The process of determining a custody agreement for your child or children can be daunting, overwhelming, and highly contentious. The emotional toll is often significant for parents and children alike. One way to improve the ease and speed of a child custody determination is to avoid family law court and reach a solution in child custody mediation.
Thoughtful meditation can help you and your co-parent reach a resolution for sharing parenting responsibilities and avoiding a custody battle in court. With an experienced family law attorney and a clear understanding of the dos and don’ts of child custody mediation, you can successfully navigate the child custody mediation process.
Contact our skilled and reliable child custody attorney at the Law Office of Patrick Crawford for comprehensive legal assistance with your child custody case. Attorney Patrick Crawford is experienced in all types of family law matters and is dedicated to helping families protect their rights and the rights of their children.
In child custody mediation, both parents and their child or children will meet with a mediator in an attempt to determine a plan for child custody and visitation. With the support of family law attorneys, you will present your goals and communicate through the third-party mediator.
Mediators are trained to help parties navigate through issues and reach amicable resolutions that are in the best interests of the child. The mediator is a seasoned attorney in the corresponding field of law and agreed upon ahead of time by both parties’ legal counsel. Although the mediator does not make decisions, they may offer suggestions and help guide the parties to communicate effectively.
In Maryland, mediation is a common method of alternative dispute resolution that is often encouraged by the family law court system. Not only does it save all parties time and money, but it allows the decisions to be in the hands of the parents versus the family law court.
While it can be highly effective, electing child custody mediation is a personal decision and may not be right for all child custody cases. Generally, family law mediation is most effective when both parties are open to working together to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of their child or children.
However, if you and your co-parent have a highly contentious, hostile, or abusive relationship, mediation may be unproductive. Ultimately, the decision to pursue mediation or to take your case to court should be based on careful consideration of your unique circumstances, including the needs of the children, the relationship between you and your co-parent, and the specific disputes that need resolving.
Discussing your case with an experienced family law attorney in Maryland can help you understand the best path for your family to take in resolving child custody disputes and other family law matters.
When it comes to hiring an attorney for your Maryland child custody case, it is vital to make a thoughtful decision. The family law attorney you choose can make an impact on the result of the case.
Before your child custody mediation, you should communicate with your family law lawyer to ensure you and your counsel are fully prepared. Having a strategy ready can significantly increase your chances of a successful mediation.
Mediation can occur in person or via a video call, and all parties must be present throughout the entirety of the mediation, which can take several hours. It is important to understand what to expect on the day off and cooperate with the mediator and your legal counsel.
It is essential to behave appropriately during the child custody mediation. Cooperating and staying level-headed can go a long way in helping ensure a positive outcome for you and your child or children. Not only will this help you navigate mediation more effectively, but it will also help the child or children to cope better with this potentially stressful process.
When it comes to child custody disputes, it is vital to understand your goals before entering mediation. You and your child custody attorney should discuss your ideal custody and visitation agreement as well as the compromises you are willing and not willing to make.
The more thought you put into the details of your agreement, the better prepared you and your counsel will be. With your goals outlined, your counsel can advise you more productively while minimizing unnecessary stress and conflict.
Our experienced and dedicated Annapolis child custody attorney is here to help. With a deep understanding of the Maryland family law system and commitment to helping our clients, we can work with you to navigate this process smoothly.
From our advanced negotiation skills to compassionate advocacy for your goals, our child custody attorney, Patrick Crawford, provides comprehensive legal counsel to our clients.
At the Law Office of Patrick Crawford, we are here to listen, to advise, and to help you make the best decisions for you and your family’s future. If you have questions on your specific child custody case in Maryland, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for answers. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with our knowledgeable Annapolis child custody attorney.
Patrick Crawford is an Annapolis Family Lawyer dedicated to helping you through the most complex and emotional family law matters. During his career, Patrick has successfully represented countless people in divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and other family law cases of diverse complexity.
Years of experience: 20+ years.
Maryland Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page has been approved by attorney Patrick Crawford, a legal professional with over 20 years of experience in family law.