Florida Child Custody Mediation Lawyer

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Nutley, NJ 07110

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Montclair, NJ 07042

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Child Custody Mediation Attorney in Florida

Child custody can often be a topic of contention and anxiety for a parent, especially when already facing the stress of a separation or divorce. Reaching an agreement on a parenting plan via the aid of a Florida child custody mediation lawyer can be a great alternative to litigation, leaving both parents and the child with results that suit their unique situation.In Florida, almost all family cases concerning a parenting plan are required to go through some form of mediation. This allows for the parenting plan to represent the interests of all involved, with emphasis on the child or children at the center of the negotiations. With the assistance of a professional Shore 2 Shore child custody mediation lawyer, both parents may be able to avoid time- and cost-consuming litigation in court.

Child Custody Mediation in Florida

Child custody mediation is a confidential process in which both parties can be open and honest about their situations and advocate for themselves. Mediation can sometimes be a conduit for creative or unique solutions that child custody litigation in court might not allow. 

In Florida, without mediation or proper evidence to support otherwise, the court can award a 50/50 split. If your situation does not work well with a 50/50 split, a Florida child custody mediation lawyer can get you started on your child custody mediation case today. 

In a child custody mediation case, it is the parents and their mediation representation who work toward a solution and who decide when an agreement has been reached. When both parties come to an agreed-upon settlement, the agreement is then signed and made official by a judge. 

When preparing to enter into mediation for child custody and parenting planning, you should be prepared. You may want to bring the following to negotiations:

• Proposed parenting plan or schedule, including any specific needs of the child, medical, academic, or otherwise.
• Financial documentation showing your ability to support and enact your desired outcome. 
• School, extracurricular activity, and other schedules of the child are made available to all parties to see the full scope. 
• An understanding of the wishes and the non-negotiables for yourself and the other party. 

Mediation is a tool used not only to avoid trial, but to get results and reach an agreement through civil and respectful means. Every family has needs and circumstances unique to them. Do not leave the custody of your child up to the decision of the Florida court system, and instead work with a Shore 2 Shore child custody mediation attorney. 

Mediation for child custody extends to parents of children who are not married as well, offering equal grounds for both parents of a child to have a legal, court-ordered parenting plan even without a preceding divorce. Of course, there are some situations where mediation is not required in a child custody case in Florida. These include:

• Situations where domestic violence or abuse is reported
• If one parent refuses to participate or conduct their negotiations in good faith
• Environments where civil or respectful negotiation is not possible 

In cases where child custody mediation is not possible, the case may proceed to litigation in court. From there, a judge can determine the outcome based on the interests of the child. 

Is Child Custody Mediation Beneficial?

The divorce rate in Florida is 3.0 for every 1,000 persons, which is on the higher side when compared to other states. There are several benefits to resolving your child custody case through mediation in Florida. Parents who are able to conduct themselves in a respectful manner through child custody mediation can have:

• Better control of the agreement through negotiation and communication, as opposed to leaving the decision to a court.
• More time to focus on their child or children, and they can avoid bringing them into a courtroom or before a judge to testify or give a statement, which can be stressful. 
• A smoother and quicker path to resolution in your child custody case.
• A better chance at a healthy co-parenting relationship by mutually coming to agreements and negotiating in good faith. 

Other special circumstances can be discussed more easily through a child custody mediation case, especially if it involves the special needs of the child or one of the parents, uncommon work or living situations, distance or relocation, and a number of other circumstances that are unique to each and every family. 

Child custody and family plan agreements reached through mediation are enforceable by law. Once an agreement has been signed by a judge, it is illegal to ignore the agreement or withhold the child(ren) without a court order. Breaching a child custody order in Florida could result in fines, mandatory make-up time with the parent from whom the child was withheld, and even jail time. Common breaches of child custody orders derive from:

• One parent denying the other visitation outlined by the parenting plan
• One parent relocating themselves and the child over 50 miles away without notice
• One parent making major decisions for the child without consulting the other parent, where the agreement outlines that they should
• One parent preventing the other from communicating with the child

Going to court does not inherently mean a case is contentious or that there are bad-faith negotiations. Court proceedings can add undue anxiety to parents and children alike in a time when one might already be facing incredible uncertainty. If a mediation lawyer can reduce the stress during this time, it is wise to consider hiring one.

Hire a Child Custody Mediation Lawyer

Divorce and separation are life-changing events that can sometimes feel scary or uncertain. When a child is involved, the stakes get higher, and the need for professional, knowledgeable mediation could be the difference between a smooth transition to settlement and a long, expensive court battle. 

Whether you are preparing for a child custody case or need legal advice, a Florida child custody mediation attorney is here to offer guidance. At Shore 2 Shore Mediation, the priority is the safety and well-being of your family. Contact Shore 2 Shore Mediation and hire a child custody mediation lawyer today.