a recommending jurisdiction.
Take your time and do your best to get the most out of your court-ordered child custody mediation. You will see that compromising will be beneficial to both you and your children.