Divorce can be a challenging time for parents, and it’s the children who often suffer the most. Child custody arrangements can be a daunting task, but mediation can help parents find a solution that works for everyone involved. However, many parents hesitate to go for mediation due to the time it might take. We aim to answer the question ‘How long does child mediation take?’ and provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
What is Child Mediation?
Child mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party (mediator) helps the parents work out an agreement for their child’s custody. The mediator doesn’t make decisions but helps the parents find common ground and create a plan that considers everyone’s needs. Mediation is a cheaper, faster, and more peaceful process compared to litigation in court.
How Long Does Child Mediation Usually Take?
The length of child mediation varies depending on several factors, but on average, it takes about three to six sessions, each lasting about 2-3 hours. The number of sessions and duration of each session depends upon the complexity of the case and the parents’ readiness to engage in the process. However, child mediation often takes less time than litigation in court, which can take several months or even years.
What Factors Affect the Duration of Child Mediation?
Several factors impact how long child mediation takes, including the complexity of the case, the number of issues to be addressed, and the parents’ willingness to cooperate. The complexity of the case depends on many factors, such as the age of the child, their needs, and the parents’ work schedule. The mediator will assess these factors and create a roadmap for the mediation process. If either of the parents is reluctant to engage in the process, it can lengthen the mediation duration.
What Can Parents Do to Make Child Mediation More Efficient?
To make child mediation more efficient, parents must cooperate and come prepared. They should share their concerns and be willing to listen to each other’s views. Parents must come with their documents, such as their child’s school records, medical history, and custody agreement. They must be open to discussing different solutions and ideas and be willing to compromise for their child’s best interests.
A Balanced Approach for Resolving Custody Disputes
Mediation can be a great tool to help parents come to an agreement on their child’s custody that works best for everyone. While the duration of mediation varies on several factors, it usually takes less time than a courtroom battle. To make the process more efficient, parents must cooperate, come prepared, and be willing to listen to each other’s views. As a leading mediation company, Rhino Mediation is committed to helping parents find a peaceful, amicable solution to their family disputes.
