Creating Healthy Coparenting Strategies Through Mediation
Even the friendliest of divorces can be a strain on couples, especially when they have children. Separating your lives and working out a parenting plan can bring up fears, insecurities and acrimonious attitudes.
Litigating divorce and custody issues leaves coparenting strategies and custody issues up to a judge. Mediation is one of the best ways to help divorcing spouses come to a mutually agreeable, legally enforceable solution.
Work together on a parenting plan
Mediators encourage parents to come up with a parenting plan that works for the children and spouses alike. Your mediator will ask you to consider:
- Your parenting priorities
- Your schedules and obligations
- Your children’s needs and desires
- Any special considerations, such as health issues
Your mediator will help you and your ex come to a workable solution, centering the children. This tends to be a healthier, less adversarial—and less expensive—process than letting your lawyers fight it out in court.
Demonstrate a healthy problem-solving approach
When you choose mediation, you’re also choosing to demonstrate a healthy, problem-solving approach to your divorce. Divorce is a huge change for children, even when both parents are respectful and constructive. Showing your kids that they can work through issues in a peaceful manner will make the inevitable transition a lot easier.
Because mediators are a neutral third party, they can help you and your spouse come up with a mutually agreeable parenting plan, based on what’s best for your kids. From custody schedules to child support, you’ll both have a voice in the ultimate resolution. It’s a great way to ensure that your children’s needs come first, during and after your divorce.
If you’re interested in creating a healthy coparenting plan through mediation, contact the experienced Long Island divorce meditators at Solutions Divorce Mediation.