If you are about to go through a divorce, your number one concern is probably protecting your parenting relationship with your children. Everyone has heard horror stories about a divorce gone wrong, where one parent gets custody and punishes the other by refusing them even visitation. The good news is that most modern couples don’t have to worry about that specific outcome.
The courts in Connecticut specifically focus on the best interest of the children involved. In other words, they focus on what will be best for the kids, not the parents. Typically, the best interests of minor children includes maintaining a relationship with both parents.
However, if the court sets the terms of the custody agreement, you have very little control over the amount time you get to spend with your children. Mediation could be a pathway toward an empowered and positive custody outcome.
Mediation lets you and your spouse maintain control
Divorce mediation involves negotiating with your former spouse to set amicable terms for the dissolution of your marriage. You compromise with one another and then file an uncontested divorce. That way, the courts don’t have to decide what happens to your assets or your children. Instead, you have the final say in how you split parenting time and divide your marital assets.
Mediation is a particularly good idea for families who have specific wants or needs for their custody situation. You can create a parenting plan in mediation that is as detailed as you need it to be.
From insuring that you get to see your children on your birthday to setting terms for both parents to attend school events, your parenting plan as you negotiate it in mediation can provide the framework for a healthier, happier future for your family.
Working together makes co-parenting easier
You and your spouse likely failed to communicate effectively if divorce is in your future. The difficulties you have with one another can make parenting cooperatively difficult. Even the custody exchange could incite a bitter argument.
Because mediation involves compromise, it helps set the tone for a positive future relationship. It is still possible for you and your ex to work together in a way that is healthy for your children. You just need to stay focus on what is best for them.